National Cancer Institute, Research Contracts Branch, PSAS, 6120 Executive Blvd, EPS/Room 638, Bethesda, MD 20892-7227

66 -- MICROBEAM SYSTEM SOL NCI-RFQ-90193-NV DUE 091799 POC Debbie Moore, Purchasing Agent (301) 402-4509, Todd Cole, Contracting Officer (301) 402-4509 The National Cancer Institute (NCI), on behalf of the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), intends to procure on a sole-source basis, a Microbeam System, from P.A.L.M. Mikrolaser Technologie. The NINDS investigator is involved with studies dealing with the molecular identification and characterization of fundamental principles of nerve function and the involvement of these processes in the pathophysiology of neurological disorders. These studies include identifying genes important for the nervous system in model organisms such as mice, and in man. They also include molecular studies that elucidate specific mechanisms of nerve cell development and function, such as the role of growth factors, receptors, structural proteins etc., and the regulation of expression of these factors. To continue with on-going research the investigator requires an instrument to microdissect and isolate individual cells or areas of tissue from tissue sections and eventually to laser-catapult them into a receiving vessel such as a PCR tube (eliminating the danger of contamination from unwanted cells or cellular debris). Harvested cells can then be analyzed for gene expression, library production etc., by a number of established techniques. The NINDS investigator believes that the aforementioned instrument and organization is the only source that can satisfy their requirement. The required Microbeam system shall have the following features: shall allow the user to microdissect and isolate individual cells or areas of tissue from neighboring cells or surrounding tissue sections (accommodating irregular shapes) and laser-catapulting the cells into a receiving vessel such as a PCR tube; the laser catapulting system shall allow material to be precisely dissected by the laser, cutting around it and then lifting it up by photon pressure using the same UV laser; to facilitate sample procurement, the system shall process single cells or tissue areas as large as 1mm and be able to catapult the sample into a receiving vessel with one single laser shot. The system shall include: laser-interface UV-microbeam, mini w/microscope adapter, fluovar; cutting laser nitrogen, 337nm, pulsed, 300uJ; cutting laser energy adjustment-motorised; laser focus correction-motorised; robot-stage 2 axes, motorized, nm precision; stage controller, 2 axes computer (including RoboCut software); manipulator-3 axes, mechanical; working place-aluminum plate; CCD video camera -- color, 1 chip 0.5"; microscope, Zeiss Axiovert 135, including 5 selected objectives for micromanipulation; LPC-collecting set -- cap holder, glass holder, LPC mount, 10 LPC membranes, 1000 microfuge tubes, 500 object slides; fluorescent attachment, 100 watt; 6-position fluorescent filter wheel; and, fluorescent filter set. The Contractor shall provide a Year 2000 Warranty for each hardware, software, and firmware product delivered. The award will be in the aggregate for all items listed herein. This is not a request for competitive quotation, however, if any interested party believes it can meet the above requirement, they may submit a statement of capabilities. Information furnished must be in writing and must contain sufficient detail, to allow NCI to determine if the party can meet the requirement. Capability statements must be received in the Contracts Office by 2:00 PM EST on September 17, 1999. If you have any questions, please contact Debbie Moore, Purchasing Agent on (301) 402-4509. A determination by the Government not to compete this proposed contract based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. Information received will be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement. Posted 08/30/99 (W-SN374155). (0242)

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