Confocal Microscope System

Key Details

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) needs a confocal microscope system for ex vivo imaging of mouse cochleae. The system must provide enhanced fluorescence detection sensitivity, be configured as an upright microscope, and accommodate ex vivo cochlear preparations, high-numerical-aperture water-dipping objectives, live pharmacological manipulations, and integration with patch-clamp electrophysiology equipment.

• What exactly do they need?
• The microscope system must provide enhanced fluorescence detection sensitivity to enable reliable detection of weak fluorescent signals while minimizing photobleaching and phototoxicity.
• The system must be configured as an upright microscope to accommodate ex vivo cochlear preparations, high-numerical-aperture water-dipping objectives, live pharmacological manipulations during experiments, and integration with patch-clamp electrophysiology equipment.
• The system must be compatible with high-numerical-aperture (1.0 N.A.) water-dipping objectives, patch-clamp integration, and live pharmacological manipulation during imaging.
• The system must have a maximum resonant image size of up to 2048 x 2048 pixels, high-speed acquisition of up to 720 fps at 2048 x 16 pixels, and a large field of view.
• The system must be compatible with Nikon NIS-Elements software and existing Nikon imaging workflows.
• The system must have a user training burden of no significant additional training compared to existing Nikon systems.
• The system must be capable of supporting NIH and extramural collaborations.
• What's the contract structure and timeline?
• The intended procurement will be classified under North American Industrial Classification (NAICS) code 334516 with a size standard of 1000e.
• The contract will be awarded based on the capability statement submitted by the respondent.
• The contract will be classified as a small business set-aside.
• How will they pick the winner?
• The Government will evaluate the capability statements based on the experience, skills, and capability of the firm to fulfill the Government's requirements.
• The Government will also evaluate the descriptive literature, delivery timeframe, warranties, and other information provided by the respondent.
• When and how do you bid?
• Interested firms must submit a capability statement to assist the Government in determining the availability and technical capability of qualified small businesses.
• The capability statement must be submitted via email to robinsti@mail.nih.gov Attn: Tina Robinson prior to 5:00 pm eastern daylight time on June 24, 2026.
• The capability statement must reference solicitation# 75N98026R00105.