USDA, ARS, Pacific West Area, 800 Buchanan St., Albany, CA 94710

66 -- CRYO PREPARATION SYSTEM FOR SCANNING ELECTRON MICROSCOPE SOL RFQ No. 22-91H2-97 POC Ken Eason, Contract Specialist, 510/559-6018, FAX 510/559-6023 The USDA, Agricultural Research Service, Western Regional Research Center, has a requirement for a cryo preparation system for the Government's existing Hitachi S-530 Scanning Electron Microscope. A cryo preparation system is needed to study the structure of a large variety of samples in the high vacuum of the SEM using cryo preparation techniques. The system should enable the observation of bulk specimens as well as delicate samples, liquids, particles in suspended solutions, food purees, and very wet samples. The system must be bolted to the SEM (dedicated), in order to take advantage of the high vacuum of the SEM, reducing contamination on sample surfaces. The system must have two nitrogen gas-cooled stages and platinum resistance thermometers allowing precise temperature sensing and control. Minimum attainable temperature of both stages must be -185 degrees Centigrade or lower to allow for maximum specimen stability. The system should allow for the transfer of large samples into the microscope through a ball valve with a diameter of at least 5 cm. Sample holders accommodating a wide variety of samples including liquids, plant and animal tissues, microorganisms, foodstuffs, starches, concrete and foams, must be included with the system. This acquisition is unrestricted and open to both small and large business concerns. Request for Quotation No. 22-91H2-97 will be available on or about June 17, 1997. Requests for a solicitation package should be faxed to the attention of Ken Eason at 510/559-6023 or mailed to the address shown above.***** (0141)

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