Cryogenic Nanomanipulator Instrument
Description: Cryogenic Nanomanipulator Instrument is a specialized microscopic and nanorobotic viewing system that helps scientists and researchers working on extremely small-scale flash-frozen biological samples. The name nanoManipulator is a patent trademark of 3rd Tech Inc. The system was initially designed for microscopic manipulation by computer integration manufacturers. A nanoManipulator system consists of a large microscopic probe, called the scanned-probe microscope (SPM) that can enlarge the image up to 1,000,000 times the size of original object. A computer interface which displays the image of the enlarged surface to be manipulated, plays the role of a display device, which gives the experience that user is actually working on a large 3-D replica of the small object. The physical manipulator is the actual manipulating device controlled by the user. This device allows the users to perform operations, motions and manipulations on the nanoscale object under examination. It is possible for the nanoManipulator to be used by multiple users at the same time in remote locations.
This is a Small Business Sources Sought notice. This is NOT a solicitation for proposals, proposal abstracts, or quotations. The purpose of this notice is to obtain information regarding: (1) the availability and capability of qualified small business sources; (2) whether they are small businesses; HUBZone small businesses; service-disabled, veteran-owned small businesses; 8(a) small businesses; veteran-owned small businesses; woman-owned small businesses; or small disadvantaged businesses; and (3) their size classification relative to the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code for the proposed acquisition. Your responses to the information requested will assist the Government in determining the appropriate acquisition method, including whether a set-aside is possible. An organization that is not considered a small business under the applicable NAICS code should not submit a response to this notice.
This notice is issued to help determine the availability of qualified companies technically capable of meeting the Government requirement and to determine the method of acquisition. It is not to be construed as a commitment by the Government to issue a solicitation or ultimately award a contract. Responses will not be considered as proposals or quotes. No award will be made because of this notice. The Government will NOT be responsible for any costs incurred by the respondents to this notice. This notice is strictly for research and information purposes only.
Background / Purpose / Objective: The National Institute of Aging (NIA) requires the acquisition of a Cryogenic Nanomanipulator Instrument to complete a cryo-workflow that will allow electron microscopy analysis of flash frozen cells and tissues near the physiological state.
Specifications: The Cryogenic Nanomanipulator Instrument manipulator with the following capabilities: (1) for smooth seem-less movement at all velocities at a nanometer scale; (2) an option to move the probe step-wise; (3) to maintain stable temperatures between -160C and -190C, to allow for vitreous frozen samples to be made and transferred in an automated and controlled fashion to the FIB-SEM while being maintained at a stable temperature range of between -165 and -190 C; (4) operational with the stage tilt of our FIB-SEM; (5) small enough to have full xyz movement; (6) ergo port-mounted; (7) frozen water vapor welding method to secure the pieces first to the probe and then to the grid support for transport out of the sample preparation stage; (8) rotation and backside thinning of the sample piece; (9) to allow pieces of frozen cells and tissues to be manipulated and wielded onto metal substrates while kept under controlled cryo-temperatures; and (10) Ultra-rapid cryo-fixation.
The Cryogenic Nanomanipulator Instrument identified should be equivalent to the OmniProbe 200 Nanomanipulator, part number 51N4001, manufactured by Oxford Instruments America, 300 Baker Ave, Suite 150, Concord, Massachusetts 01742.
Anticipated period of performance / delivery date: The Government's anticipated delivery date is 90 to 120 calendar days after receipt of the duly executed purchase order.
Other important considerations: The response may cite any other information that is necessary for potential respondents to understand the nature of the potential requirement or proposed acquisition.
Capability statement /information sought. The respondents must submit clear and convincing evidence that their product is equivalent or superior to the brand-name specified in this notice. The response shall include: the unit price, list price, shipping and handling costs, delivery days after contract award, delivery terms, prompt payment discount terms, F.O.B. Point (Destination or Origin), product or catalog number(s); product description; and any other information or factors that may be considered to determine the method of acquisition. The information must address each of the minimum specifications and the equivalent elements of the brand-name parts stated herein. The response must also indicate the country of manufacturer.
The response must also include their DUNS number, organization name, address, point of contact, and size and type of business (e.g., 8(a), HubZone, etc., pursuant to the applicable NAICS code and any other information that may be helpful in developing or finalizing the acquisition requirements.
The response must include the respondents' technical and administrative points of contact, including names, titles, addresses, telephone and fax numbers, and e-mail addresses.
The response must be clear and concise in Microsoft Word or Adobe PDF format using 11-point or 12-point font, 8-1/2" x 11" paper size, with 1" top, bottom, left and right margins, with single or double spacing, and limited to ten (10) pages (exclusive of the cover page, executive summary, or references, if requested).
All responses to this notice must be submitted electronically to Debra C. Hawkins Contractor, Acquisition Policy Analyst II, at debra.hawkins@nih.gov on or before July 24, 2019, 12:00 PM. Facsimile responses are NOT accepted.
Disclaimer and Important Notes: This notice does not obligate the Government to award a contract or otherwise pay for the information provided in response. The Government reserves the right to use information provided by respondents for any purpose deemed necessary and legally appropriate. Any organization responding to this notice should ensure that its response is complete and sufficiently detailed to allow the Government to determine the organization's qualifications to provide the product or perform the services specified herein.
Respondents are advised that the Government is under no obligation to acknowledge receipt of the information received or provide feedback to respondents with respect to any information submitted. After a review of the responses received, a presolicitation synopsis and solicitation may be published in Federal Business Opportunities. However, responses to this notice will not be considered adequate responses to a solicitation.
Confidentiality: No proprietary, classified, confidential, or sensitive information should be included in your response. The Government reserves the right to use any non-proprietary technical information in any resultant solicitation(s)."
Debra C. Hawkins, Acquisition Policy Analyst II, Phone 301-827-7751, Email debra.hawkins@nih.gov
