USDA, ARS, Southern Plains Area, 7607 Eastmark Drive, Suit 230, College Station, Texas, 77840

66 -- KRYOTYPING WORKSTATION SOL 010221 DUE 080999 POC Carol Nichols, Phone: (405) 262-5291; Fax: (405) 262-0133 E-MAIL: Click here to contact via email, cnichols@grl.ars.usda.gov. This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items prepared in accordance with the format in FAR subpart 12.6, as supplemented with additional information included in this notice. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; proposals are being requested and a written solicitation will not be issued. The solicitation number is 010221 and is issued as a request for quotation (RFQ). This solicitation document incorporates those provisions and clauses in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular 97-09. This solicitation is a small business set-aside; the Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) Code is 3826 and small business size standard is 500. The USDA, Agricultural Research Service requests quotations for one semi-automatic cytogenetic karyotyping workstation. The cytogenetic/karyotyping workstation is intended for use in the plant cytogenetics laboratory to aid in organizing and identifying images of chromosomes during the mitotic metaphase and meiosis, utilizing a variety of chromosome staining methods. The major components of the workstation system consist of a COHU monochrome integrating CCD camera (with imaging board) which fits atop a microscope (not included) and a computer which operates the system and stores data. .The unit will contain the following and meet or exceed the minimum hardware and software specifications listed below. The system shall include a PC or Mac based computer system with 350 MHz processor, 128 Mb RAM, 6Mb VRAM, 1.44 Mb floppy disk drive, 12 Gb HDD, 64-128 CD ROM, keyboard and mouse, fax modem for exchange of data with other systems; Ethernet with hub to accommodate additional workstations, 19 " color monitor, and B&W focusing monitor; karyotyping software with on-screen focus, automatic image enhancement with multiple level enhancement features, image noise reduction, stray chromosome capture facility, chromosome count facility, method for coloring chromosome boundaries for identification of touching chromosomes, manual and/or automatic separation of touching or overlapping chromosomes, automatic and interactive karyotyping modes for giemsa and quinicrine staining methods with 450-850 band resolution, multiple karyotype template function, split screen comparison function, certain miscellaneous functions (image zoom, rotate, contrast, sharpen, soften, and cut), image/file organization and flexible image storage formats (i.e., tif, bmp, etc.), archival and storage features, flexible print formatting, and software license; FISH software, with multicolor 24 bit image capture and processing, color compensation facilities to prevent merging or mixing of colors, automatic RGB and hue, saturation and intensity enhancement features, feature for immuno FISH procedures; miscellaneous functions (zoom, rotate, sharpen, soften), color to gray image conversion and inversion capacity for DAPI staining methods, a comprehensive ideogram/karyotyping package, flexible image storage formats (i.e. tif, bmp, etc.), and software license; continuous-tone B&W and color sublimination printer with 300 dpi, photographic hard copy output and photographs required to be printed on 8 1/2" x 11" paper (codenics or mitsubishi printers), with interface to the workstation and a supply of B&W and color ribbons and paper; and, a Sony 2.5 Gb erasable archival system with optical disk(s) and optical disk drive. The system should also include a FISH filter set with slide bar or wheel for a Nikon Microphot microscope. Filters required include Texas red, FITC, DAPI and UV for Q banding. A C-mount for a Nikon Microphot Microscope is required for attaching the CCD camera. The contractor shall perform all set-up so that the system is complete and ready to use in the laboratory. The contractor will also provide to the primary user an introductory demonstration of the use and operation of the unit. The system shall be delivered to the Grazinglands Research Laboratory, 7207 West Cheyenne Street, El Reno, Oklahoma 73036. The Government "desires" delivery within 90 days or less after receipt of the purchase order by the successful offeror; however, each offeror shall include its proposed delivery schedule as part of its quotation. Acceptance and FOB point are destination. In order to be considered for award, offerors shall provide a quotation on company letterhead detailing the unit pricing; descriptive literature and brochures shall also be provided for the product quoted. The Government is conducting this procurement using a trade-off approach, where technical capability of the product to perform the desired function and price will both be evaluated in making the award. For this solicitation, price and technical performance are approximately equal factors, and the Government expressly reserves the right to award to other than the lowest priced offer. The following FAR provisions apply to this solicitation: 52.212-1 "Instructions to Offerors -- Commercial", 52.212-2 "Evaluation -- Commercial Items". Offerors shall include a completed copy of the provisions at 52.212-3 "Offeror Representations andCertifications -- Commercial Items" with this offer; a copy of this provision may be obtained from the contracting officer or at http://www.arnet.gov/far. 52.212-4 "Contract Terms and Conditions -- Commercial Items", 52.212-5 "Contract Terms and Conditions Required to Implement Statutes or Executive Orders -- Commercial Items". Furnish quotations to Carol Nichols, USDA-ARS, Grazinglands Research Laboratory, 7207 West Cheyenne Street, El Reno, Oklahoma 73036, no later than close of business August 9, 1999. Quotations may be provided by facsimile to 405-262-0133 if desired. Additional information may be obtained by contacting Carol Nichols at 405-262-5291x223 or email cnichols@grl.ars.usda.gov. Posted 07/08/99 (W-SN351953). (0189)

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