Electrophysiology Rig for Investigating Modulatory Actions of Avpr1b Neurons

Notice of Intent to Award Sole Source ContractThe National Institutes of Health (NIH), the Section on Neural Gene Expression of the Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Regulation studies the roles of the neuropeptides vasopressin and oxytocin in the brain. These peptides influence behaviors related to social interaction and are implicated in neuropsychiatric illnesses such as autism and schizophrenia. NIH/SNGE intends to award a contract on a sole source basis to Nikon Instruments Inc. for a  Electrophysiology rig for investigating modulatory actions of Avpr1b neurons.  Nikon Instruments Eclipse FN1 is a state-of-the-art upright research microscope dedicated to electro-physiology experiments.  The Section on Neural Gene Expression (SNGE) is using state-of-the-art technology to break new ground on the question of how the brain processes information about stress to guide behavior. This acquisition is conducted under the authority of the Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) Subpart

13.106-1 (b) Soliciting from a single source.  (1) For purchases not exceeding the simplified acquisition threshold, contracting officers may solicit from one source if the contracting officer determines that the circumstances of the contract action deem only one source reasonably available (e.g., urgency, exclusive licensing agreements, or industrial mobilization).Several of the quintessential characteristics of the Nikon Eclipse FN 1 is that the Eclipse FN1 has an I-shaped slim line designed body.  This is advantageous because it maximizes the space for equipment surrounding the microscope.  Its Objective holder provides a unique double slider nose-piece - 5mm retraction distance.  The parfocality and parcentricity adjustments can be made on the double slider nose-piece to achieve perfect specimen alignment between magnifications.  The Electrophysiology Rig also possesses a long working distance condenser with the following salient features (not exhaustive): o   The Nikon LWD condenser surface is waterproof.o   The Nikon LWD condenser has a containment reservoir to protect the microscope from spilled liquid.o   The Nikon LWD condenser is specially designed for removal without causing vibrational disruption to the samples.  The Nikon LWD condenser can switch seamlessly between visible, DIC and IR-DIC applications when used in combination with the Polarizer Turret.  In this regard, the F1 Rig solves a major limitation of other commercially available equipment where precision is required for placement of electro-physiology equipment at the specimen plane.§  CFI PLAN ACHRO 4X W NA 0.1 WD 30 MM·         60mm parfocal distance§  CFI APO 60XW NA 1.0 WD 2.8 MM·         60mm parfocal distance The FN1 is equipped for IR-DIC with an easy to access polarizer turret that can be upgraded to VIS-DIC at any time.  It is easily removed for access and cleaning.  The epi-fluorescent light source is the CoolLED pE300 ultra.  It couples via liquid light guide to reduce electrical noise.  It does not generate heat.  It includes TTL control.  The pco edge LT camera is a monochrome cmos camera that connects via USB3.  Nikon Instruments Inc staff will install the TMC table on site.  All Nikon products carry a 1 year electrical, 5 year mechanical and optical warranty.  Other manufacturer’s items sold through Nikon Instruments, Inc carry manufacturer warranty.  The applicable NAICS Code is 811219 with a size standard of $20.5.Kindly note that the above-mentioned information is preemptive in nature, it is not binding. This notice is not a request for competitive proposals. Any comments, questions or concerns regarding this notice must be submitted in writing via e-mail to: barbara.ferguson@nih.govContact Information: Barbara Ferguson, Contract Specialist, Email barbara.ferguson@nih.gov - Valerie Whipple, Contracting Officer, Email valerie.whipple@nih.gov Office Address :6001 Executive BoulevardRoom 4211, MSC 9559 Bethesda MD 20892-9559 Location: National Institute on Drug Abuse Set Aside: N/A