FDA Leica DMi8 confocal upgrades

Background
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), specifically the Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research (CBER), Office of Vaccine Research and Review (OVRR), Laboratory of Bacterial Parasitic & Allergenic Products (DBPAP), requires a CICERO/THUNDER Imager Spinning Disk or equal upgrade to an existing Leica DMi8 microscope, S/N: 526325.

This upgrade aims to enhance the laboratory's capabilities in performing advanced, high-speed fluorescence imaging and live-cell imaging experiments with improved speed, sensitivity, and reduced phototoxicity. The CICERO system includes advanced camera capabilities and specialized objectives for high-resolution imaging.

Work Details
The contract includes the following items:

1. **CICERO Spinning Disk or equal upgrade kit**
- Purpose: To integrate seamlessly with an existing Leica DMi8 microscope, S/N: 526325.
- Quantity: 1
- Unit: Each
- Includes all necessary components and installed functionality to meet new technical requirements.
- Delivery F.o.b. Destination.

2. **Option Year 01**
- Preventive maintenance-repair (PM) service agreement for the Leica DMi8 microscope, including CICERO spinning disk components and THUNDER imager system.
- Quantity: 1
- Unit: 12 consecutive months

3. **Option Year 02**
- Similar preventive maintenance-repair service as in Option Year 01.
- Quantity: 1
- Unit: 12 consecutive months.

Salient characteristics for the upgrade kit include:
- Dual Imaging Modes allowing seamless transition between traditional camera-based widefield and physical confocal spinning disk modes.
- True Optical Sectioning Hardware capable of blocking out-of-focus light before it reaches the camera sensor.
- Quantitative Fluorescence Measurements with reduced background bias for reliable intensity measurements.
- Improved Axial (Z) Resolution for cleaner 3D reconstructions of thick specimens.
- High-Powered Diode Lasers providing higher irradiance for improved signal in deep samples.
- Reduced Phototoxicity and Photobleaching compared to traditional point-scanning confocal systems.

Period of Performance
To Be Determined (TBD)

Bidder Requirements
Bidders must provide a written Accessibility Conformance Report (ACR) for each item not in compliance with requirements outlined in the solicitation. The ACR should be based on the Voluntary Product Accessibility Template Version 2.0. Additionally, bidders must ensure that their proposed systems meet all specific physical, functional, and performance specifications listed in the solicitation.