The National Institute on Aging, IRP, intends to negotiate and award a purchase order on a noncompetitive basis with Coherent, Santa Clara, CA for a replacement laser. The requirement is for a Chameleon System, Ultra (II): 80 MHz (RoHS) , #1117782. The Chameleon ULTRA II hands-free ultrafast Ti:Sapphire laser provides femtosecond pulses tuning more than 400nm, from 680nm to 1080nm, with a peak power of >3.3 W, in a single box. Fully automated for the ultimate ease-of-use the Chameleon is operated either via a simple menu-driven interface located on the power supply, or via an external computer. Providing high power and superb beam quality, the Chameleon’s sealed design and Verdi pump laser ensures it is the quietest, most efficient and most reliable hands-free ultrafast laser system available. Requiring only single-phase AC power and operating for thousands of hours without maintenance, the system includes: Optimized beam shape, pulse width, broadest tuning range ensures the highest peak powers are delivered for microscope-based imaging applications. Compact laser head, power supply with integrated control interface, and closed-loop water chiller. The patent-pending MRU-X1 compact, closed-lop air re-circulator, which provides effortless tuning through atmospheric water vapour absorption lines above 920nm, without the need for an external purge. The Power Pulse control system, which ensures output power and pulse width are optimized automatically at all wavelengths and at all times. An onboard spectrometer that measures laser output wavelength and bandwidth, which can be interfaced to an external computer via a USB connection on the laser head. Only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements, 41 U.S.C. 253 (c) (1), FAR 13.106-1(2)(b). The cited authority is applicable because only the Coherent is supported by the operating software of Zeiss Instruments in conjunction with the operation of the Zeiss LSM-510 Confocal Microscope. This coupled with the generous discount offered by Coherent for trade in of the nonfunctioning existing laser make this procurement the only practical choice for our application. This acquisition is being conducted under Simplified Acquisition procedures and is exempt form the requirements of FAR, Part 6, Competition Requirement. Award will be made on an all or none basis to the lowest price, technically acceptable source.

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