The National Cancer Institute (NCI) plans to procure on a sole source basis for the brand name: Zeiss LSM 5 Live Duo-scan Confocal Microscope/Inverted Microscope (LSM 5 Live Duo-scan with 405, 488, 561, 2 Channel, 405, 488, 561 lasers, ZOOM), manufactured by Carl Zeiss MicroImaging, Inc., Thornwood, New York 10594. This acquisition will be processed under FAR Part 12 Acquisition for Commercial Items and will be made pursuant to the authority in FAR 13.106-(b)(1) and 13.501-(a)(1) to use simplified procedures for commercial acquisitions. The North American Industry Classification System Code is 334516 and the business size standard is 500 employees. The salient characteristics apply to the LSM 5 Live Confocal Microscope: Dimensions: The instrument must fit in a 10 ft X 10 ft space. 1. The following objectives are needed for high resolution imaging: a. Plan-Apo 20x/0.8 b. Plan-Apo 63x/1.4 c. Alpha Plan-Fluar 100x/1.45; 2. Collection of single and dual channel (512X512) at least 120 frames/sec; 3. Ability to collect 4 channels at greater than 50 frames/second; 4. Ability to collect 1K X 1K images with 8 or 12 bit acquisition at 60f/s; 5. High speed PIEZO 200u z capable of accurately collecting stacks with greater than 20 images in under 1 second; 6. X, Y translation of scanner at zoomed frames to move around sample; 7. Fully software integrated triggering for synchronization of image acquisition and external devices; 8. High resolution CCD line scanner for multiple channels; 9. Each CCD detector equipped with its own confocal slit for balance of slice thickness between channels; 10. Manipulator for bleaching capable of 488, 561 and 405 excitation; 11. System must be capable of High Speed Imaging while simultaneously activating, bleaching or uncaging with manipulators; 12. Precise pixel ROI control for bleaching, uncaging and activating; 13. System must include Environment controls for heating and CO2 for long term time experiments; 14. Software for FRAP, FRET, Physiology, Colocalization and 3D rendering must be included; 15. High precision XY scanning stage for tiling and multiple point relocation must be included; 16. Excitation Wavelengths must include 405, 488, 561 and 635 for four color imaging. The salient characteristics apply to the Inverted Microscope: 1. 6 fluorescent filter turret fully motorized and computer controlled with 200ms switching time between adjacent positions; 2. Apochromatically corrected fluorescent beampath; 3. Integrated Z positioning motor with at least 10nm step resolution over 10 mm focus range; 4. Motorized 6 position DIC nosepiece; 5. Eyepieces with 23mm field of view; 6. High resolution DIC for all objectives with polarizer directly on DIC prism; 7. Highly efficient and long life Fluorescent light source equivalent to X-Cite with illuminators that are spec-d to greater than 2000 hours; 8. Fully integrated Scanning Stage with Mark and Find, Tile Scanning in 4 dimensions with highly accurate stitching modules that include interpolation of stitched edges, User programmable scanning strategies for flexible overnight experiments, Universal specimen holder for any size and shape dishes and slides. Joy stick control module; 9. Touch panel display for full control of Inverted scope including focus. Touch screen should be positionable anywhere within Microscope or Computer vicinity. Touch screen offers full control of scope outside of computer control; 10. Fully integrated environmental controls for temperature, CO2, and humidity with the ability to add Oxygen control. Humidity should be maintained only at the specimen and not around the entire microscope. JUSTIFICATION 1. Statutory authority: Statute: 13.106-(b)(1) and 13.501(a)(1) (b) Soliciting from a single source. (1) For purchases not exceeding the simplified acquisition threshold, contracting officers may solicit from one source if the contracting officer determines that the circumstances of the contract action deem only one source reasonably available (e.g., urgency, exclusive licensing agreements, or industrial mobilization). (2) For Sole source acquisition of commercial items in excess of the simplified acquisition threshold conducted pursuant to subpart 13.5, the requirements at 13.501(a) apply. The National Cancer Institute investigators require advanced light microscopy instrumentation. Investigators have demonstrated a need for performing long-term time-lapse microscopy on living specimens. The proposed Zeiss LSM 5 Live Duo-scan will enable a whole new class of microscopy experiments that were heretofore impossible in the NCI confocal core. Many cellular processes occur over slow time scales of up to a day. These processes can only be studied in live cells using long-term time lapse microscopy. The Zeiss LSM 5 Live Duo-scan system will allow confocal imaging of specimens over these extended time periods, while keeping the specimen alive and healthy throughout the experiment. In addition, autofocus software available with this instrument will overcome problems with specimen drift and keep the cell of interest in focus throughout these long time lapse studies. This eliminates the need for users to keep a constant watch over the specimen throughout the 24 hour experiment. Description of the instrument required: As the instrument will be applied to long term studies of live cells, it must be capable of rapid acquisition of specimens at very low light levels. This will make it suitable for examining fast processes in specimens without damaging the cells during image acquisition. The system should also include an enclosed incubation chamber permitting long term observation of specimens at controlled temperatures and CO2 levels. An auto-focusing procedure is essential to maintain a constant focus on cells over long term time lapse imaging. In addition, laser lines should be available for fluorescence recovery after photo-bleaching (FRAP). The Zeiss 5 Live has several unique features that are essential for research in the LRBGE facility. These features are not found on any other commercial microscope. The ability of this instrument to collect single and dual channel images at greater than 120 frames / sec is vital to the FRAP experiments that are being conducted in the facility. FRAP recoveries are extremely rapid, and this system will enable us to collect very high time resolution data during the recovery. A second unique feature of the Zeiss 5 Live is that it is equipped with a high speed piezo that permits capture of more than 20 images per second. This feature is also vital for our FRAP experiments since we must collect 3D stacks as rapidly as possible to track the object that has been photobleached which often moves out of the original focal plane. A final unique feature of the Zeiss 5 Live required for our work is its ability to rapidly image while simultaneously photobleaching with manipulators. This feature will allow us to obtain images as the photobleach is performed, thereby providing the shortest possible time lag between the photobleach and the recovery data. This is not a solicitation for competitive quotations. However, if any interested party believes they can meet the above requirement, they may submit a statement of capabilities. All information furnished shall be in writing and must contain sufficient detail to allow the NCI to determine if it can meet the above unique specifications described herein. An original and one copy of the capability statement must be received in the NCI contracting office by 11:00 AM ET on March 7, 2008. All questions must be in writing and can be faxed (301) 402-4513 or emailed to Malinda Holdcraft, Contract Specialist at [email protected]. A determination by the Government not to compete this proposed contract 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 calls will be accepted. In order to receive an award, contractors must be registered and have valid certification in the Central Contractor Registration (CCR) and the Online Representations and Certifications Applications (ORCA). Reference: NCI-80040-NG on all correspondence.

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