Hidex 300 SL Liquid Scintillation Counter   2

Description
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) plans to procure on a sole source basis with Lablogic Systems, Inc. East Pointe Park, 1040 East Brandon Blvd, Brandon, FL 33511-5509.

The National Institutes of Health (NIH), National Library of Medicine (NLM), NIDDK Acquisitions Branch The Molecular Medicine Branch requests the purchase of a Hidex 300SL Liquid Scintillation Counter to replace the current scintillation counter. The existing scintillation counter (Perkin Elmer Microbeta) is over 10 years old. It is becoming increasingly more difficult to obtain service calls particularly from the manufacturer service representative. Use of the existing scintillation counter is also limited because it is a Windows XP based software system and computers compatible with Windows XP are no longer available or supported. The scintillation counter is critical for cell metabolic assays such as glucose uptake (C-14).

The National Institutes of Health (NIH), National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases {NIDDK), Molecular Medicine Branch has a requirement to carry out studies of glucose metabolism on a cellular and systemic level in cell culture, tissues, and whole animal that of certain radioactive compounds (C14-glucose for example). One current study involves the uptake of C-14 glucose during the differentiation of erythroid progenitor cells under different cell culture conditions. As part of our overall studies on the interplay between Epo and glucose metabolism, the ability to accurately measure the uptake of C- 14 labeled glucose in an efficient and ease of use system is crucial in better understanding glucose metabolism at the cellular level. The system must be quantitative and automated to provide for consistent and reproducible results. A small footprint is also required due to space limitations and the need to minimize the potential for radioactive contamination.

The liquid scintillation counter should be automated with a three photomultiplier detector design aligned at 120 degrees from each other to enable triple-to-double coincidence ratio (TDCR) counting. One advantage of the TDCR is there is no need for any external or internal standard source of radioactivity. The liquid scintillation counter should have state-of-the-art technology to produce accurate and reliable results in a quick and efficient manner. All hardware and software components need to be of recent design using solid-state electronics and modern robotics. The liquid scintillation counter should have access to an external PC, allowing several users to transfer their methods and data files to their own PC. The software needs to have an easy-to-use graphical interface, comes with the ability to store an unlimited number of pre-stored protocols, and with easy export of data to Excel. The sample tray needs the ability to accommodate up to 96 samples at a time. The internal detector should have adequate shielding to minimize exposure.

This acquisition will be processed in accordance with simplified acquisition procedures as stated in FAR Part 13.106-1(b)(1). The North American Industry Classification System Code is 334516 and the business size standard is 500.

Only one award will be made as a result of this solicitation. This will be awarded as a firm-fixed price type contract.

This is not a solicitation for competitive quotations. However, if any interested party believed they can meet the above requirement, they may submit a statement of capabilities. All information furnished must be in writing and must contain sufficient detail to allow the NIDDK to determine if it can meet the above unique specifications described herein. An original and one copy of the capability statement must be received in the DK Acquisitions Branch on or before 11:00 AM EST on August 21, 2015. No electronic capability statements will be accepted (i.e. email or fax); an original and one copy must be sent to the DK Acquisitions Branch to the address stated above. All questions must be in writing and can be faxed to 301-480-4226 or emailed to Linda Smith, Contract Specialist, Linda.Smith2@nih.gov . A determination by the Government not to compete this proposed contract based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. Information received will be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement. In order to receive an award, contractor must be registered and have valid certification in the System for Award Management (SAM) [formerly CCR] http://www.sam.gov . No collect calls will be accepted. Please reference solicitation number NIHLM2015605 on all correspondences.

Confidentiality - No proprietary, classified, confidential, or sensitive information should be included in your response. The Government reserves the right to use any non-proprietary technical information in any resultant solicitation(s)."