The National Institutes of Health (NIH), National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), Developmental Neural Plasticity Unit (DNPU) intends to procure on a sole-source basis with Carl Zeiss Inc., One Seiss Drive, Thornwood, NY 10594 for maintenance and software upgrades of a Zeiss LSM 510 Meta confocal microscope. The agreement will be for a 1-year period with four one year options. The Zeiss LSM 510 META system is an integral part of DNPU’s olfactory system studies to determine the development and formation of its associated neural circuitry. Many of the studies use genetically modified mice that have been engineered to express fluorescent proteins (GFP, YFP, CFP, dsRed) in the olfactory system and we will focus on imaging primary afferents as they converge and form synapses onto the olfactory bulbs. The research described above requires the use of this very specialized and extremely complex system it is essential that it be maintained in top working order by properly trained service engineers. The system utilizes Carl Zeiss Inc proprietary software. All parts and items used must be compatible with the existing system to maintain operability and consistency in research studies. This acquisition will be processed under FAR Part 12 – Acquisition for Commercial Items and will be made pursuant to the authority in FAR 13.5 to use simplified procedures for commercial acquisitions. Carl Zeiss Inc. is the only source known to the NCI end user that is capable of providing the maintenance and software upgrades as detailed above. This is not a solicitation for competitive quotations. However, if any interested party believes it 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 researcher 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 contracts office by 1:00 PM EDT (local Washington, D.C. time) on October 13, 2004. Faxed and Electronic capability statements are not authorized. All questions must be in writing and can be faxed (301) 402-4513 or emailed to [email protected] . It is the vendor’s responsibility to call (301) 402-4509 to insure questions have been received. 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 shall be accepted. NAICS Code: 811219; Size Standard 6M.

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