FDA Leica DMi8 confocal upgrades

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This is a combined synopsis-solicitation for commercial items to procure a CICERO Spinning Disk or equal system upgrade for an existing Leica DMi8 microscope (S/N: 526325). The upgrade aims to expand the laboratory's capabilities for advanced, high-speed fluorescence imaging and live-cell imaging experiments, enhancing speed, sensitivity, and reducing phototoxicity. The acquisition is not set aside for small businesses.

• CICERO/THUNDER Imager Spinning Disk or equal upgrade kit: Must include CTR Advanced Plus board, CICERO spinning disk, laser diode illuminator, and all necessary components for seamless integration with the Leica DMi8 microscope (S/N: 526325).

• Enhanced Functionality: The upgraded system must meet advanced technical requirements, including:

  • Dual Imaging Modes (seamless transition between camera-based widefield and physical confocal spinning disk).
  • True Optical Sectioning Hardware for blocking out-of-focus light.
  • Quantitative Fluorescence Measurements with Reduced Background Bias.
  • Significantly Improved Axial (Z) Resolution for 3D reconstructions.
  • High-Powered Diode Lasers.
  • Synergistic Blur Removal.
  • Reduced Phototoxicity and Photobleaching compared to point-scanning confocal.
  • High-Speed Acquisition for Large Samples and Live-Cell Imaging.
  • Dedicated High-Sensitivity Camera for Spinning Disk Detection.

• Delivery, Installation, Training, and Additional System Requirements:

  • System must be newly manufactured.
  • Turn-key solution responsibility lies with the Contractor.
  • Includes all shipping, labor, travel, and tools for installation at the FDA's specified address.
  • Installation by factory-certified service personnel.
  • Onsite Installation Qualification (IQ) and Operational Qualification (OQ) required.
  • Operations and maintenance manuals (hard copy and/or electronic).
  • On-site operator training/familiarization for 3-5 users.
  • Minimum one (1) year warranty from FDA acceptance, including on-site training and technical support.

• Preventive Maintenance (PM) Service Agreement: Option for one year of PM service for the upgraded system, including components and THUNDER imager system.

• Contract Type: Firm Fixed-Price.

• Period of Performance: Initial warranty of one year, with options for two additional 12-month PM service periods.

• Estimated Value: Not explicitly stated, but includes pricing for the upgrade kit and optional PM services.

• Submission Deadline: Quotes and supporting documents due by email to Tim Walbert (timothy.walbert@fda.hhs.gov) no later than 2:00 pm CDT on June 10, 2026.

• Evaluation Factors: Award will be made to the responsible Offeror whose offer is most advantageous, considering price and other factors. The evaluation will prioritize the lowest-priced technically acceptable offer. Technical acceptability will be determined by sufficient descriptive material demonstrating the proposed system meets all requirements.

• Technical Acceptability: Offerors must provide sufficient technical information to demonstrate their proposed solution meets all requirements.

• Price: Must be detailed and represent the offeror's response to the schedule of supplies/services.

• Accessibility: Offerors must submit an Accessibility Conformance Report (ACR) for each item not in compliance with 508 standards.

• Unique Entity Identifier (UEI): Offerors must be registered and active in SAM.gov.

• Not set aside for small business concerns.

• Any business, regardless of size, may submit a quote.

• Offerors are cautioned that this solicitation incorporates provisions and clauses by reference.

• The offer agrees to hold prices firm through September 30, 2026.

• Submissions must not contain macros. Macro-enabled documents will be considered non-responsive.

• Offerors are responsible for monitoring sam.gov for amendments or additional information.