Intent to Sole Source a Sapphire Laser The Department of Veterans Affairs, VISN 1 Network Contracting Activity intends to negotiate a sole source procurement, under the authority of FAR 6.302-1, with Newport Corporation, 3635 Peterson Way, Santa Clara, CA 95044. The NAICS code is 333352 and the size standard is 500 employees This notice of intent is NOT A REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE PROPOSALS. Interested parties that can provide similar services or equal product must submit their technical specifications of product services, past performance information, price and delivery time, detailing how their services meet VA requirements to the contract specialist via e-mail. A determination by the Government not to compete this proposed contract based on responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. All responses must be received NLT August 2nd , 2011 @ 1:00PM/EST USA. E-mail: [email protected] Salient Characteristics: Completely automated one-box mode-locked Ti:Sapphire laser source with DeepSee dispersion compensation Salient features include: " 350 nm (690-1040 nm) in useable tuning range for efficient excitation of all commonly used fluorophores " Over 2.5 W of average power and a pulse width of less than 100 fs to obtain the most fluorescence signals. " pre-compensation which corrects in advance for the dispersion of the optical setup allowing the maximum fluorescence signals to be observed " excellent beam quality and pointing stability to preserve the critical alignment to the sample " ultra-stable regenerative mode locking for hands-free, dropout free wavelength tuning " real-time monitoring of the laser system to maintain beam position, average power, and wavelength " Compact design to maximize valuable table space " Deeper penetration depths without risk of sample damage from increased average powers Statutory Authority: FAR 6.302-1, Only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements. Unique Qualifications: This state-of-the-art laser is an integral part of our multiphoton/confocal microscope which allows investigators at the VA Boston Healthcare System to gain a deeper understanding of the complex mechanisms involved in the regulation of many organ systems at the molecular, cellular and tissue levels. This upgrade encompasses a completely automated one-box mode-locked titanium-sapphire laser source with DeepSee dispersion compensation. The laser has a wide tuning range and high average power. The high negative group velocity dispersion at all wavelengths provide shortest pulses and most fluorescence at the sample. The original laser for our highly specialized multiphoton imaging system was purchased from Newport Corporation, a company that manufactures specialized lasers. To meet the technical needs of our imaging system, the new laser requires specific design criteria that can only be met by the laser available from Newport Corporation. This includes unique mode-locking technology that will enable continuous wavelength tuning with zero re-optimization time and real time excitation fingerprinting in seconds. The cost of the laser includes a trade-in credit for our older model laser. The value of this trade-in would not be recovered by the government through competition since Newport made the original laser. Contracting Office Address: Department of Veterans Affairs, VISN 1 Brockton Office, 940 Belmont Street, Brockton, Ma 02301 Place of Performance: The VA Boston Healthcare Facilities

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