BZ-9000E Fluorescence Microscope and Lens

The United States Department of Agriculture - Animal Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), Veterinary Services (VS), Foreign Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory (FADDL) anticipates a sole source (name brand) procurement under the authority of FAR 6.302-1 for 1 (one) each of the following items: BZ-9000E Keyence Fluorescence Microscope, BZ Filter DAPI-BP, BZ Filter GFPBP, BZ Filter TEXASR, Nikon Lens (4x) for BZ, Nikon Lens (10x) for BZ, Nikon Lens (20x) for BZ, Nikon Lens (40x) for BZ, Nikon Lens (100x for BZ. The Keyence Fluorescence Microscope incorporates all of the components of a conventional fluorescence microscopy system. By comparison, the BZ-9000E takes up 50% less space and does not require a dark room for the new scope, which is critical due to space shortage. In addition, the following features are also important for RVSS mission: an automated stage, six-mount lens turret, and filter turret allow users to perform imaging in a fraction of the time, while operating the system entirely from the software menu. Advanced software features include image stitching, Z-stack, measurement and cell counting and time-lapse capabilities. Keyence is the sole manufacturer and distributor of this equipment. Keyence is a large business, and we anticipate an award to this company. The Foreign Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory (FADDL) is part of the only facility in the United States where many infectious foreign animal disease (FAD) agents are studied. Scientists at the FADDL are devoted to diagnosing foreign diseases of animals. They partner with scientists of the Department of Homeland Security and the USDA's Agricultural Research Service, also located on Plum Island, in foreign animal disease research. The Proficiency and Validation Section develops and validates diagnostic technologies that can be deployed to the National Animal Health Laboratory Network (NAHLN) and/or used at the NVSL reference laboratories. The section is responsible for a training and proficiency testing program for the NAHLN and collaborates with the Department of Homeland Security National Bioforensics Analysis Center to maintain and execute agricultural forensics capabilities. Interested sources that are capable of providing the equivalent supply listed above are encouraged to submit statements of capability to the contracting office. Small business concerns are encouraged to participate. This is not a request for competitive proposals, but instead a market research method to determine interested sources. A determination by the Government not to compete this requirement based on responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. Information received will be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement. No requests for capability briefings will be honored as a result of this notice. Interested sources who submit data are responsible for appropriately marking information if it is proprietary in nature. Please provide past performance and references regarding your ability to provide this supply and service along with your Statement of Capability. The Government will not award a contract based on the information received, nor reimburse participants for information they provide. Information provided is strictly voluntary. Please fax Statements of Capability to Gloria Benson at 612-336-3554 or e-mail to [email protected]. E-mail is the preferred method of communication. Telephonic inquiries will not be honored. Closing date for submission of Statement's of Capability is September 24, 2012 at 1:00 p.m. CST. The North American Industry Classification Code (NAICS) is 334516 with a small business size standard of 500 employees