Clemson University's Bioengineering Department located in Clemson, SC wishes to sole source the Keyence fluorescent microscope, model BZ-X800 and related hardware.  The microscope scanner must be fully automated and damage proof and needing minimal handling as it will be used by many students for research purposes. The Keyence all-in-one BZ-X800 fluorescence microscope is the only microscope that fits our needs. The features mentioned below are only available on this microscope, and are requirements for accomplishing the research: 1. The product case must include a specimen enclosure to provide an observation environment that, even without a darkroom, will not impair the background contrast required for fluorescence observation. => To ensure that researchers can observe in a bright open space without suffering from darkroom-related restrictions because the microscope is installed in a place best suited to the researchers. 2. Excluding the computer and monitor, the installation space of the microscope unit plus lighting source must be within 500 mm (H) x 465 mm (W) x 500 mm (D) when the panel is closed. => This requirement is associated with the capability of being installed freely in a place that is the best to maximize the experiment efficiency. 3. The product must have a built-in vibration dampening system with the ability to use up to 100x objectives in a typical lab environment. => To ensure that additional funds are not necessary to purchase an air table or granite anti-vibration table. (4) The microscope must include, as standard components, an electronic shutter, XY and Z motorized stages, an electronic revolver (to hold 6 objectives from 2x-100x, must be compatible with both Plan Fluor and Plan Apochromat lenses), an electronic filter turret (to hold 4 filters), electronic color camera filter, electronic phase-contrast slit.  For these reasons, this purchase is a sole source.  The total value of this purchase is $117,154.20, and includes BZ-X810, BZ-X800E, support package,multi-stack module, time lapse module, Tokai Hit for 5% pre mixed, analyzer software, hybrid cell count software, objective lens (2x, 10x, 20x) and a PC with Windows 10.

Bidder’s right to protest as listed in Section 11-35-4210 in the South Carolina Consolidated Procurement Code applies to this announcement of an emergency procurement.

Protest to be filed with: Chief Procurement Officer, MMO

1201 Main Street, Suite 600

Columbia, SC 29201

Facsimile: 803-737-0639

E-   mail: protest-mmo@mmo.sc.gov