66 -- AUTOMATED IMMUNOSTAINER

Notice Date

September 14, 2000

Contracting Office

Directorate of Contracting, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Rm A1040c, 4301 Jones Bridge Road, Bethesda MD 20814-4799

ZIP Code

20814-4799

Solicitation Number

MDA905-00-Q-0091

Response Due

September 30, 2000

Point of Contact

David Denton, 301-295-3068 OR FAX 301-295-1716

E-Mail Address

click here to contact the contracting officer via (ddenton@usuhs.mil)

Description

The Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USUHS), Bethesda, MD requires an automated Ventana NexES Immunohistochemisry (IHC) Staining System (Model 750) from the manufacturer Ventana Medical Systems, Inc. This item will be procured on a brand name or equal basis. Minimum specifications: must have computer/monitor/and printer. Must have staining module. Must have bulk fluid module. Must have expanded primary antibody menu (over 100 primary antibiotics). Must have potential capacity for a minimum of 160 slides per run. Must be a closed heated system. Must have Slide Labeling System. The system shall not take up more than 3.0 linear feet of bench space. The system shall be capable of utilizing bar-coded dispensers compatible with automated barcode slide labeling technology. The bar-coding allows automatic input of data for the reagent delivery system and staining protocols facilitating total automation of protocol control and true-walk-away freedom. This means no daily programming of protocols and eliminates error and run-to-run variability. The operating chamber shall be precision heated and maintained at a temperature of 40C producing a slide temperature of 37C-approximately human body temperature. In the Special Stains Module, the temperature is maintained at 60C to enhance the staining reaction and speed up slide processing. The Air Vortex Reagent mixing actively mixes reagents on the slide surface. By placing both patient and control tissues on the same slide, the patient and positive tests may be completed with only 100 up of reagent -- a process that used to take as much as 1600 ul. Stirring the reagents on the slide, reagents are moved to their epitopes more quickly, again decreasing turn-around time. The application of Ventana's liquid cover slip allows the utilization of heat and air vortex mixing by preventing sample wash off and dehydration. It is automatically applied during a staining run and forms a mini-incubation chamber for the staining reaction. The Buffer jet APK rinse system precision heats the APK solution to 37 degrees Celsius. It then thoroughly but gently "scrubs" the slide surface between each reagent application. This facilitates the crisp, clear, high-quality staining for which the Ventana Systems are recognized. The Micro-dispensers are pre-filled with reagents optimized for the system and ensure only 100 ul of reagent are dispensed per test. They prevent handling of caustic or dangerous chemicals while allowing for various minimum volumes of dispense. The pre-filled Ventana dispensers provide verified quality control of reagents and antibodies. These two factors alleviate waste, provide for predictability of costs, limit technician exposure to carcinogenic/hazardous materials, and eliminate the need for internal quality control for each run. The result is a significant reduction in repeat rates and the elimination in variability due to detection reagents. This notice is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items prepared in accordance with the format in subpart 12.6 the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) part 12, Commercial Acquisitions and FAR part 13.5 supplemented with additional information included in this notice. This announcement constitutes the solicitation; proposals are being requested and a written solicitation will not be issued. This notice is being used as request for proposal for: 0001) NexES Immunohistochemistry (IHC) Staining System, Model #750 -- Full IHC System. DELIVERABLES: The system shall be delivered and installed at USUHS, Bethesda, MD 20814-4799, and FOB: Destination within 90 days. Delivery shall be made within the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, excl. Federal holidays, and shall be scheduled with the COR named at the time of award. PACKING and SHIPPING: All items packed and shipped shall have the mailing label addressed as follows: USUHS (complete address) and the contract number (named at the time of award). INSTALLATION: The contractor shall be responsible for the movement of all equipment to installation site. The Contractor shall install the microscope, complete with the components. The Contractor shall also perform verification testing and provide technical support. Installation shall be completed within 30 days after delivery to USUHS and is to be coordinated with the COR (to be named at time of award). SET-UP and TRAINING: The Contractor shall be responsible for performing all start-up operations to ensure the system is fully functional for its intended purpose. The contractor shall provide on-site training and provide technical support available via telephone. DOCUMENTATION: Upon completion the contractor shall provide two (2) sets each of all equipment/software manuals for the automated NexEs Immunohistochemistry Staining System or equal. Final payment shall not be made until such documentation is received and accepted by the Contracting Officer. WARRANTEE: A standard commercial warranty shall be provided for the software and equipment. The Contractor shall extend to the Government the full coverage of any standard commercial warranty normally offered in a similar commercial sale, provided such warranty is available at no additional cost to the Government. Acceptance of the standard commercial warranty does not waive the Government's rights under the Inspection clause nor does it limit the Government's rights with regard to the other terms and conditions of this contract. The provision of FAR 52-212-1, Instruction to Offerors -- Commercial Items and 52.211-6, Brand Name or Equal, applies to this acquisition. All offerors are required to submit a completed copy of Addenda to FAR Clause 52.212-1 1) Item (b) Submission of Offers is amended to include the following: Submit your proposal, acknowledgment of amendments (if any), software licensing agreements (if any), descriptive literature for the proposed equipment and software, and the FAR 52.212-3 -- Offeror Representations and Certifications -- Commercial Items, prior to an award. Telegraphic or facsimile offers are not acceptable. Period for acceptance of offers is amended to include the following: The offeror agrees to hold the prices in its offer firm for 90 calendar days from the date specified for receipt of offers. The provision at 52-212-1, Instruction to Offerors -- Commercial Items, applies to this acquisition. The provision of FAR 52.212-2, Evaluation -- Commercial Items, applies to this acquisition. The following evaluation criteria are included in paragraph (a) of that provision. Addendum to FAR clause 52.212-2. Evaluation Factors for award: Any resulting order will be issued to the company offering the best value to the Government, price and other factors considered. Factors that will be considered are Technical capability and price. Technical capabilities are significantly more important than price. Failure to provide the information relative to each evaluation factor may render offer non-responsive. 1) TECHNICAL CAPABILITY: Technical capability will be based on product literature, technical features and/or warranty provisions. Each offeror is required to submit licensing (if applicable), descriptive literature, or other documentation, manufacturer or brand name and model of the item, and show how the offered product meets or exceeds the requirements as specified in the Specifications. 2) PRICE: Price includes all equipment, software, software licensing, training, warranty costs, discount terms, and transportation costs. Evaluation is based on best value including cost and ability to meet stated requirements above. Offerors shall submit descriptive literature and drawings detailing features, technical capabilities and warranty data. Technical acceptability will be determined solely on the content and merit of the information submitted response to this provision as it compares to the minimum characteristics provided above. Therefore, it is essential that offerors provide sufficient technical literature, documentation, etc., in order for the Government evaluation team to make an adequate technical assessment of the quote as meeting technical acceptability. The full text of these clauses may be accessed electronically at this address: http://www.arnet.gov/far/. Offerors shall include a complete copy of the provision at FAR 52.212-3, Offeror/Representation and Certifications-Commercial Items. The following FAR clauses cited in 52.212-5 are applicable to this acquisition for supplies: 52.203-6, Restrictions on Subcontractor Sales to the Government (JUL 1995); 52.222-21, Prohibition of Segregated Facilities (FEB 1999); 52.222-26, Equal Opportunity (APR 1984); 52.222-35, Affirmative Action for Disabled Veterans and Vietnam Era Veterans (APR 1998); 52.222-36, Affirmative Action for Workers with Disabilities (JUN 1998); 52.222-37, Employment Reports on Disabled Veterans and Veterans of the Vietnam Era (JAN 1999); 52.225-3, Buy American Act Supplies (JAN 1994); 52.225-13 Restrictions on certain Foreign Purchases (FEB 2000); 52.225-21, Buy American Act North American Free Trade Agreement Implementation Act Balance of Payments Program (JAN 1997); 52.232-33, Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer Central Contractor Registration (May 1999); 52.239-1, Privacy or Security Safeguards (AUG 1996). ALL INTERESTED PARTIES SHALL SUBMIT OFFERS WITH THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION: Federal Tax Identification (TIN); Dun & Bradstreet Number (DUNS); remit to address if different; and business size. As of 31 May 1999 all Contractors must be registered in the Central Contractor Registration (CCR) Database as a condition for contract award. Contractors may register in the CCR through the World Wide Web at http://www/acq/osd.mil/ec or call the DOD Electronic Information Center at 1-800-334-3414.

Record

Loren Data Corp. 20000918/66SOL010.HTM (W-258 SN497009)