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COMMERCE BUSINESS DAILY ISSUE OF AUGUST 26,1998 PSA#2167National Cancer Institute, Research Contracts Branch, PSAS, 6120
Executive Blvd, EPS/Room 638, Bethesda, MD 20892-7227 66 -- ATOMIC FORCE MICROSCOPE SOL RFQ-NCI-80203-NV DUE 091098 POC
Debbie Moore, Purchasing Agent, 301-402-4509, Todd Cole, Contracting
Officer, 301-402-4509 The Laboratory of Receptor Biology and Gene
Expression, Division of Basic Sciences, National Cancer Institute (NCI)
plans to procure an atomic force microscope (AFM), including the
magnetic AC and Acoustic AC Mode AFM having a magnetic AC mode sample
plate, from Molecular Imaging Corporation, 9830 South 51st Street A124,
Phoenix, AZ 85044. The Laboratory of Receptor Biology and Gene
Expression is involved in studying native chromatin structure. The
structure must be studied at resolutions requiring electron microscopy,
while maintaining the material in the hydrated state, rather than a
chemically altered state. In order to perform such studies, maximum
control over the probe, along with the smallest possible amplitudes and
vertical forces on the samples, is required. Molecular Imaging
Corporation's atomic force microscope offers maximum control over the
probe and the smallest possible amplitudes and vertical forces on the
samples. The unique characteristic of the atomic force microscope
involves magnetic AC (MAC) mode. MAC mode uses a magnetic field as the
cantilever driving mechanism. The important difference between MAC
mode and other AC techniques is the advantage in fluid environments.
Because of magnetic field driving, the need to drive the cantilever
mounting mechanism is eliminated. This direct method of driving the
probe results in increased control, which allows for smaller amplitudes
and smaller vertical forces on the sample as a result. Therefore,
asperities are preserved and spurious responses are eliminated. In
addition, this system allows for the lowest contact forces for
extremely delicate samples. Therefore, the following attributes are
unique to Molecular Imaging's system and required for the above
studies: 1.) The required Atomic Force Microscope shall be designed for
controlled imaging. To accomplish control as well as high resolution,
the probe tip shall be driven directly by a magnetic field. 2.) The
operating frequency in fluid shall range continuously from 0 to 70
kilohertz. 3.) The resonant frequency in air shall be from 0 to 120
kilohertz. 4.) Amplitude of oscillation in fluid shall be continuously
adjustable from 5 to 30 nanometers at peak to peak amplitude. 5.) The
amplitude noise shall be less than 0.1 nanometers Root Mean Square.
6.) The output signal range shall be within a 10 volt output signal
noise at less than 0.3%. 7.) Cantilevers shall be driven by an
alternating current magnetic field. One of the cantilevers shall have
a spring constant of 0.5+-0.1 newtons/meter. 8.) Sample stage shall
include a solenoid mounted teflon liquid cell underneath the plate. 9.)
Resolution shall be better than 1 angstrom lateral and better than 0.1
angstrom verticle. 10.) Temperature control system shall allow heating
to 100 degrees centigrade in liquid. Heating shall be possible while
imaging in contact and magnetic AC mode. Molecular Imaging Corporation
is the only source known to NCI that can provide an atomic force
microscope and meet the above control and resolution requirements.
However, if any interested party believes it can meet the above
requirement, it may submit a statement of capabilities. Information
furnished must be in writing and must contain sufficient detail to
allow NCI to determine if the party can meet the requirement.
Capability statements must be received in the Contracting Office by
3:00 PM EST on September 10, 1998. If you have any questions, please
contact Debbie Moore, Purchasing Agent on (301)402-4509. 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.
Posted 08/24/98 (W-SN240955). (0236) Loren Data Corp. http://www.ld.com (SYN# 0343 19980826\66-0014.SOL)
66 - Instruments and Laboratory Equipment Index Page
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