Langmuir-Blodgett Deposition System (Large)
Background Information:
The mission of the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) is to seek fundamental knowledge about the brain and nervous system and to use that knowledge to reduce the burden of neurological disease. To support this mission, NINDS supports and performs basic, translational, and clinical neuroscience research through grants-in-aid, contracts, scientific meetings, and through research in its own laboratories, and clinics.
The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) Synaptic Transmission Section (STS) works to understand exo- and endo-cytosis of cytoplasmic vesicles, their dynamic structural changes at millisecond time scale, molecular mechanisms and functions at the cellular and molecular levels. Current research projects focus on the structural changes and molecular mechanisms that mediate vesicle fusion on bilayer membranes, where the fusion pore can either open, close, or expand. These structural changes during different vesicle fusion modes determine the release of vesicular contents and recycling of vesicles.
One (1) KSV NIMA Langmuir-Blodgett Deposition System (Large) brand name or equal system is required by the Synaptic Transmission Section (STS) to study the vesicle fusion process on artificial lipid bilayer membranes.
Supported lipid bilayer (making bilayer on solid substrates) is an ideal model to investigate in vitro the molecular mechanism of vesicle exo- and endo-cytosis for given targeted proteins. In particular, supported lipid bilayer studies at the molecular level how the vesicle fuses to generate a fusion pore to control transmitter release, how the fused vesicle merges with the plasma membrane, how the fusion pore is closed, and how the endocytosis, including curvature formation, omega-profile formation, fission, and vesicle pinch off, is initiated and vesicle pinch off, is initiated and mediated.
The Synaptic Transmission Section requires one (1) brand name or equal KSV NIMA (Large) Langmuir-Blodgett Deposition System with the following characteristics:
1. Must have an interface unit with plug in connectors that allows for control of trough barriers, dipping mechanism and magnetic stirrer
2. Must have a dipper that allows for fully automatic hardware and software controlled operation
3. Must include a barrier drive with two connected surface barriers with a minimum dimension of 908 mm L (length) x 311 mm W (width) x 390 mm H (height)
4. Must include a surface pressure sensitive sensor with PT and paper Wilhelmy plates
5. Must have a Langmuir-Bloggett (LB) trough top with a minimum surface area of 841 cm2 and a pair of hydrophilic Delrin barriers
6. Must include Windows based load balancer software and instructional books and manuals (PDF format on CD)
7. Must include a LB balance calibration weight, water levelling tools, platinum plate large, Wilhelmy plates and a paper plate hook (20), stainless steel tweezers, glass beaker, 50 μL syringe used for spreading the monolayer material, 100 microscope glass slides for deposition experiments, one (1) soft paintbrush for cleaning the trough, one (1) aspirator suction pump used for cleaning the sub phase surface, PTFE nozzle for the aspirator, rubber hose (1 x 3m), package of 100 disposable polyethylene protective gloves, package of dust free paper tissues and water tubing quick connectors
Contractor Requirements:
On-site training must take place at the customer site within two (2) weeks of equipment installation. Training shall be for up to two (2) individuals over a one (1) day period for duration of at least three (3) hours. Training shall take place between the hours of 8:00am and 5:00pm, Bethesda, MD local prevailing time, Monday through Friday.
The Contractor shall provide an original equipment certified (OEM) service technician to perform delivery, setup, installation and training. OEM service technicians will be cleared at the commercial vehicle inspection station on 9000 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD to gain access to the premises.
The proposal must include a one (1) year warranty, inclusive of technical assistance and repairs provided by an OEM service technician.
Contractor must also confirm the ability to meet or exceed the period of performance/delivery and installation requirements (60 days ARO).
Anticipated Period of Performance:
60 days ARO
Basis for Award:
Offerors must provide descriptive literature or other materials that demonstrate their offer meets the forgoing requirements. The contract will be awarded to the responsible offeror with the Best Value that fully meets the requirements of the solicitation. QUOTATIONS ARE DUE: All responses must be received by February 23, 2017 at 3:00 PM, EST. Please reference solicitation number HHS-NIH-NIDA(SSSA)CSS-17-187 on all correspondence. NOTE: The vendor must submit a response/quote to this solicitation in order to be considered for an award. All questions, and quotes, must be received electronically (via email) to Keshia McDonald, Contracts Specialist, keshia.mcdonald@nih.gov in MS Word or Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF). No telephone calls or facsimiles will be accepted.
Keshia McDonald, Contract Specialist , Phone 301-827-5301, Email keshia.mcdonald@nih.gov
