This is a notice of intent, not a request for a proposal. A solicitation document will not be issued and proposals will not be requested. The National Institute on Drug Abuse, Office of Acquisitions-Neurosciences, Station Support/Simplified Acquisition Branch, on behalf of the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) intends to negotiate on a noncompetitive basis with Leica Microsystems Inc., 2345 Waukegan Road, Bannockburn, IL 60015 for one (1) Stereomicroscope. This acquisition will be processed in accordance with the Simplified Acquisition Procedures FAR Part 13.106-1(b). The Leica 165C stereomicroscopes are required to analyze and manipulate protein complex crystals. These crystals are employed to obtain atomic-resolution structures and efficient characterization and manipulation of the crystals is critical for the function of the NINDS laboratory. Technical characteristics of Stereomicroscope Equipment are as follows: -16x zoom range to enable detailed analysis at high magnification and manipulation at low power without changing instruments, -A working distance of at least 97 mm with a magnification of at least 76.8x, -Fiberoptic brightfield illumination to prevent heating of sample, -Polarizer and analyzer to characterize birefringence of crystals, -Digital camera for documentation purposes. NINDS conducted a market research for comparable types of stereomicroscopes with Leica Microsystems, Inc. (Bonnockburn, IL) and Olympus Surgical and Industrial, America, Inc. (Orangeburg, NY). In contrast, the Leica instrument (165MC) can be equipped with a 0.63x planapo objective that delivers 97 mm working distance (while providing a magnification range of 4.67x to 76.8x). While the Olympus (model SZX-ZB16) is equipped with its longest working distance objective (0.8x planapo) delivers only 81 mm working distance. The difference between the two microscopes is Olympus only provides 16xzoom range in comparison with the Leica stereomicroscopes. The Olympus lens is not able to provide the long working distance of 97mm. Leica Microsystems, Inc. is the only known supplier that can provide a stereomicroscope with a long working distance of 97mm which meets the agency’s requirement. Interested parties may identify their interest and submit statement of capabilities in response to this synopsis on or before 12:00 noon August 9, 2009. All information furnished must be in writing and must contain sufficient details to allow the government to determine if it can meet the above unique specifications described herein. A determination by the Government not to compete this proposed acquisition based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. Information received will be considered solely for the purposed of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement. Responses to the synopsis number NOI1183222 may be submitted electronically to the NIDA, Station Support/Simplified Acquisition Branch [email protected] attention Kathleen Gregory, Contract Specialist.

Bid Protests Not Available