This Amendment is to notify that a List of Items will NOT be posted. Please disregard the following sentence included in the original synopsis: (PLEASE SEE ATTACHED LIST OF ITEMS). The Food and Drug Administration intends to award a Purchase Order on a sole source basis to HITECH INSTRUMENTS, INC., 855 SUSSEX BOULEVARD, BROOMALL, PA 19008-4310. The capabilities and features of ZEISS AXIOVERT 200 INVERTED MICROSCOPE are essential. This microscope has the required functions that are highly important for our research: 1. One of our requirements is the ability to perform at least qualitative polarimetry on specimens—with reflected and transmitted light. The Zeiss microscope incorporates Enhanced-Contrast Epiplan Neofluar objectives which are strain-free, i.e., do not introduce bias to the intensity of observed birefringence [contrast change from strain-induced polarization]. 2. In addition to the well-recognized mechanical stability of their platform and stage, Zeiss has incorporated a proprietary “planetary focus” mechanism in their focus drive. This becomes important because much of our specimen imaging will be at higher magnifica-tions (with correspondingly shallower depth of focus), where higher-accuracy and precision focusing is essential. 3. For highlighting defects in translucent-to-transparent specimens, we will be using a technique called Differential Interference Contrast (DIC). The Axiovert 200 incorporates a proprietary enhancement: Circular DIC, enabling structures in various orientations to be visualized simultaneously. 4. Because of the built-in features ordered with the Axiovert 200, at a later time we can upgrade the system to permit Circular Total Interference Contrast. This technology will allow sample step heights (z-axis) to be resolved in the nanometer range—a significant enhancement over conventional Mireau interferometry. An award will be made in ten (10) days from the date of this notice. This is not a request for quotes; however, sources may submit descriptive literature, which fully demonstrates their capabilities, which will be considered by the agency. This sole source procurement will be awarded as a simplified acquisition in accordance with FAR Subpart 13.5.

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