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Life Imaging Services Cube & Box temperature control incubation enclosure

Waiver type - Procurement: Nonavailability

Agency: NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH (7529) • Product Service Code (PSC) : 6640 | Last Modified: 08/17/2023

Procurement Summary

This request is for a CUBE & BOX temperature control system for Leica STELLARIS 8 DIVE confocal microscope, manufactured by Life Imaging Services in Switzerland. The Laboratory of Host Immunity and Microbiome (LHIM), Neuro-Immune Cross Talk Unit (NCU). NCU requires their Leica Stellaris 8 DIVE confocal laser scanning microscope system to conduct intravital imaging of mice, and a temperature control system is a required component for the laser inside the microscope to operate safely. The CUBE & BOX temperature control system must meet the following requirements: 1. Must fit and be compatible with the Leica STELLARIS 8 DIVE confocal microscope. 2. with Dimensions of (WxDxH) 335 x 100 x 175 cm (11 x 3.3 x 5.9 in.). 3. Sensitivity POWER HyD S: Spectral sensitivity range: 410 to 850nm. 4. BOX must be made entirely of black polycarbonate. Missions need for the item(s) are intended to satisfy the need for: This request is for the Laboratory of Host Immunity and Microbiome (LHIM), Neuro-Immune Cross Talk Unit (NCU). NCU requires their Leica Stellaris 8 DIVE confocal laser scanning microscope system to conduct intravital imaging of mice, and a temperature control system is a required component for the laser inside the microscope to operate safely. The microscope will not function without it. The NCU requires daily unlimited access to a confocal laser scanning microscope box that has the minimum technical requirements of the Leica Stellaris 8 DIVE. To this end, this CUBE & BOX temperature control instrumentation is required, and Life Imaging Services is the only known source or manufacturer capable of meeting the requirement for this temperature control system, which is designed to work with Leica confocal microscope.

Waiver Rationale Summary

Conclusion: Based on the above market research findings and results from the brand name or equal request for quotes RFQ-NIAID-23-2177653 posted on SAM.gov, no domestic products that meet the requirements were available. No domestically manufactured items that meet the Government’s need that are mined, produced, or manufactured in the United States in sufficient and reasonably available commercial quantities and of satisfactory quality could be identified. One vendor responded with a foreign offer to the solicitation (Request for Quotes), which was posted as full and open competition with a brand name or equal requirement. The one foreign offer received was for the CUBE & BOX temperature control system, manufactured by Life Imaging Services, as requested, no domestic offers were received. The feasibility of foregoing the requirement or providing a United States-manufactured substitute has been considered, and no substitutes were found. Authority is requested to acquire the above-described CUBE & BOX temperature control system, manufactured by Life Imaging Services in Switzerland. Based on the findings detailed above, the CUBE & BOX temperature control system, manufactured by Life Imaging Service are not mined, produced, or manufactured in the United States in sufficient and reasonably available commercial quantities and of a satisfactory quality. Therefore, it is hereby determined by NIAID, consistent with FAR 25.103(b)(2), that these items are not domestically available.

Did / Will the solicitation include one of the standard BAA provisions announcing the agency’s intention to provide a price preference for domestic end products and construction material?

Yes

Was a sources sought or Request for Information issued?

No

OMB Determination

Consistent with Policy

Product

LABORATORY EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES

NAICS

334516 - Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing

Date Submitted

08/08/2023

Procurement Instrument Identifier (PIID)

N/A

Solicitation ID

RFQ-NIAID-23-2177653

Procurement Stage

Post-solicitation

Expected Maximum Duration of the Proposed Waiver

0 - 6 months

Waiver Coverage

Individual Waiver

Funding Agency

NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH