Hybrid Upright/Inverted Fluorescence 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 United States Air Force Academy (USAFA) is conducting market research through a Sources Sought Synopsis to identify qualified vendors capable of providing a Hybrid Upright/Inverted Fluorescence Microscope. This effort aims to gather information on available solutions and potential suppliers to support requirements at the USAF Academy, CO. Responses will help determine the appropriate procurement method and potential set-asides. Responses are due June 30, 2026, at 10:00 AM MDT.
Scope of Work
The requirement is for a hybrid microscope system capable of transforming between upright and inverted configurations without needing two separate bodies. Key features include:
- System Architecture: Motorized Z-drive, intelligent/automated objective nosepiece.
- Illumination & Contrast: Transmitted brightfield LED, phase contrast, motorized Epi-Fluorescence module (mercury-free LED, at least 5 channels), Circular Polarizer Kit.
- Optics: High-performance Plan Fluorite and Apochromat objectives (4x, 10x, 20x, 40x, 60x), Extra Long Working Distance (ELWD) Universal Condenser.
- Fluorescence: Motorized module/turret, filter sets compatible with DAPI, YFP, and TRITC.
- Sample Handling: Stage inserts for standard formats, Live-Cell Full Enclosure Incubation System (temperature, humidity, CO2), tabletop vibration isolation.
- Imaging & Control: Integrated dual-camera system (5MP Color CMOS for brightfield, 5MP Monochrome sCMOS for fluorescence), high-performance system controller (min. 32GB RAM, 1TB HDD), dedicated joystick, 32-inch 4K monitor.
- Software: Advanced multi-dimensional image acquisition (Time-Lapse, Multi-Point, Mosaic, Multi-Channel, Z-Stack) and enhanced multi-point imaging software.
- Support: On-site installation, training, and a minimum 1-year manufacturer warranty.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Sources Sought / Market Research
- Set-Aside: Market research will determine if a set-aside is appropriate.
- Response Due: June 30, 2026, 10:00 AM MDT
- Published: June 16, 2026
Submission Requirements
Interested parties must submit:
- Company Name, Point of Contact, CAGE Code, UEI.
- Business Size/Status under NAICS 333310 (Commercial and Service Industry Machinery Manufacturing).
- GSA MAS/GWAC information (if applicable).
- A Capability Statement with product literature demonstrating compliance with all salient characteristics. Submissions should be sent to Ronald Wilson (ronald.wilson.26@us.af.mil) and Dawson Hopkinson (dawson.hopkinson@us.af.mil).
Additional Notes
This is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a Request for Proposal. The PSC Code is 6650 (Optical Instruments, Test Equipment, Components And Accessories).