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Title: NINDS Confocal point scanning system (Brand Name or Equal) NAICS CODE: 334516 – Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing Classification Code: 6640 – Laboratory Equipment and Supplies Size... Title: NINDS Confocal point scanning system (Brand Name or Equal) NAICS CODE: 334516 – Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing Classification Code: 6640 – Laboratory Equipment and Supplies Size Standard: 1,000 Employees Description. This is a Small Business Sources Sought notice. This is NOT a solicitation for proposals, proposal abstracts, or quotations. The purpose of this notice is to obtain information regarding: (1) the availability and capability of qualified small business sources; (2) whether they are small businesses; HUBZone small businesses; service-disabled, veteran-owned small businesses; 8(a) small businesses; veteran-owned small businesses; woman-owned small businesses; or small disadvantaged businesses; (3) their size classification relative to the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code for the proposed acquisition; and (4) availability of domestic sources manufactured in the United States in sufficient and reasonably available commercial quantities and of a satisfactory quality. For equipment/supply requirements, responses must include the place of manufacturing (i.e., address if supply/equipment is a domestic end product and include country of manufacture). For equipment/supply requirements, small businesses must also address the size status of the manufacturer under the applicable NAICS code (i.e., address Non-Manufacturer Rule). Your responses to the information requested will assist the Government in determining the appropriate acquisition method, including whether a set-aside is possible. An organization that is not considered a small business under the applicable NAICS code should not submit a response to this notice. This notice is issued to help determine the availability of qualified companies technically capable of meeting the Government requirement and to determine the method of acquisition. It is not to be construed as a commitment by the Government to issue a solicitation or ultimately award a contract. Responses will not be considered as proposals or quotes. No award will be made as a result of this notice. The Government will NOT be responsible for any costs incurred by the respondents to this notice. This notice is strictly for research and information purposes only. Background. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is the nation’s leading medical research agency and the primary Federal agency whose mission is to seek fundamental knowledge about the nature and behavior of living systems and the application of that knowledge. The mission of the NIH alsoincludes enhancing health, lengthening life, reducing illness and disability, conducting, supporting and making medical discoveries that improves and saves people’s health and lives. The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) SCU routinely uses a confocal scanning system to observe/take insight into the protein labels in the specific brain region on the fixed brain slices. This purpose allow us to detect the neuronal activity and study the related mechanism in the neuronal circuits which is participating in the animal behaviors. As a neuroscience research laboratory dedicated to unraveling the complexities of brain function and neuronal circuits, we recognize the critical need for cutting-edge imaging technologies. To address the unique challenges posed by studying brain connectivity and neural interactions, we have identified a pressing requirement for the acquisition of the Leica STELLARIS 5 LIAchroic Confocal Scanning System. This state-of-the-art imaging platform promises to revolutionize our understanding of brain neuronal circuits, enabling us to make significant strides in neuroscience research and contribute to advancements in neurobiology and neurological disorders. Our research focus centers on investigating the intricate neural circuits within the brain, seeking to elucidate the fundamental mechanisms underlying sleep, consciousness, memory, cognition, and behavior. To achieve these goals, we require an imaging system that offers unparalleled spatial and temporal resolution, deep tissue penetration, and minimal photo-damage to delicate neural structures. The Leica STELLARIS 5 LIAchroic Confocal Scanning System has been purpose-built with these requirements in mind, providing us with a powerful tool to explore brain neuronal circuits with exceptional precision and accuracy. Purpose and Objectives. The purpose of this requirement is to purchase the Leica Stellaris 5 LIAchroic Confocal Point Scanning System or equal product. Salient characteristics include the following. The confocal point scanning system must include a highly sensitive, prism-based spectral detection design with computer-controlled adjustable bandwidth for all fluorescence channels. The confocal point scanning system must include maximized detection efficiency for all commonly available fluorophores, up to five simultaneously. The confocal point scanning system must include the lighting system allows for optimal extraction of image details and maximum resolution, thus expanding the imaging portfolio both in the classical range and beyond thediffraction limit, with a Field-of-View scanning system providing the highest axial resolution with the galvanometric scanner. The confocal point scanning system must include equipped with a Power HyD S detector, the new standard for detection. All-round detector, high performance throughout the spectrum, increased photon detection efficiency twice in the blue-green range compared to a standard multi-alkaline photomultiplier. Anticipated period of performance. 12 months Government Responsibilities. The government’s responsibilities involve providing feedback to the contractor on the operation of the ongoing online studies if a problem arises. Data Rights. The Government shall have unlimited rights to, and ownership of all deliverables provided under this contract, including reports, recommendations, briefings, work plans and other deliverables. (FAR Clause 52.227-17 Rights in Data- Special Works). Delivery or Deliverables. Including lead time, room should be installed within 10 weeks of the award. Target installation will be 6-8 weeks ARO to the NIH Delivery Address. The equipment shall be delivered and installed between the hours of 8:00am and 5:00pm EST, Monday through Friday. Delivery must be Freight on Board (FOB) Destination and include inside delivery. The equipment shall be delivered and installed in coordination with the NINDS personal at the time the equipment is ready to be shipped. Capability statement /information sought. Companies that believe they possess the capabilities to provide the required products should submit documentation of their ability to meet each of the project requirements to the Contracting Officer. The capability statement must specifically address each of the project requirements separately. Additionally, the capability statement should include 1) the total number of employees, 2) the professional qualifications of personnel as it relates to the requirements outlined, 3) any contractor GSA Schedule contracts and/or other government-wide acquisition contracts (GWACs) by which all of the requirements may be met, if applicable, and 4) any other information considered relevant to this program. Capability statements must also include the Company Name, Unique Entity ID from SAM.gov, Physical Address, and Point of Contact Information. The response must include the respondents’ technical and administrative points of contact, including names, titles, addresses, telephone and fax numbers, and e-mail addresses. Interested companies are required to identify their type of business, applicable North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) Code, and size standards in accordance with the Small Business Administration. The government requests that no proprietary or confidential business data be submitted in a response to this notice. However, responses that indicate the information therein is proprietary will be properly safeguarded for Government use only. Capability statements must include the name and telephone number of a point of contact having authority and knowledge to discuss responses with Government representatives. Capability statements in response to this market survey that do not provide sufficient information for evaluation will be considered non-responsive. When submitting this information, please reference the solicitation notice number. Please note that NINDS is particularly interested in small business sources. If you are a small business, please state the type of small business (small business; HUBZone; service-disabled, veteran-owned; 8(a); veteran-owned; woman-owned; or small disadvantaged businesses) and your size classification relative to the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code for the proposed acquisition. Your responses to the information requested will assist the Government in determining the appropriate acquisition method, including whether a set-aside is possible. In case domestic sources are available and capable of fulfilling the Government’s need, and a future solicitation is published, the Government will use evaluation preferences in accordance with FAR 25. One (1) copy of the response is required and must be in Microsoft Word or Adobe PDF format using 11-point or 12-point font, 8-1/2” x 11” paper size, with 1” top, bottom, left and right margins, and with single or double spacing. The information submitted must be in an outline format that addresses each of the elements of the project requirements and in the capability statement /information sought paragraphs stated herein. A cover page and an executive summary may be included but is not required. The response is limited to ten (10) pages. The 10-page limit does not include the cover page, executive summary, or references, if requested. The response must include the respondents’ technical and administrative points of contact, including names, titles, addresses, telephone and fax numbers, and e-mail addresses. All responses to this notice must be submitted electronically to the Contract Specialist. Facsimile responses are NOT accepted. The response must be submitted to Kyle Miller at e-mail address Kyle.miller2@nih.gov and cc Christine Frate at Christine.frate@nih.gov. The response must be received on or before August 25, 2023, 5:00pm Eastern Time. Disclaimer and Important Notes This notice does not obligate the Government to award a contract or otherwise pay for the information provided in response. The Government reserves the right to use information provided by respondents for any purpose deemed necessary and legally appropriate. Any organization responding to this notice should ensure that its response is complete and sufficiently detailed to allow the Government to determine the organization’s qualifications to perform the work. Respondents are advised that the Government is under no obligation to acknowledge receipt of the information received or provide feedback to respondents with respect to any information submitted. After a review of the responses received, a presolicitation synopsis and solicitation may be published in www.sam.gov. However, responses to this notice will not be considered adequate responses to a solicitation. Confidentiality No proprietary, classified, confidential, or sensitive information should be included in your response. The Government reserves the right to use any non-proprietary technical information in any resultant solicitation(s).