Confocal Super Resolution Microscope
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
Timeline
Qualification Details
Fit reasons
- NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
- Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
- Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
- Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps
Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.
Quick Summary
The Department of Energy's Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL), operated by Brookhaven Science Associates (BSA), is soliciting quotes for a Confocal Super Resolution Microscope (SRM). This is a Solicitation (RFQ) for a Firm-Fixed Price contract, open to Full and Open Competition. The opportunity seeks an advanced microscopy system with specific technical capabilities. Quotes are due June 8, 2026, by 11:00 AM ET.
Scope of Work
This procurement is for a non-commercial Confocal Super Resolution Microscope (SRM) at Brookhaven National Laboratory. The SRM instrument must provide true confocal point scanning with a tunable white light laser excitation source (visible range, simultaneous multi-line operation, independent intensity control, rapid microsecond-scale switching). It requires broadband spectral detection (approx. 400–850 nm, multiple configurable channels), FLIM/FCS functionality, and analytical tools for functional parameter mapping and FRET. Super-resolution performance must include both 2D and 3D STED nanoscopy across the visible spectrum, capable of ~30 nm lateral resolution. The system should operate within a unified software environment supporting automated calibration, lifetime fitting, super-resolution reconstruction, and compatibility with external analysis platforms.
Key deliverables include the SRM system, a Program Plan, Technical and Progress Teleconferences, Performance Reports, Preliminary and Final Technical Designs, Equipment Footprint and Laboratory Requirements, Manufacturing/Inspection/Test Plan, Installation Work Plan, Factory Acceptance Testing, Delivery of the Instrument, Site Acceptance Test and Commissioning Report, Training, and comprehensive documentation.
Contract Details
- Contract Type: Firm-Fixed Price.
- Anticipated Delivery: 36 weeks after contract award.
- Payment Terms: Net 30 days for Large or Foreign Businesses; Net 10 days for Small Businesses.
- Place of Performance: Upton, NY (Brookhaven National Laboratory).
- Set-Aside: Full and Open Competition.
- NAICS Code: 334516 (Optical Instruments, Test Equipment, Components And Accessories) with a 1000-employee size standard.
- Compliance: Subject to FAR Part 25, Buy American Act. A Small Business Subcontracting Plan may be required for offers exceeding $750,000.
Submission & Evaluation
- Questions Due Date: May 21, 2026.
- Quote Due Date & Time: June 8, 2026, 11:00 AM ET.
- Submission Method: Quotations must be submitted via email to the Buyer/Contracts Specialist, Mark Brock (mbrock@bnl.gov), and must include the signed Quotation Pricing Sheet (Enclosure C).
- Evaluation Criteria: Award will be made to the responsive and responsible Offeror submitting the lowest total price and meeting all technical requirements.
- Eligibility Requirements: Offerors must have previous experience fabricating and testing super resolution optical microscope systems of comparable complexity, provide references for at least 3 successfully delivered systems, possess a robust instrument service engineer network in the United States for warranty support, and maintain a robust Quality Assurance program (e.g., ISO 9001 certification). Offerors must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM.gov).
Required Forms
Bidders must complete and submit several enclosures, including the Draft Purchase Order/Contract (Enclosure A), AMS Form 050 Reps and Certs (Enclosure B), AMS Form 043 Quotation Pricing Sheet (Enclosure C), Vendor ACH Authorization Form (Enclosure D), and the appropriate tax form (W-9 for Domestic Vendors - Enclosure E, or W-8 for Foreign Vendors - Enclosure F).