Automated Slide Scanner

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This solicitation is for the purchase of an Automated Slide Scanner for the USDA NEA Systematic Entomology Laboratory in Washington, DC. The requirement is for a "brand name or equal" product.

• Automated Slide Scanner with 20-slide capacity and Integrated Extended Depth of Field (EDF) Software.

• Items must have clear traceability to the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM), specifically the Glissando RS20 or an equal product.

• Offerors must provide a Certificate of Conformance (COC) in accordance with FAR clause 52.246-15.

• Prospective vendors who are not the OEM or an authorized distributor must provide traceability for the offered product back to the manufacturer or authorized distributor.

• Alternate Parts will be authorized if they are an approved alternate part that satisfies all form, fit, and function requirements of the original parts and conform to the approved configuration. All parts shall be NEW.

• Contract type: Firm Fixed Price.

• Period of Performance: June 15, 2026, to December 31, 2026.

• Delivery: Within 30 days after receipt of order, unless an exemption is obtained. Early deliveries will be accepted.

• Offer Due Date: June 5, 2026, 1600 CT.

• Questions Due Date: May 29, 2026, 4:00 PM Central Time.

• Submission Method: Not explicitly stated, but implies electronic submission for RFQ.

• Evaluation Criteria: Best value to the Government, based on Technical Approach, Price, and Past Performance.

  • Technical Approach: Evaluates the ability to meet requirements and understanding of the scope. Requires demonstration of capability, ability to meet schedule, and explanation of any unaccomplishable requirements.
  • Price: Must be fair and reasonable. Pricing for all individual line items is required.
  • Past Performance: Will be evaluated as Acceptable or Neutral. Unacceptable past performance may result in disqualification.

• Award will be made to the highest technically rated offeror, provided the price is fair and reasonable and past performance is acceptable or neutral. Tradeoffs will not be conducted.

• The acquisition is listed as "Unrestricted" with no specific set-aside indicated.

• Attachment 1 contains the Specification Document with salient characteristics.

• Offerors providing "or equal" items must include descriptive literature, illustrations, drawings, or a clear reference to readily available information demonstrating how the quoted item meets all salient characteristics. Simply stating "meets requirements" is not sufficient.

• Offerors must hold prices firm for 90 calendar days from the offer due date.

• Applicable FAR and AGAR clauses are incorporated by reference and full text.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document outlines the specifications for an Automated Slide-Scanner with 20-Slide Capacity and Integrated Extended Depth of Field (EDF) Software. It details the characteristics required for an item to be considered equal in function and performance to the Glissando RS20 Automated Slide Scanner.

• Capacity: 20 slides per operational run.
• Scanning: Whole slide scanning of standard 25mm x 75mm microscope slides.
• Magnification: Up to 400X, with a scanning resolution of 0.5µm.
• Automation Features: Automated tissue detection, automated focus, and barcode reading capability for file labeling.
• Software: Integrated EDF software capable of automatically producing focus-stacked images, high-resolution z-stack scanning, and EDF image production for a 2mm x 2mm window (88 stacks within 2 minutes).
• Objective: Includes a 20X objective with an option for 40X scanning.
• Output Formats: Able to produce EDF output images in TIFF, JPEG, and Bitmap formats.
• Note: Integrated EDF software that is in beta-testing status will not meet the requirement.

This document specifies the technical requirements for the slide scanner. Bidders must ensure their proposed solution meets or exceeds these specifications to be considered compliant. The "Brand Name or Equal" designation indicates that while a specific brand is mentioned, equivalent products are acceptable if they meet all listed characteristics.

Statement of Work (SOW) / Performance Work Statement (PWS)

The vendor will provide an ultra-high-resolution slide scanning microscope system to meet the requirements defined herein. Delivery within calendar year 2026 is expected.

• Purchase an ultra-high-resolution slide scanning microscope system.

• System must have a 20-slide loading capacity.

• Capable of whole slide scanning of standard 25mm x 75mm microscope slides.

• Magnification up to 400X with a scanning resolution of 0.5µm.

• Automated tissue detection and autofocus.

• Barcode reading capability and automated file labeling.

• Integrated control computer with monitor.

• Integrated Extended Depth of Field (EDF) software to automatically produce focus-stacked images.

• Scanner shall include a 20X objective with the option for scanning at 40X.

• The system should be capable of z-stack scanning and EDF image production for a 2mm x 2mm window with a 70µm range and step size of 0.8µm (88 stacks) within 2 minutes.

• Rapid scanning time is necessary for efficient and high-throughput scanning.

• Optimal performance: complete z-stack scanning and EDF image production for a 2mm x 2mm window with a 70µm range and step size of 0.8µm (88 stacks) within 2 minutes.

• Delivery within calendar year 2026.

• On-site installation and training should be offered by the vendor.

• Integrated EDF software that is in beta-testing status shall not meet the requirement.

• The slide-scanning system shall include all necessary components for out-of-box operation.

• Vendor will bill USDA for the total amount due in one installment after receipt and acceptance of the instrument.