Description
This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items prepared in accordance with the format in Subpart 12.6 as supplemented with additional information included in this notice. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; quotes are being requested and a written solicitation will not be issued. Background: The National Institutes of Health (NIH), a part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, is the nation’s medical research agency — making important discoveries that improve health and save lives. The mission of the (NIAMS) is to support research into the causes, treatment, and prevention of arthritis and musculoskeletal and skin diseases; the training of basic and clinical scientists to carry out this research; and the dissemination of information on research progress in these diseases. The Office of Science and Technology (OST) of the Intramural Program (IRP) is responsible for NIAMS Labs core facilities. It initiates collaborative, cooperative and service activities that facilitate the conduct of science and coordinates the core technological facilities of the Intramural Research Program. Light Imaging Section (LIS) is the group within OST that supports investigators with state-of-the-art light imaging equipment, training and assistance at all stages of the acquisition and analysis of images with various techniques of light microscopy to study muscle and skin diseases. The LIS is equipped with widefield, confocal and multi-photon microscopes, TIRF, high-throughput live cell imaging, and slide scanning equipment. LIS currently owns 2 IncuCyte live cell analysis systems, the Zoom and the S3 models. The original IncuCyte Zoom, bought in 2011 only runs on Windows7, and can no longer be supported by the IT department, due to security reasons. With years of use, this model is at the end of its useful life and does not fit the investigators’ needs because it only accommodates single lens (10 or 20x) measurements. The S3 model, purchased in 2017 contains multiple lenses (rotation 4-20x) to detect green and red fluorescent signals. Updates to the camera provides more sensitivity. The S3, unlike previous models, also allows multiple users to image plates simultaneously, at a desired magnification and temporal setting. Because these systems can visualize and image live cells nearly continuously (directly from the incubator), an incredible amount of data has been collected and used in many publications throughout the years. The increasing demand for the use of this technology among NIAMS investigators merits the replacement of the Zoom model for another S3, as these instruments have become an essential part of day to day experiments. The Zoom model (40049) will be used as Trade-in. Objectives: To purchase of a Live Cell Analysis System Instrument with features equal to brand IncuCyte S3 live-cell analysis system to replace the current IncuCyte ZOOM Model 4473. The new system must be capable of providing real-time cell monitoring and surveillance, cell health and viability, migration and invasion, plus a wide range of phenotypic cell-based assays to continue supporting NIAMS research Investigators and LIS mission. PLEASE SEE ATTACHED DOCUMENTATIONS.