Request for Information (RFI) Advanced Confocal and Super-Resolution Microscopy System
ID: BSA-RFI-437012Type: Sources Sought
Overview

Buyer

ENERGY, DEPARTMENT OFENERGY, DEPARTMENT OFBROOKHAVEN NATL LAB -DOE CONTRACTORUpton, NY, 11973, USA

NAICS

Computing Infrastructure Providers, Data Processing, Web Hosting, and Related Services (518210)

PSC

OPTICAL INSTRUMENTS, TEST EQUIPMENT, COMPONENTS AND ACCESSORIES (6650)

Set Aside

No Set aside used (NONE)

Original Source

https://sam.gov/workspace/contract/opp/2af327a28e2443628541c37ed983ba5c/view
Timeline
    Description

    The Department of Energy's Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL) is seeking information from qualified vendors regarding an Advanced Confocal and Super-Resolution Microscopy System. The laboratory requires a unified platform that integrates confocal, fluorescence lifetime imaging (FLIM), and super-resolution nanoscopy (STED) capabilities, aimed at enhancing biological, chemical, and materials research through high-speed, multi-color fluorescence imaging. This procurement is critical for advancing imaging applications in various scientific fields, and interested vendors are invited to submit detailed technical and operational information by January 16, 2026, to Mark Brock at mbrock@bnl.gov.

    Point(s) of Contact
    Mark Brock
    (631) 344-2713
    mbrock@bnl.gov
    Files
    Title
    Posted
    Attachment A - BNL QA 101.pdf
    The Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL) document BNL-QA-101 outlines comprehensive quality assurance requirements for suppliers to Brookhaven Science Associates (BSA). It details general requirements applicable to all suppliers, such as maintaining an ISO 9001 compliant quality system, subject to buyer assessment, and ensuring subcontractor compliance. Specific clauses address change approval, responsibility for conformance, material protection, calibration of measuring equipment, prevention of suspect counterfeit parts, and compliance with various safety standards for electrical, fire protection, hoisting, and machine shop equipment. The document also includes special requirements invoked only when specified in procurement documentation, covering areas like quality assurance programs, configuration control, manufacturing/inspection/test plans, special processes, end-item documentation, failure reporting, source inspection, and various certifications. Key aspects include traceability, adherence to safety regulations (e.g., OSHA, ANSI, GHS), and specific requirements for nuclear (NQA-1) purchases and computer software management. The overarching purpose is to ensure that all items and services procured meet BSA's stringent quality, safety, and regulatory standards.
    Attachment B - BSA General Terms and Conditions for Commercial Products and Services.pdf
    The Brookhaven Science Associates, LLC (BSA) General Terms and Conditions for Commercial Products and Services outlines the contractual framework for vendors at Brookhaven National Laboratory. The document defines key terms, establishes an order of precedence for contractual provisions, and details various operational and legal aspects including acceptance, complete agreement, and unauthorized obligations. It mandates a respectful workplace, reporting of environmental and safety concerns, and rules regarding assignment and dispute resolution. Key financial and operational clauses cover payment terms, changes, inspection, taxes, title and risk of loss, and warranties. The agreement also addresses intellectual property rights, compliance with laws (including IPv6 and specific environmental regulations), and reporting requirements for suspect/counterfeit items, executive compensation, and employee identification. Numerous Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and Department of Energy Acquisition Regulation (DEAR) clauses are incorporated by reference, covering areas from gratuities and business ethics to employment eligibility verification and sustainable acquisition programs, emphasizing federal common law for dispute resolution.
    Request_for_Information_SuperResolutionMicroscope_1.pdf
    Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL), operated by Brookhaven Science Associates, LLC under a U.S. Department of Energy contract, is issuing Request for Information (RFI) No. 473012 for an Advanced Confocal and Super-Resolution Microscopy System. This RFI seeks technical, functional, and operational information from qualified vendors to inform future procurement requirements. BNL requires a unified platform combining confocal, FLIM, and STED nanoscopy, offering high sensitivity, broad spectral tuning (450–780 nm excitation, up to 850 nm detection), and integrated automation for biological, chemical, and materials research. Key requirements include a pulsed White Light Laser, secondary laser ports for UV and STED depletion, high-speed beam routing, objective lenses for STED, and a detection system with a 410–850 nm spectral range, five tunable channels, and high-efficiency photon detectors. The system must support lifetime and functional imaging, software-based super-resolution, STED nanoscopy with sub-50 nm lateral resolution, and a unified software platform compatible with standard analysis tools. Vendors are asked to detail system configuration, laser sources, spectral handling, detection efficiency, lifetime measurements, resolution, photobleaching strategies, fluorophore compatibility, software, warranty, and pricing. Responses are due by January 16, 2026, via email to Mark Brock at mbrock@bnl.gov.
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