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

66 -- COMPLETE CRYSTALLOGRAPHIC SYSTEM SOL RFQ-NCI-00078-NR DUE 032300 POC Marsha Gorham, Purchasing Agent & Todd Cole, Contracting Officer The National Institutes of Health, National Cancer Institutes (NCI), Laboratory of Cell Biology plans to procure a complete crystallographic system from Mar USA Inc, 1840 Oak Avenue, Suite 304 N, Evanston, IL 60201. Specifically, the commercially available system shall consist of an Imaging Plate X-Ray Data Collection System, Oxford Instruments Cryojet System, Osmic Mirror System and a Mar X-Ray Beam Alignment Tool. The Laboratory of Cell Biology, Macromolecular Crystallography Unit studies the structure and function of macromolecular assemblies, especially those related to cancer development, treatment, and prevention, using crystallographic methodology. The Mar345 phosphor-imaging plate based X-ray detector, consisting of an X-ray scanner and cradle, is designed specifically for use with an in-house X-ray source. The imaging plate detector features larger dynamic range with superb linearity, larger effective surface area, and reliable performance. Unique features of the system include a large effective surface of at least 345 mm; two readout resolutions (150 micron and 100 micron are required for research); various scanning modes (180 mm, 300mm and 345mm); a compact design that fits a small lab space and motorized adjustment of detector to crystal distance. The crystallographic cradle on which the scanner sits also provides a flexible platform, not only for easy operation and control of the scanner, but also for convenient alignment of X-ray beam. In addition, the system's operations can be performed remotely without risking possible exposure to X-ray beams. The built-in network capability of the system allows control of data collection and subsequent data transfer through a simple Ethernet connection, a feature that also provides a convenient means for remote problem diagnostics and software upgrading. The Osmic X-ray optics is able to collect large amounts of X-rays and can focus and collimate the beam to a diameter no more than 0.3 mm with a uniform beam profile. It is capable of delivery of an X-ray beam having between a 2-10 fold increase in intensity as compared with any existing X-ray optical devices. The optics also serves as a monochromator to filter out undesirable wavelengths with a final product containing no more than 0.1% of contaminating energy. Furthermore, the X-ray optical device requires minimal or no routine maintenance. The Oxford Instrument's Cryojet is a cryo-cooling device that has the ability to avoid trapping moisture from the air and therefore avoid ice formation during operation, an extremely important feature for stable crystallographic data collection. The cryojet can provide an operating temperature range of 90 to 300 degrees Kelvin and is capable of maintaining a temperature stability in the range between plus or minus 0.1 degrees Kelvin. The Cryojet cooling system shall include an auto-refilling component for automated liquid nitrogen refilling. This is the only source known to the NCI researcher that can provide a complete crystallographic system having the above features fully integrated together with a comprehensive warranty (one year parts and labor for all components from installation date) and onsite service. This is not a request for competitive quotation. However, if any interest party believes it can provide an equivalent system, it may submit a statement of capabilities. The statement of capabilities and any other information furnished must be in writing and must contain material in sufficient detail to allow the NCI research to determine if the system can meet the above requirement. Capability statements must be received in the contracting Office by 2:00 pm (Local Washington, D.C. time) on March 23, 2000. If you have any questions, please contact Marsha Gorham, purchasing agent on (301)402-4509. A determination by the government not to compete this requirement 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. Please reference RFQ-NCI-00078-NR on all correspondence and documentation Posted 03/07/00 (W-SN431844). (0067)

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