Sources Sought: Basic fluorescence microendoscope

This is a Sources Sought notice. This is NOT a solicitation for proposals, proposal abstracts, or quotations. The purpose of this notice is to obtain information regarding the availability and capability of all qualified sources to perform a potential requirement. This notice is issued to help determine the availability of qualified companies technically capable of meeting the Government requirement, to determine the method of acquisition.

It is not to be construed as a commitment by the Government to issue a solicitation or ultimately award a contract. Responses will not be considered as proposals or quotes. No award will be made as a result of this notice. The Government will NOT be responsible for any costs incurred by the respondents to this notice. This notice is strictly for research and information purposes only. Small businesses are encouraged to respond.

BACKGROUND: The Neuronal Circuits and Behavior Unit (NCBU) of the Cellular Neurobiology Research Branch (CNRB), National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), National Institutes of Health (NIH), uses a combination of state-of-the-art optogenetic, electrophysiology, two-photon fluorescence endomicroscopy, immunohistochemistry, and behavioral assays to elucidate the neuronal basis of survival behaviors, such as feeding, and determine how these behaviors are disrupted in eating disorders and drug addiction.

PURPOSE AND OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this acquisition is to procure a Basic fluorescence microendoscope for our ongoing work investigating neuronal circuits that contribute to opioid use disorder and natural/motivated behaviors such as feeding and fight-or-flight.