Dark field microscope Olympus BX53 Microscope & DP75 Camera

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This solicitation is for the procurement of a Dark field microscope, specifically the Olympus BX53 Microscope and DP75 Camera, along with associated components. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Animal and Plant Health (APHIS), Veterinary Services (VS), National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) Center for Veterinary Biologics (CVB) requires this equipment to replace aging laboratory equipment used for regulating products that diagnose, prevent, or treat animal diseases. The lab utilizes proprietary software (CellSens by Evident/Olympus) for image data interpretation.

• Olympus BX53 Microscope and DP75 Camera.

• Specific components listed under CLINs 0001-0016, including microscope frame, LED light source, transmitted light arm, mechanical stage, slide holders, darkfield condenser, trinocular head, eyepieces, revolving nosepiece, objectives (10x, 20x, 40x), camera, and camera adaptor.

• All items must have clear traceability to the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM), Evident/Olympus. Vendors who are not the OEM or an authorized distributor must provide traceability.

• The equipment must be new (not refurbished or remanufactured).

• Award Type: Firm Fixed Price Contract.

• Period of Acceptance of Offers: 90 calendar days from the date specified for receipt of offers.

• Delivery: Within 90 Days after contract award. Early deliveries will be accepted.

• Evaluation Criteria: Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA). Award will be made to the offeror representing the best value to the Government.

• Price: Quotations must include any quantity price discounts and discounts for prompt payment. The offeror's quotation will be evaluated for fairness and reasonableness.

• Technical Acceptability: Offerors must provide the exact brand name, make, and model specified. Sufficient documentation (e.g., manufacturer quote, datasheet, product listing) is required to confirm the offered product. Alternate, substitute, or "equal" products will not be considered.

• Past Performance: Will be evaluated as Acceptable, Neutral, or Unacceptable.

• Questions Due: March 26, 2026, 5:00 PM Eastern Time.

• Quotes Due: March 30, 2026, 5:00 PM Eastern Time.

• Submission Method: Via email to julia.lackey@usda.gov.

• No specific set-aside is mentioned.

• Offerors, or the product or service, are not required to meet a qualification requirement to be eligible for award.

• Attachment 1 - Statement of Work (SOW) provides a complete list of requirements.

• The solicitation incorporates various FAR and AGAR clauses by reference, including those related to commercial products, whistleblower rights, combating trafficking in persons, small business concerns, and DEI compliance.

• The USDA Ombudsman Program for Agency Protests is available for resolving concerns.

Statement of Work (SOW)

To acquire a Dark field microscope (Olympus BX53) and associated camera (DP75) for the USDA, Animal and Plant Health (APHIS), Veterinary Services (VS), Center for Veterinary Biologics (CVB) laboratory. This equipment is needed to replace aging apparatus and support the regulation of products that diagnose, prevent, or treat animal diseases.

The core requirement is the procurement of a specific microscope and camera system. The laboratory utilizes CellSens software (proprietary to Evident/Olympus) for image data interpretation.

The SOW details a comprehensive list of components for the Olympus BX53 microscope and DP75 camera, including:

• Microscope frame with LED light source
• Transmitted light arm
• Mechanical stage
• Slide holders
• Rubber caps for control knobs
• Darkfield condenser
• Tilting trinocular head
• Eyepieces (WHN10X-H-1-8)
• Revolving nosepiece
• Objectives (10X, 20X, 40X)
• DP75 camera (12MP, 1.1 inch CMOS, 49.2MP with pixel shift, global shutter, up to 60fps USB 3.1)
• Camera adapter (U-TV1XC)

Computer Interface Requirements: The system must connect to a PC running Windows 11 and interface with CellSens imaging software.

• Deliverables/Schedule: Must be delivered within 90 days of the date of award.

• Place of Delivery: USDA Attn: CVB-Bacteriology, 1920 Dayton Avenue, Ames, IA 50010.

• Technical Support: The awarded company must provide onsite setup and technical support post-purchase.

• Evaluation Factors: Technical Specifications, Lowest Price given required Technical Specifications, and Past Performance.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document outlines a decision to restrict competition for the procurement of a laboratory-grade Dark field microscope, specifically the Olympus BX53 Microscope with a DP75 Camera and components. This equipment is critical for visualizing 25µm samples and is essential for documenting results of 9CFR potency testing and CVB reagents. The purchase is necessary to replace outdated equipment, enhance laboratory capabilities, and ensure accurate research results.

• Olympus BX53 Microscope with DP75 Camera and components.

• The equipment must be compatible with the existing laboratory information management system (LIMS) through proprietary software integration.

• Specific features required include a pull-out infrared filter for visualization beyond 670 nm and a 20x X-Apo (UPLXAPO) objective with the highest numerical aperture for superior resolution.

• The document does not explicitly state the contract type, period of performance, or estimated value, but it falls under the Simplified Acquisition Threshold.

• This document is a justification for restricting competition, not a solicitation with submission instructions or evaluation criteria.

• Competition is restricted to Evident Scientific and its authorized resellers due to unique product qualifications and proprietary software integration.

• Suggested sources listed are Government Scientific Source Inc and Evident Scientific.

• Market research confirmed that no other dark field microscopes, cameras, or components met the agency's required compatibility and performance criteria.