THIS IS A PRE-SOLICITATION NON-COMPETITIVE (NOTICE OF INTENT) SYNOPSIS TO AWARD A PURCHASE ORDER WITHOUT PROVIDING FOR FULL OR OPEN COMPETITION.

The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), Office of Acquisitions (OA), intends to negotiate and award a purchase order on a noncompetitive sole source basis to Intelligent Imaging Innovations, Inc., 3509 Ringsby Ct., Denver, CO 80216-6208 to provide the Vector TIRF Microscope upgrade to the NHLBI Division of Intramural Research (DIR) in accordance with the following information.

BACKGROUND

The mission of the Taraska Laboratory in the Biochemistry and Biophysics Center (BBC) of the NHLBI Division of Intramural Research (DIR) is to conduct research into the structure and function of membrane proteins. Specifically, the laboratory uses biophysical and cell biological tools to understand how membrane proteins function at the molecular level. Specific areas of research include studies on proteins involved in the fusion and recapture of vesicles with the plasma membrane. The laboratory also investigates the structure and behavior of ion channels important to the physiology of excitable cells in the heart and brain. To conduct this research it is essential to have the ability to perform ultra-sensitive TIRF optical imaging.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this requirement is for a contractor to provide a galvo-based TIRF upgrade to the laboratory's current 1X81 microscope system that will allow staff to make ultra-sensitive measurements over long experimental time periods. This equipment will extend and improve the laboratory's imaging capabilities and is essential to the research mission of the laboratory.

CONTRACTOR REQUIREMENTS

The contractor shall provide the following:
- Multiple laser lines with rapid switching;
- Galvo mirror-based laser positing;
- Polarization switching of the lasers; and,
- Spinning angle TIRF and single-angle TIRF that can be adjusting during a time-series acquisition

DELIVERY DATE

The delivery date shall be 12 - 16 weeks after receipt of the award.

JUSTIFICATION

The sole source determination is based on the fact that the Taraska laboratory in the Biochemistry and Biophysics Center (BBC) of the NHLBI Division of Intramural Research (DIR) is in need of a galvo mirror-based spinning laser TIRF upgrade to an existing IX81 microscope. The only company that manufactures this commercial upgrade is Intelligent Imaging Innovations (3i). These parts will be directly integrated to an existing IX81 microscope. This upgrade consists of multiple laser lines integrated into the TIRF system with both angle and polarization switching and control. These systems are directly controlled by integrated software and are compatible with the current equipment on this microscope. All these components must be installed and maintained by Intelligent Imaging. It is thus in the best interest of the government to purchase this equipment directly from the company that manufactures it to ensure the correct installation and long term service of this sensitive optical equipment.

REGULATORY AUTHORITY

This acquisition is conducted under the authority of the Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) Subpart 6.302-1, only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) Code is 333314, Optical Instrument and Lens Manufacturing, and the Small Business Size Standard is 500. This acquisition is being conducted under FAR Part 13.5, Simplified Procedures for Certain Commercial Items, therefore the requirements of FAR Part 6, Competitive Requirements, are not applicable and the resultant award will include all applicable provisions and clauses in effect through the Federal Acquisition Circular (FAC) 05-84 (September 3, 2015).

This synopsis is not a request for competitive proposals. However, interested parties may identify their interest and capability to respond to this notice. Responses to this notice shall contain sufficient information to establish the interested parties' bona-fide capabilities for fulfilling the requirement and include: unit price, list price, shipping and handling costs, the delivery period after contract award, the prompt payment discount terms, the F.O.B. Point (Destination or Origin), the Dun & Bradstreet Number (DUNS), the Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN), and the certification of business size. All offerors must have an active registration in the System for Award Management (SAM) www.sam.gov. 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. The information received will normally be considered solely for the purposes of determining whether to proceed on a non-competitive basis or to conduct a competitive procurement.

All responses must be received by September 16, 2015 at 9:00am EST and must reference synopsis number NHLBI-CSB-(HL)-2015-183-JML. Responses shall be submitted to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, Office of Acquisitions, COAC Services Branch, 6701 Rockledge Drive, Room 6151, Bethesda, Maryland 20892-7902, Attention: Jonathan M. Lear. Responses may be submitted electronically to [email protected]. Faxes will not be accepted. Responses will only be accepted if dated and signed by an authorized company representative. "All responsible sources may submit a bid, proposal, or quotation which shall be considered by the agency."