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

66 -- IMAGE ANALYSIS SYSTEM SOL 5114-0-6012 DUE 020800 POC Lori J. Houghton, Contracting Officer, 309-681-6616 The USDA, Agricultural Research Service, Midwest Area, Livestock Behavior Research Unit, West Lafayette, IN has the requirement for an Image Analysis System. 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. Solicitation No. 5114-0-6012 is being issued as a Request for Quotation. This solicitation document and incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular 97-15. The solicitation is 100% set-aside for small businesses. Standard Industrial Classification Code 3826 with a corresponding size standard of 500 employees applies to qualify as a small business. Offerors are to propose prices for the following: CLIN (Contract Line Item Number) 0001: Imaging Analysis System 1 each; CLIN 0002 Macro Accessory Package 1 each; CLIN 0003 Dage 300 rC Camera Kit 1 each; CLIN 0004 On-Site Training and Set Up. The salient characteristics the Image Analysis System must meet or include are: Imaging software package must include completely implemented functions for quantitative receptor binding autoradiography including calibration to standards, silver grain counting from tissue sections, western blot analysis including relative molecular weight determinations, 2D gel analysis, and static and dynamic fluorescence image analysis using automated or manual detection of fluorescent targets and digital deconvolution. Receptor binding functions must include overlay and alignment of film autoradiographs with stained sections, and redirected sampling (region definition on stained section while data are read from autoradiograph). The host computer must include software for calibration and analysis of images at high bit densities. That is, fully quantitative density data must be read at precisions higher than 8 bits. Images must be displayed at full resolution on an independent monitor. A combined host and image display is not acceptable. The system must save files with full calibration data including density to concentration function with the ability to track data. Computing system included must have a minimum of 128 MB RAM, 9GB SCSI hard drive, internal Iomega 100 MB Zip Drive, internal CD-ROM drive, two serial ports, one parallel port, integrated SCSWI controller, high resolution PCI graphics, keyboard MS/DOS & Windows NT operating systems, one 17 inch high resolution RGB monitor with stand and cable for host display, one 19 inch high resolution RGB monitor with stand and cable for imaging display, required imaging board set, and imaging software with manuals and first year annual support contract. For data acquisition, a desktop illuminator (rather than scanner) and a integrating video camera with power supply and video .The software must be fully functional without user programming. Image storage at 8, 10, 12, or 24 bits must be available, under software control. Onsite training and set-up assistance must be included in the package. Offerors shall submit Descriptive Literature describing their proposed equipment in enough detail to ascertain whether the equipment meets the criteria listed above. Failure to demonstrate compliance will be cause to reject the proposal without further discussions. Additional award consideration will be given to companies whose offers include the additional salient characteristics, however these additional items are not mandatory to be considered for award. The additional items are listed in priority of preference. Calibration functions that allow extrapolation, to ensure that similar data are obtained from film and storage phosphor plate technology. Native file format support for all storage phosphor imagers, in case the laboratory shifts to this technology as a film replacement. Functions that allow the measurement of process density using two methods. In one case, density is measured as a volume fraction. In another case, stereological measurements of axon density can be made. Stereology may be an optional module. But must integrate fully with the main body of software, allowing cross-calibration between the two measurement methods (direct counting, stereology). The software accepts a module for tiling of multiple image fields into large images. Tiling must function with any number of fields (e.g. 50) and allow the use of monochrome or color cameras. Full control of the Ludl XY and Z motor stage and motor focus instruments. A function that allows image flattening in the Z dimension, to allow visualization of processes in thick sections. 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. The above FAR clauses may be viewed at http://www.ARNet.gov/far/. Quotations will be evaluated on price, past performance, proof of meeting the salient characteristics listed above, and possessing the additional salient characteristics. Offers must include completed FAR 52.212-3, a commercial warranty for equipment, and a list of at least four references to include name, address, phone number, and fax number. Payment will be made 30 calendar days after acceptance of delivered equipment; set-up and training. Equipment will be shipped FOB Destination to: USDA-ARS-MWA, Poultry Building, Room 216, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907. Quotation Price must include any freight or shipping, as well as any applicable duties, brokerage, or customs fees. Delivery of equipment desired to be within 12 weeks after receipt of award (however delivery is negotiable). Offer must include a 30 calendar day acceptance period. Offers are to be received Not Later than the Close of Business, February 8, 2000 at USDA-ARS-MWA, Contracting Office, 1815 N. University Street, Peoria, IL 61604. The POC for this acquisition is Lori J. Houghton, (309) 681-6616, or E-Mail: houghtol@mwa.ars.usda.gov, or FAX: (309) 681-6680. Faxed Quotations will be accepted. Posted 01/21/00 (W-SN417477). (0021)

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