6515--Hybrid Confocal Laser Microscope System

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document is a Sole Source Justification for the acquisition of a Nikon AX R Hybrid Confocal Laser Scanning Microscope System for the Philadelphia VAMC research building. The acquisition will be awarded as a new contract using FAR 13.5 Simplified Procedures for Certain Commercial Items. This system represents a modernization of existing microscopy capabilities and is essential for supporting research programs in neuroscience, immunology, bioengineering, and cell biology.

The required system includes:

• A motorized inverted microscope body with a hardware-based, drift-free focusing mechanism and a 25mm field of view.

• Galvanometric scanning with 8K x 8K resolution and resonant scanning with 2K x 2K resolution across the full 25mm field of view.

• A 5x5 Single-Pixel Photon Counter (SPPC) array for lateral resolution down to 100nm, with enhanced resolution capabilities.

• Advanced low-noise detection system with optimized signal-to-noise ratio and high sensitivity.

• Solid-state alignment-free laser module with 405/488/561/640 nm lines.

• Support equipment including a vibration isolation air table and an integrated image analysis computer workstation with specialized software (NIS-Elements, JOBS, NIS.ai).

• Customized automated acquisition workflows.

• High-quality objectives (10x, 20x, 40x/60x oil immersion) with accommodation for up to 6 objectives.

• The contract will be awarded using FAR 13.5 Simplified Procedures for Certain Commercial Items.

• The estimated dollar amount is redacted.

• The effective date is 12/30/2025.

This document is a justification for a sole source acquisition, indicating that competition is restricted because only one responsible source is believed to satisfy the agency's requirements. Market research was conducted, including a Sources Sought Notice, to determine if alternative products could meet the government's needs. The justification details why other systems evaluated did not meet the specific requirements, such as the 25mm field of view and SPPC array.

This procurement is restricted to a single source based on the unique capabilities of the Nikon Confocal Platform and the specific requirements that other systems do not meet. The justification cites FAR 13.501 and FAR 6.303-2 for restricting competition.

• The acquisition plan action ID is 36C244-26-AP-1710.
• The document is a revision (Revision: 02) of the justification.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This solicitation is for the purchase of a Nikon AX R Hybrid Confocal Laser Scanning Microscope System for the Corporal Michael Crescenz VA Medical Center's Research Department. The system is intended for live cell imaging and high-resolution tissue and cell imaging. It is an upgrade to replace an existing Olympus IX-81 microscope.

• Nikon AX R Hybrid Confocal Laser Scanning Microscope System

• Includes assembly, installation, and user training.

• Specific technical specifications for the microscope platform, scanning capabilities, detection and resolution, support equipment, automation, and objectives are detailed.

• Requires a 1-year manufacturer's warranty for mechanical/optical defects and electrical/electronic/wear-related components.

• Contractor is responsible for scheduled maintenance, calibration, hardware unpacking, assembly, installation, and user training.

• Contract type: Not explicitly stated, but implied to be a commercial item purchase.

• Period of Performance: Base contract period, with specific POP dates to be determined.

• Estimated Value: Not stated.

• Quotes must be submitted via email to the Contracting POC listed on page 1, Block 7a, by the offer due date (April 15, 2026, 1:00 PM EDT).

• Offerors must include an Authorization Letter from the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) if not the OEM.

• Required documents include completed SF 1449 forms, Price/Cost Schedule, Delivery Schedule, and Offeror's Representations and Certifications (including Trade Agreements Certificate).

• Offerors must quote all items identified in the solicitation and Statement of Need.

• Evaluation will be based on Price.

• Questions are due by April 8, 2026, 1:00 PM Eastern.

• The acquisition is listed as "UNRESTRICTED OR SET ASIDE: " with no specific set-aside indicated.

• NAICS Code: 333310, Size Standard: 1,000 Employees.

• The solicitation incorporates FAR clauses by reference, including 52.212-1, 52.212-3, and 52.212-4.

• Offerors must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM).