Request for Information - Digital Microscope

SYNOPSIS: This Sources Sought Announcement is to assist the US Army DEVCOM Soldier Center to identify potential sources to provide a Digital Microscope to support quality assurance/control program.

The Government requests that responses be submitted electronically to mary.k.prebensen.civ@army.mil and christine.p.poulack.civ@army.mil by February 14, 2025 by 5pm EST.

Background: The Government (DEVCOM Soldier Center) is in the need of Digital Microscope to support quality assurance/control program. End item shape and profile of sensitive material produced by DMSB are guarded forensic features. The ability to capture micron scale images at various points throughout a production event is a requisite to DMSB’s ISO 9000 quality management program. Existing microscope cannot capture/store images and a secondary digital camera must be utilized which complicates image storage and poses an unnecessary vulnerability to image security. DMSB requires a digital microscope that can capture images with minimal sample preparation (no solvent washing, fixatives/sputter coating, etc.) store them securely and have the capability to perform basic elemental analysis for foreign material identification.

Description:

• 4K Resolution Capabilities
• Image conversion to standard formats (.jpg, .tif, or .png)
• Minimum 27’’ UHD LCD Monitor
• 5x-6,000x magnification without switching lens hardware
• Minimum 1TB Hard Drive
• Multiple Available Lighting Types:
• Brightfield/Darkfield/Transmitted/Polarized/DIC

Specific Specifications: 

• Combination Stage/Stand Tool (180 degrees rotation & 250 degrees tilt)
• XY Stage Movement up to 300mm x 300mm
• Built in 2D/3D measurement capabilities.
• Real-Time Automatic Focus Adjustment
• Compatible with LIBS elemental analysis tools
• Built in 2D/3D measurement capabilities.
• Automatic Optimization of Lighting Settings

Deliverables: Microscope with all associated hardware, software, controllers, safety equipment, installation/training and recommended spare parts that are required for immediate use in government facility.

Delivery Date: The Government anticipates 23 weeks lead time for this item for delivery.

Interested parties are invited to submit a response to this Sources Sought Announcement. THIS IS A SOURCES SOUGHT ANNOUNCEMENT ONLY

This Sources Sought Announcement is issued solely for information and planning purposes and to identify interested sources. THIS IS NOT A SOLICITATION. No contract will be awarded from this announcement. This Sources Sought does not constitute a Request for Proposal (RFP) or a promise to issue an RFP in the future. It is subject to change and is not binding on the Government. Further, unsolicited proposals will not be accepted. Funding is not available at this time. The United States Army has not made a commitment to procure any of the items/services discussed, and release of this Sources Sought Announcement should not be construed as such a commitment or as authorization to incur cost for which reimbursement would be required or sought. Response to this Sources Sought Announcement is voluntary and no reimbursement will be made for any costs associated with providing information in response to this and any follow-on information requests. All submissions become Government property and will not be returned.

Not responding to this Sources Sought Announcement does not preclude participation in any future RFP if any is issued. If a solicitation is released, it will be synopsized in the SAM.gov website. It is the responsibility of the potential responders to monitor this site for additional information pertaining to this subject.

RESPONSES:
Interested parties may identify their interest and capability by sending responses regarding this requirement to DEVCOM Soldier Center via e-mail ONLY to mary.k.prebensen.civ@army.mil and christine.p.poulack.civ@army.mil no later than February 14, 2025 by 5:00 p.m. EST. The U.S. Government will not pay for any information or administrative cost incurred in response to this Notice. All costs associated with responding to this Notice will be solely at the expense of the interested party.

Please provide business size (indicate your socioeconomic status), applicable NAICS code, and CAGE code. If you hold a GSA Federal Supply Schedule contract, please identify your contract number.

QUESTIONS:
Any questions for clarification may be emailed to mary.k.prebensen.civ@army.mil and christine.p.poulack.civ@army.mil no later than February 7, 2025 by 5:00 p.m. EST. Verbal questions will NOT be accepted. Questions shall NOT contain proprietary or classified information. An unattributed list of questions and answers will be published at the same web location of this Sources Sought Announcement.

**Amendment 0001 Uploaded to Answer Vendor Questions**