Mirava STED and Confocal Microscope

itional information included in this notice, and in conjunction with FAR Subpart 12.6. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; quotations are being requested, and a separate written solicitation will not be issued. See Attachment for Abberior Product List This acquisition is being conducted as an open market purchase. The Government intends to award a Firm-Fixed-Price Purchase Order resulting from this solicitation. 2. Description of Requirement 2.1 Background The current A1R system is no longer serviceable and fails to support essential experiments in our lab, including FRET imaging and multi-round immunostaining, due to its inability to maintain focus and resolution across repeated imaging sessions. The Abberior MIRAVA Microscope offers a substantial leap in performance over the A1R. Integrating confocal and STED imaging within a single platform would provide imaging across spatial scales, from large-field overview scans to the nanoscale. FLEXPOSURE adaptive illumination, MATRIX detector, and RAYSHAPE aberration correction reduce photodamage and improve image quality for sensitive and longitudinal imaging workflows. Since the A1R microscope is no longer operating at minimally acceptable standards for data collection, the replacement of this microscope is essential for continuing high-quality data acquisition in our ongoing projects. This system will serve as a fully shared resource benefiting not only the Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology, but multiple active research groups across the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). Researchers from the Systems Neuroscience Imaging Resource (SNIR), Oligodendroglial Interactions Group and the Human Genetics Branch, have all expressed interest after a hands-on evaluation during a recent on-site demo. Since the Abberior MIRAVA Microscope provides transformative improvements in image quality while also reducing phototoxicity, it will serve as an ideal shared resource thanks to its user-friendly software. It is also the first super-resolution STED microscope within NIMH, and it will improve the quality of data generated while also increasing the overall efficiency of NIMH�s microscopy efforts. 2.2 Objective To obtain a STED and Confocal Core Microscope to replace our outdated and non-repairable Nikon A1R system in the lab. 3. Product Specifications/Features/Salient Characteristics Required Minimum Specifications See Attachment. 3.1 Services Requirements The vendor shall provide: 1. Delivery to NIH Main campus in Bethesda, MD. 2. Installation and on-site 2 day minimum training/operational startup 3. Three-comprehensive Warranty after installation 4. Manufacturer warranty coverage; and 5. Manufacturer-supported service associated with the delivered system. 4. Delivery, installation, startup shall be performed at: National Institutes of Health Bldg. 35, Room 3A209 Bethesda, MD 20892 5. Basic For Award The Government intends to award to the quoter whose quotation represents the best value to the Government, considering the following evaluation factors: 1. Technical Acceptability 2. Past Performance 3. Price 5.1 Technical Acceptability Technical acceptability is the most important factor. The Government will evaluate whether the quoted product meets all salient characteristics and minimum requirements of this solicitation. For any �equal� product, the vendor must provide sufficient technical documentation to demonstrate equivalency, including product literature, specifications, brochures, and point-by-point crosswalk to each salient characteristic. Failure to clearly demonstrate compliance with all minimum requirements may render the quotation unacceptable. 5.2 Past Performance The Government will evaluate the vendor�s record of recent and relevant past performance The Government may consider information obtained from the vendor, CPARS, prior Government experience, and other available sources. 5.3 Price Price will be evaluated for fairness and reasonableness. The Government may make an award to other than the lowest-priced quotation if a higher-rated quotation is determined to provide the best value. 6. Quotation Instructions Vendors shall submit a complete quotation package that includes the following: 6.1 Volume I � Technical Quote The technical quote shall include: Manufacturer name and model number. Description of the quoted system. Point-by-point response to each salient characteristic. Description of included software, accessories, automation, warranty, applicable training and service. Delivery lead time; Installation and training approach. 6.2 Volume II � Past Performance Provide up to three examples of recent and relevant contracts or purchase orders for customer name, dollar value, period of performance, point of contact with email and phone number. 6.3 Volume III � Price Quote The price quote shall include: unit price, extended price, total quoted price, any shipping charges, warranty information, any other separately priced items. The total quoted price shall include all costs necessary to provide a complete and fully functional system meeting the requirements of this solicitation. 6.4 SAM Registration In order to receive an award, offerors/contractors must maintain an active SAM registration for all awards throughout the entire contract/order lifecycle, from offer submission to final payment. Failure to maintain an active SAM registration can the award or result in non-payment. Lack of valid registration in SAM will make an offerors/contractor ineligible for award. 6.5 Small Business Subcontracting Plan In accordance with FAR 52.219-9, other-than-small-business (large business) offerors must submit a Small Business Subcontracting Plan with their quote. This requirement does not apply to small business concerns. If the offeror represents itself as a small business under the designated NAICS code for this procurement, no subcontracting plan is required." Other-than-small-business offerors who determine that zero subcontracting opportunities exist for this microscope procurement are still required to submit a formal Small Business Subcontracting Plan. The plan must state 0% goals and include a detailed, written justification outlining why subcontracting is not feasible (e.g., fully integrated in-house manufacturing). Failure to submit a plan with the required justification will render the quote non-responsive." 7. Submission Instructions Quotations shall be submitted electronically to: Tina Robinson@ robinsti@mail.nih.gov Quotations are due no later than: August 25, 2026, prior to 6:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time Late submissions may be rejected and not considered for award. 8. Clauses and Provisions The following FAR provisions and clauses apply to this acquisition, in addition to any others required by law or agency policy: 52.212-1 Instructions to Offerors�Commercial Products and Commercial Services 52.240-90 Security Prohibitions and Exclusions�Representations and Certifications 52.203-17 Contractor Employee Whistleblower Rights 52.203-19 Prohibition on Requiring Certain Internal Confidentiality Agreements or Statements 52.204-13 System for Award Management � Maintenance 52.209-6 Protecting the Government�s Interest When Subcontracting with Contractors Debarred, Suspended, or Proposed for Debarment 52.209-10 Prohibition on Contracting with Inverted Domestic Corporations 52.212-4 Term