NIH, OPM, Acquisitions Branch B, EPS, Rm 801, Bethesda, Maryland 20892-7260

Z -- PROVIDE UPGRADE FOR AN EXISTING ZEISS, MODEL LSM 410, CONFOCAL SOL 263-96-P(BD)-0128 DUE 071696 POC Marcia Goldman, Contracting Specialist (301) 496-2302. The National Institutes of Health (NIH), National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), Light Imaging Facility (LIF) in Bethesda, Maryland, requires an upgrade for an existing Zeiss, Model LSM 410, confocal, inverted, laser scanning, microscope system. The NIH intends to contract with Carl Zeiss Inc., One Zeiss Drive, Thornwood, NY, 10087 under the authority of FAR 6.302-1 for this equipment. It is the Government's belief that Carl Zeiss is the sole source with the required specifications needed. The upgrade shall include the addition of an UV argon laser, photodetector and the required optical components. The installation, alignment, calibration and maintenance of the laser, photodetector and optical components shall be performed by a trained technician with a thorough knowledge and understanding of the construction and operation of the LSM 410. The Contractor shall be responsible for the proper operation of the system in its entirety, and shall provide a minimum of one (1) working day of on-site training at no additional cost to the Government. The laser shall have the following minimum required features: shall operate at 220 volts AC, shall have a power output of 80 to 100 mW at UV wavelengths (351/364nm), shall have polarized output for efficient transmission through light path, shall have long life (more than 3000 hours), shall have less than +/- 2% power fluctuation over the expected lifetime, shall have high focusability (M2 of 1.1 or better) - essential for high resolution, shall have sealed mirrors (for stability in alignment), shall have a thermally stable, high mass resonator, shall have the capability of being air or water cooled, and, shall be low maintenance. This is not a formal solicitation. However, concerns that respond to this notice must furnish concise responses directed specifically to the requirements mentioned above. Sources demonstrating the capability to accomplish the above, shall supply pertinent information in sufficient detail to demonstrate their ability to perform. Information furnished shall include include adequate descritive literature, adequate equipment specifications, technical qualifications, company background information, and other available literature for the NIH to perform a proper evaluation by. Interested parties may submit adequate detailed data by which to evaluate capabilities to the attention of Marcia Goldman at the above address. This notice may represent the only official notice of such procurement. See Numbered Note(s) 22. (0165)

Loren Data Corp. http://www.ld.com (SYN# 0145 19960614\Z-0006.SOL)