TCSPC/Film Module and High-speed hybrid detectors

DESCRIPTION: The National Institutes of Health – NIAAA- The Laboratory of Biophotonics and Quantum Biology (LBQB), intends to procure the services of a contractor to provide a TCSPC/Film Module and High-speed hybrid detectors and accessories for TCSPC. These detectors will be used in a second-generation photon-antibunching microscope that the Lead researcher is building to measure quantum behaviors in fluorescent protein constructs. Unlike the above-mentioned components that are optimized for high time resolution, the photon detectors the Lab is requesting are optimized for high quantum yield (~44%), a key requirement for efficient single molecule fluorescence detection. All the TCSPC microscopes in the lab are built using Becker & Hickle components and software so these two HPM-100-40 detectors will be compatible with software and components already available in the lab.  The first three items on our request are one SPC-182NX TCSPC/FLIM module, and two HPM 100-06-CMOUNT hybrid photon

detectors. These specific optical components are optimized for measuring photon kinetics with high temporal resolution. Specifically, the SPC-182NX has an electronic instrument response function (IRF) of 3.5 ps and the HPM 100-06 photon detectors have an IRF <20 ps. The Lab currently uses older components and equipment  manufactured by Becker & Kickl, to measure fluorescence lifetime decays to characterize biological energy transfer between fluorescent proteins. The current instrumentation has an IRF of 140 ps, thus limiting the fastest lifetime decay components that can be measured to ~ 140 ps. These three requested components together will lower the instrument function of our home built time-resolved anisotropy microscope system from 140 ps to approximately 20 ps.  The Lab now needs to be able to measure the actual speed of energy transfer in these constructs using these new higher temporal resolution components.. Additionally, all FLIM microscopes in the lab are built using Becker & Hickle components and are operated using Becker & Hickle software so these new items will be compatible with software and components currently available in the lab.Vendors such as Boston Electronics that are authorized suppliers of Becker & Hickle components in the USA can submit their quotes.The proposed contract action is for which the Government does not intend to solicit and negotiate with only one source under the authority of FAR 6.302.  Instead, interested parties may identify their interest and capability to respond to the requirement and submit quotations. This notice is a request for competitive quotes and all quotes received within the time and date of publication of this Notice# HHSNTCSPC071321 will be considered by the Government. A determination by the Government not to compete with this proposed contract based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. Information received will normally be considered for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a future competitive procurement.Equipment needed:01-1-Channel TCSPC/FLIM module with 3.5 ps electronic IRF.    X 1 Unit02-High speed hybrid detector for TCSPC, bialkali, 300-600 nm, 3 mm cathode diameter, time resolution                                                                                    X2 Units03-High speed hybrid detector for TCSPC, GaAsP, 250-720 nm, 3 mm cathode diameter, time  resolution 120 ps, C-mount                                                                  X  2 UnitsThis RFQ will award to the LPTA with all salient characteristics and compatibility with current equipment at the Lab.   All quotes will be evaluated equally after close of this solicitation and award will be made thereafter.HOW TO RESPOND: In order to compete for this project, interested parties must be registered in the Central Contracting Registration/SAM and submit a price quotation by 10:00 am, ET, July 29th,  2021. Offerors should submit one copy of the quote to MOE FILALI via email. Electronic transmissions to Moe.Filali@nih.gov are preferable but must be timely. It is the responsibility of the Offeror to ensure the proposal is received by the date and time shown above.This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items prepared in accordance with the format in FAR 12.6 as supplemented with additional information included in this notice.  This announcement constitutes the only solicitation and a separate written solicitation will not be issued.  This solicitation number is HHSNTCSPC071321 and is issued as a Request for Quotation (RFQ).  The solicitation/contract will include all applicable provisions and clauses in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular 2019-05. The offeror must include a completed copy of the provision of FAR Clause 52.212-3, Offeror Representations and Certifications – Commercial Items with its offer.  The provisions of FAR Clause 52.212-1 Instructions to Offerors – Commercial Items; FAR Clause 52.212-2, Evaluation – Commercial Items; FAR Clause 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 – Deviation for Simplified Acquisitions applies to this acquisition.  FAR Clause 52.204-24, Representation Regarding Certain Telecommunication and Video Surveillance Services or Equipment; FAR Clause 52.204-25, Prohibition on Contracting for Certain Telecommunications and Video Surveillance Services or Equipment; FAR Clause 52.213-4 to reflect the changes in FAC 2019-05 and FAR Clause 52.244-6 to reflect the changes in FAC 2019-05.  The offeror must include their Dun & Bradstreet Number (DUNS), the Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN), and the certification of business size.  The clauses are available in full text at http://www.arnet.gov/far.  Interested vendors capable of providing the Government with the equipment specified in this synopsis should submit their quotation to the below address.   The quotation must reference “Solicitation number” HHSNTCSPC071321.  All responsible sources may submit a quotation, which if timely received, shall be considered by the agency.  Quotations must be submitted by email to Moe.filali@nih.gov.    Faxed copies will not be acceptedPLEASE NOTE: In order to receive an award, contractor must be registered and have valid certification in System for Award Management (SAM).The following Federal Acquisition Regulations clauses are incorporated by reference: FAR 52.212-3, Offeror Representations and Certifications-Commercial Items (Mar 2005), 52.212-4 (Sept 2005), 52.212-5, Contract Terms and Conditions Required to Implement Statutes of Executive Orders-Commercial Items (Aug 2006). (6)(i) 52.222-26, Equal Opportunity (Apr 2002) (E.O. 11246). (18) 52.222-35, Equal Opportunity for Special Disabled Veterans, Veterans of the Vietnam Era, and Other Eligible Veterans (Dec 2001) (38 U.S.C. 4212). (19) 52.222-36, Affirmative Action for Workers with Disabilities (Jun 1998) (29 U.S.C. 793). (20) 52.222-37, Employment Reports on Special Disabled Veterans, Veterans of the Vietnam Era, and Other Eligible Veterans (Dec 2001) (38 U.S.C. 4212). (31) 52.232-33, Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer-Central Contractor Registration (Oct 2003) (31 U.S.C. 3332).