Chief A&MMS (90C), Hunter Holmes McGuire VA Medical Center, 1201 Broad Rock Blvd, Richmond, VA 23249

66 -- LASER SCANNING CONFOCAL MICROSCOPE SOL RFP 652-124-98 POC Charles H. McCarthy WEB: RFP 652-124-98, http://cbdnet.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/cbdpwd.cgi. E-MAIL: LSM-510 system, Charles.McCarthy@med.va.gov. The VA Medical Center, Richmond, Virginia intends to negotiate a sole-source procurement with Carl Zeiss, Inc. for one LSM 510 Laser Scanning Confocal Microscope System for biomedical research. The system must be compatible and interface with Zeiss Axiovert and Axioplan microscopes. Laser Scanning Module requirements include: a 3-photomultiplier system with accompanying UV, HN and Argon lasers for fluorescence/reflectance mode and photomultiplier for transmittance; a controlling computer, monitors, controlling software and physiologic software. The controlling computer shall have at least 128 MB of RAM, 10 GB or greater high speed hard drive, 2 GB or greater high speed magnetic drive and a write-able CD ROM. Image capability shall be not less than 12 bit and 2000 X 2000 pixels, each detector must have independent pinholes. LSM must be able to connect to upright and inverted microscopes and include objectives ranging from 2.5X to 100X that are compatible with both microscopes. Long working water immersion objectives in the 40X to 65X range, as well as oil immersion objectives shall be included. The ability to utilize the calcium sensitive fluoroprobe, INDO-1, and pH sensitive fluoroprobe, SNARF is essential. Responses from interested parties must be received within 10 calendar days of the publication of this notice, and must include sufficient documentation to evaluate your firm's ability to meet or exceed the capabilities of the proposed LSM 510 system. This is NOT a request for competitive proposals. Information received will be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement. Determination to compete this requirement is solely within the discretion of the Government; no additional synopsis will be published. Posted 07/31/98 (W-SN231037). (0212)

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