Procurement of a Fluorescent Stereozoom Microscope

NOTICE OF INTENT TO NEGOTIATE A SINGLE-SOURCE CONTRACTSpecial Notice: FD-2024-028SSNOAA/NMFS/NWFSC EFS Division/Ecotoxicology ProgramIn compliance with FAR Subpart 13 coupled with the provisions set forth by FAR Subpart 5.101(a)(1), this Notice is hereby published to inform of the following:The U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), Office of Management and Budget (OMB) intends to negotiate, on a sole source basis, under the authority of FAR 13.106-1(b)(1), with Bartels & Stout, Inc.Using the procedures of FAR Part 13 the requirement is to procure the following: Procure a Zeiss Axio Zoom.V16 fluorescent large-field stereomicroscope system for analyzing the toxic effects of stormwater pollution on salmon development.The applicable Size Standard is North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) Code 334516 with a Small business size standard of 1000 EMP.In order to study the internal

structures of developing salmon embryos and alevins, a fluorescent large-field stereomicroscope system is needed. This instrument fills a gap for the NWFSC Ecotoxicology fish health studies that require the ability to study how organs, tissue structures and cells are impacted in managed fish species that are exposed to toxic chemicals in stormwater runoff. This instrument allows the collection of anatomical and functional information in both live salmonid embryos and alevins and either fixed or live dissected specimens.A primary effort of the NWFSC Ecotoxicology Program is to determine the impacts of pollutants on fishery resources managed by NOAA Fisheries. In particular, the Program is currently studying the impacts of urbanization and associated nonpoint source stormwater runoff on the health of embryonic, juvenile, and adult salmonids. Chemicals from tire-wear particles are known to be highly toxic to coho salmon, and petroleum hydrocarbons in road runoff are toxic to all fish species. Current studies involve determining how these chemicals affect ESA-listed salmonids at all life stages. Available data strongly suggest the brain and heart as important target organs for lethal and sublethal toxicity. In order to study these internal tissues and determine changes in their cellular organization and 3-dimensional anatomy, exposed animals need to be analyzed by microscopy. Because of the large size of salmon eggs and embryos (~ 5 mm diameter), a special large-field stereozoom microscope is needed. This instrument would also permit the analysis of dissected salmonid hearts at later stages, which are also too large for imaging on conventional microscope systems that are already available at NWFSC. The Zeiss Axio Zoom.V16 is specifically designed for collecting 3-dimensional images from larger specimens, with a field of view ranging from 1.4 to 66 mm.TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS:The stereo microscope system needs to have the capability for 3-dimensional low-light fluorescent imaging with the maximum resolution and field of view possible.This includes:Large zoom range (16:1)High numerical aperture for objective lenses (0.57)High imaging resolution (0.3 microns)Motorized stage with large travel range (150 mm X 100 mm)Structured illumination to remove out-of-focus light for maximum sharpness of imagesAutomated data collection software**THIS NOTICE OF INTENT IS NOT A REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE PROPOSALS AND NO SOLICITATION PACKAGE IS AVAILABLE. HOWEVER, FIRMS THAT BELIEVE THEY CAN FULLY MEET THE GOVERNMENT'S REQUIREMENTS MAY SUBMIT SUBSTANTIATING DOCUMENTATION IN WRITING TO THE IDENTIFIED POINT OF CONTACT WITHIN 15 DAYS AFTER PUBLICATION OF THIS SYNOPSIS. SUCH DOCUMENTATION WILL BE EVALUATED SOLELY FOR THE PURPOSE OF DETERMINING WHETHER OR NOT TO CONDUCT THIS PROCUREMENT ON A COMPETITIVE BASIS. A DETERMINATION BY THE GOVERNMENT NOT TO CONDUCT A COMPETITIVE PROCUREMENT, BASED UPON RESPONSES TO THIS NOTICE, IS SOLELY WITHIN THE DISCRETION OF THE GOVERNMENT. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS ARE NOT ACCEPTABLE IN RESPONSE TO THIS NOTICE.AttachmentsSingle Source Determination