Notice of Intent to Sole Source – ZEISS Celldiscoverer 7 Optical Microscope
ID: N00173-24-Q-EM21Type: Special Notice
Overview

Buyer

DEPT OF DEFENSEDEPT OF THE NAVYNAVAL RESEARCH LABORATORYWASHINGTON, DC, 20375-5328, USA

NAICS

Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing (334516)

PSC

LABORATORY EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES (6640)
Timeline
    Description

    The Department of Defense, specifically the Naval Research Laboratory (NRL), intends to award a sole source contract to Carl Zeiss Microscopy, LLC for the procurement of a ZEISS Celldiscoverer 7 Optical Microscope. This advanced microscope is required to meet specific needs for high throughput automated live cell microscopy, which is critical for biomanufacturing quality control and phenotyping discovery. The system will enhance current capabilities by providing features such as water auto-immersion objectives, adaptive phase gradient contrast imaging, an adaptive lens guard, and an automated UV disinfection system, all of which are essential for maintaining contamination-free environments in laboratory settings. Interested firms that believe they can fulfill these requirements are encouraged to submit their capability statements to the primary contact, Elizabeth Maranto, at elizabeth.m.maranto.civ@us.navy.mil, within 7 days of this notice.

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    Title
    Posted
    The Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) requires a high throughput automated microscope for advanced live cell microscopy workflows, critical for biomanufacturing quality control and phenotyping discovery. Current microscopy capabilities, being largely manual, are inadequate for high throughput needs. This new system aims to support external research efforts funded by the Office of the Undersecretary of Defense (OUSD). The microscope system comprises six components: a robotic platform, microscope objectives, light sources, cameras, an imaging workstation, and software for image acquisition and analysis. Key specifications include an adaptive phase gradient contrast for interference imagery, water autoimmersion objectives with at least 50X magnification and a numerical aperture of 1.2, an adaptive lens guard, and an automated UV disinfection system to prevent contamination. The system must also integrate seamlessly into a typical laboratory setting regarding power and safety requirements. This initiative reflects a focused effort to enhance biomanufacturing capabilities through precise automated imaging technologies.
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