The National Institutes of Health (NIH), National Institute Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), NIH Stem Cell Unit (SCU), plans to procure a RX-650 portable x-ray system from Faxitron X-Ray Corporation, 225 Larkin Drive, Suite 1, Wheeling, Il 60090. The SCU is dedicated to characterizing and comparing the available federally approved human embryonic stem cell (hESC) lines. The primary aim is to establish standards for all aspects of the culture process as well as quality control and monitoring. Currently, all hESCs are grown on a feeder layer of mitotically inactive mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs). This particular x-ray machine will allow us to X-ray irradiate MEFs quickly and routinely with less variation or other side effects which are potential hazards of chemical inactivation. The required instrument shall have a shelfed chamber on which tubes of cells would be placed. The individual researcher must have control over the dosage of irradiation from 5500 to 8,000 rads. This machine must be able to deliver 8,000 rads for a period shorter than fifteen (15) minutes to minimize the length of time cells are outside of culture conditions during irradiation. In addition, the instrument must be compact and portable as it will be used by a number of laboratories. These are some of the features required by the program that are believed to be unique to the Faxitron X-Ray Corporation RX-650: 1) >500 Rad/min so that a dosage of 8000 rads can be delivered in less than 15 min.; 2) the machine is “self-cooling” so that no external source of coolant is needed; 3) the radiation dosage can be very finely adjusted by changing the dosimetry at 1kVp increments; 4) a motor driven turntable, which provides a means of improving uniformity of the absorbed radiation dose; 5) the machine’s relatively small size allows easy placement in the Lab and easy transportation. This item is commercial as defined in FAR Part 2, and this acquisition is being made in accordance with the test program using simplified procedures for certain commercial items as authorized in FAR 13.5. This is not a request for competitive quotation. However, if any interested party believes it can meet the above requirement it may submit a statement of capabilities. The statement of capabilities and any other information furnished must be in writing and must contain material in sufficient detail to allow the researcher to determine if the party can perform this requirement. An original and one copy of the capability statements must be received in the contracting office by 1:00 p.m. EDT, on August 3, 2004. All questions must be in writing and can be faxed to (301) 402-4513 or emailed to [email protected] . It is the vendor’s responsibility to call (301) 402-4509 to insure questions have been received. A determination by the Government not to compete this proposed requirement based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. Information received will be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement. No collect call will be accepted. NIACS 334517, Size Standard 500.

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