USDA-ARS-MWA, Contracting Office, 1815 N. University Street, Peoria, IL 61604

66 -- INSTRUMENTS AND LABORATORY EQUIPMENT SOL 51LA-9-6006 DUE 011499 POC Jerry L. King (309) 681-6612 The USDA, Agriculatural Research Service, Midwest Area, National Center for Agricultural Research, has the requirement for a Molecular Dynamics Model 595 (or equal) FluorImager. This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items prepared in accordance with format in FAR Subpart 12.6, as supplemented with additional information included in this notice. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; quotations are being requested and a written solicitation will not be issued. Solicitation No. 51LA-9-6006 is being issued as a Request for Quotation. This solicitation document and incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through Federal Acquistion Circular 97-09. This solicitation is solicitation is full and open competition. CLIN (Contract Line Item Number)0001: FluorImager, Molecular Dynamics Model 595, or equal: 1 each. Salient characteristics "equals" must meet: The FluorImager is a multi-purpose dual excitation laser induced fluorescence scanner for electrophoresis gels,membranes, TLC plates and microtitre plates. Fluorescent sample components are read directly in the gel or plate with no drying or dual fluorescence labeling protocols. These include enzyme substrate labeling, covalent pre-labeling of nucleic acids and proteins, and pre- or post-separation labeling of DNA with intercalating dyes. Includes software which controls scanning, multiple color separations, image display, quantitative tools for data analysis, and produces final reports. COMPONENTS: Scanning module with built in SCSI cable, scan control software for Windows NT operating system, ImageQuant applications software for display and analysis of results, Fragment Analysis software for automated 1-D electrophoresis analysis, User's Guide, one low fluorescence glass (20 X 25 cm) sample tray for electrophoresis gels, membranes and TLC plates, one extended tray for glass sandwiched gels (up to 21.5 X 36.5 cm), one sample tray for three standard (7 X 14 cm) microplates, four selectable emission filters (530nm bandpass, 590 nm bandpass, and 610 nm longpass). System must carry one-year warranty. SAMPLE SIZE: Maximum scan area must be 20 X 25 cm (8 X 10 in). The extended tray must hold glass plates with sizes up to 21.5 X 36.5 cm (8.46 X 14.37 in) SENSITIVITY: 1.0 fmole fluorescein and HEX end-labeled DNA (23-mer) primer in 15% polyacrylamide gel. SCAN TIME: The full 20 X 25 cm scan area is read in less than 2 minutes for a single-color scan at standard resolution, or less than 30 minutes for a dual-color scan at high resolution and high sensitivity. RESOLUTION(SPATIAL): The scanning beam must be at least 50 microns in diameter (at 2 sigma). Selectable resolution settings 100 and 200 microns. Spatial resolution of sample bands better than 2 line pairs/mm with modulation transfer function of 30% or more. RESOLUTION(SIGNAL). 16 or 8 bit selectable digital resolution. Square-root data file format. DYNAMIC RANGE: 5 orders of magntidue (100,000 : 1) LINEARITY: Less than 10% Relative Standard Deviation. Portions of the data acquisition electronics are automatically calibrated to ensure run-to-run repeatability. UNIFORMITY: Plus or Minus 5% over entire scan area. LIGHT SOURCE: Type: 25 mW argon ion laser, 488 and 514 nm, air-cooled. Air cooling automatically initiated when laser is turned on. Average lifetime: Greater than 5,000 hours. LIGHT MEASUREMENT: Emitted light is collected and converted to an electrical signal by a photomultiplier. The electrical signal is digitized to permit image display and analysis. Data stored in a 16-bit file format to provide the digital resolution required to characterize subtle signal intensity difference over th wide dynamic range of the system. SOFTWARE: Scan control software for Windows NT or Macintosh, ImageQuant image analysis software for Window NT or Macintosh will be included. Updates will be provided at no charge during the warranty period. FILE FORMAT: Image files will be in 16-bit TIFF format. A conversion utility will be included to convert image files to the standard 8-bit TIFF file format for compatibility with desktop publishing programs for Macintosh and Windows systems. FAR 52.212-1, Instructions to Offerors -- Commercial, FAR 52.212-2, Evaluation -- Commercial Items; FAR 52.212-3 Offeror Representations and Certifications -- Commercial Items; FAR 52.212-4, Contract Terms and Conditions -- Commercial Items, and FAR 52.212-5 Contract Terms and Conditions Required to Implement Statutes or Executive Orders -- Commercial Items apply to this acquisition. Quotations will be evaluated on price, past performance, and proof of meeting the salient characteristics listed above. Companies propsing "equals" must submit descriptive literature. Offers to include a commerical warranty for equipment. Paymenbt will be made 30 calendar days after acceptance of equipment. Equipment will be shipped FOB Destination to: USDA-ARS-NCAUR, 1815 North University Street, Peoria, IL 61604. Delivery of equipment will be within 60 days after receipt of order. Offer must include a 30 calendar day acceptance period. Offes are to be received Not Later Than January 14, 1999 at USDA-ARS-NCAUR, Purchasing Office, 1815 North University Street, Peoria, IL 61604. The POC for this acquisition is Jerry L. King, (309)681-6612, or E-Mail: jlking@mail.ars,usda.gov Posted 12/28/98 (W-SN283720). (0362)

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