Sources are being sought to determine if there are manufacturers/contractors available offering a domestically sourced item that meets the minimum description outlined below. This is not a solicitation Announcement or Request for Proposal. It does not constitute any commitment by the Government. No award will result from this notice. The purpose is to conduct market research to gain knowledge of potentially qualified domestic sources. Responses to this Sources Sought Notice will be used by the Government to make an appropriate acquisition decision. The USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS) will not award a contract on the basis of responses or pay for the preparation of any information submitted. Respondents will not be notified of the results of this notice. After completing an analysis of the responses, the Government will determine whether to proceed with issuing an unrestricted solicitation, inviting full and open competition. Purpose: ARS APD, Acquisition seeks to determine the availability and capability of potential businesses offering a domestically available source of supply and service for the project below. The information received resulting from this market research will be considered for the purpose of determining domestically available sources. Product Information: The Government seeks information from qualified and experienced contractors capable of providing a domestically sourced digital microscope system and all related components and a domestically sources support package for the digital microscope system. Current Known Source: Keyence Corporation of America Place of Performance: The place of performance is the USDA, ARS, Animal Disease Biotechnical Facility (ADBF) at the Animal Disease Research Unit (ADRU) in Pullman, WA. Anticipated Solicitation Release: To Be Determined Estimated Delivery: Delivery is expected within sixty days after award for the digital microscope. The service contract is expected to be completed by the end of the performance period within the service year. Description of Supply and Service EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS must meet or exceed the following: High-resolution digital imaging with over 8 million pixels of resolution Minimum 27'' high-resolution digital display monitor 20x-200x magnification capability without having to switch lens hardware Must have an integrated stage camera for sample placement & focusing with a wide-angle view of the stage Must incorporate built-in user training resources Must include a license-free viewer software for remote analysis Must have 1TB hard drive Must have dual camera capability to combine a high-resolution observation imaging component with a secondary wide-field imaging component Must offer multiple available lighting types and contrast enhancement methods: brightfield/darkfield/transmitted/polarized/DIC Combination Stage/Stand Tool (180° rotation & 250° tilt) XY Stage Movement up to 40mm x 40mm PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS must meet or exceed the following: M…