Contracting Officer (90C), DVA Medical Center, 700 South 19th Street, Birmingham, AL 35233

66 -- INSTRUMENTS AND LABORATORY EQUIPMENT SOL RFP 521-082-98 (EP) DUE 092398 POC Edward G. Phillips (205) 933-4492 This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items prepared in accordance with the format in Subpart 12.6, as supplemental with additional information included in this notice. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; proposals are being requested and an written solicitation will not be issued. Solicitation NO. RFP 521-082-98 (EP). This solicitation document and incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular 97-06 and VA Acquisition Circular 97-4. The SIC for this solicitation is 3845. Item description: Contractor shall provide to the VA Medical Center Research and Development Service, Birmingham, Alabama, with a laser, configured and optimized for ultraviolet (UV) operation to be used in conjunction with a confocal laser scanning microscope that is UV capable. Laser must be an integrated package that performs all operating functions on a remotely controlled basis. Laser system must provide wavelength search, selection and optical cavity optimization from a remote position. The laser's high reflector and output coupler must be sealed from the environment to eliminate contamination and minimize short-term maintenance requirements. Requirements: 1. Plasma tube is to be of metal disk bore/ceramic envelope construction providing drop-out free operation and uniform gas distribution within the plasma tube. The ceramic is to consist of one piece and contain no frits, welds, or brazes. 2. Resonator structure must be constructed of Super Invar as it has the smallest coefficient of expansion, for optimum cavity alignment and beam pointing stability. This is critical to long term microscope performance issues. 3. Plasma tube shall have the output coupler vacuum-sealed directly to the plasma tube to eliminate absorption of plasma UV in the anode window, which results in premature tube failure. The high reflector will be hermetically sealed to prevent dust or other contaminants that could restrict reflectivity and consequently affect the effectivenessof the laser system. 4. Laser is to be supplied with a remote control module. Included in this remote control module is to be a simultaneous digital display of output power, operating mode (light or current regulation), The remote control module shall also provide latching fault diagnostic displays and all controls necessary to operate and monitor the laser. 5. Laser must include the capability to remotely and without direct operator manipulation search for the required wavelength and optimize the cavity for maximum power, at optimum tube current. Automated mirror alignment is critical, as the laser will not be accessible by the operator during normal operation. 6. System must include water to air heat exchanger, which is capable of transferring 5kW of heat from the laser system cooling water loop without the need for a secondary water supply 7. Heat exchanger must regulate the cooling water temperature to plus or minus 1 degree centigrade. C-3 System components: 1.Enterprise II 653 Ion Laser, UV (80mW) Specifications -- 351nm-364nm argon ion laser. Must provide both visible and UV performance in a convenient package designed for high reliability and easy system integration. Must incorporate a search and peak function which optimizes laser performance on demand. 2. All outputs must be TEMoo with an M2 of 1.10. 3. The Enterprise consists of a water-cooled laser head and an air-cooled, single-phase, switching power supply. A portable water-to-air heat exchanger should be available for locations where water quality or availability is poor, or air-cooled operation is desired. 4. Warranty 12 months or 2000 hours C-4 Training: The contractor shall provide training sessions to include 2 training sessions on 2 consecutive days for all personnel in Research Service who will use instrument. Each session will include "hands on" instruction, literature, training manuals, and reference guides. C-5 Manuals: The contractor shall provide a minimum of two (2) service manuals, and two (2) operating manuals to the Contracting Officer's Technical Representative (COTR). C-6 Installation: Installation and set-up of the Enterprise II 653 Ion Laser, UV (80mW) will be performed by the contractor for the Leica Inverted Confocal Microscope TCS NT SP UV, 3 spectrophotometer Imaging Detectors and Transmitted Detector. The provisions at FAR 52.212-1, Instructions to Offerers Commercial applies to this solicitation. The Clause at FAR 52.212-3 Offeror Representations and Certifications-Commercial items, applies to this solicitation. Offeror must submit with proposal a completed Representations and Certifications. The clause at FAR 52.212-4, Contract Terms and Conditions-Commercial Items, applies to this solicitation. The clause at FAR Part 52.212-5. Contract Terms and Conditions Required to Implement Statues or Executive Orders-Commercial items, applies to this solicitation. The VA intends to solicit and negotiate with only (1) one source under the authority of FAR 6.302 for a commercial item as stated above. Interested parties may indentify their interest and capability to respond to the requirements or submit proposals. This notice of intent is not a request for competitive proposal. However, all proposals received within twelve (12) days after date of publication of this synopsis will be considered by the Government. A determination by the Government not to compete this proposal contract based on responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. Information received will normally be considered solely for the purpose of etermining whether to conduct a competitive procurement. VAMC Birmingham intents to negotiate with: Coherent, Inc. 5100 Patrick Henry Drive P.O. Box 54980 Santa Clara, Ca 95056 (800) 527-3786. Posted 09/11/98 (W-SN248789). (0254)

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