Supply of laboratory equipment (Part II - Binocular and Stereoscopic microscopes) for the SES of the Republic of Uzbekistan

New clarification added: Q.31 With reference to Q18 and A18 kindly provide clarification on number and type of required lenses (for positive and negative phase contrast)?A.31 Offered device must have at least 1 set of lenses for any of the two types of phase contrast and the ability to retrofit with a second type of phase contrast.

New amendment added #2: The ITB is further amended as follows:1. To reflect the changes, the document titled ITB_2024_52440_Section_IV_Draft_Contract_for_Goods is hereby replaced with the document titled ITB_2024_52440_Section_IV_Draft_Contract_for_Goods_Rev1, with changes highlighted in red as follows:ANNEX 1: Special Conditions, Part 2  Added Clauses IOA Article 5.5;ANNEX 3: Schedule of Requirements, clause 2 Summary of required goods, subclauses 1.1;ANNEX 3: Schedule of Requirements, clause 2 Delivery requirements, subclauses 2.1 and 2.6;ANNEX 3: Schedule of Requirements, clause 4 Delivery requirements, subclause 4.1;ANNEX 3: Schedule of Requirements, clause 5 Pre-shipment, packing, shipping and documentation requirements, subclause 5.1.ANNEX 4: Price List2. To reflect the changes, the document titled ITB_2024_52440_Section_III_Returnable_Bidding_Forms is hereby replaced with the document titled ITB_2024_552440_Section_III_Returnable_Bidding_Forms_Rev1, with changes highlighted in red as follows:Form H: Local Partner’s Information FormForm J: Declaration of Conformity3. To reflect the changes, the document titled ITB_2024_52440_Section_III_Returnable_Bidding_Forms_Form G_ Performance Statement Form is hereby replaced with the document titled ITB_2024_52440_Section_III_Returnable_Bidding_Forms_Form G_ Performance Statement Form_Rev1, with changes highlighted in red as follows: Available capacity for the provision of in-country services across Uzbekistan.4. To reflect the changes, the document titled ITB_2024_52440_Section_III_Returnable_Bidding_Forms_Form D_ Technical Bid Form D is hereby replaced with the document titled ITB_2024_52440_Section_III_Returnable_Bidding_Forms_Form D_ Technical Bid Form_Rev1, with changes highlighted in red as follows:Delivery Requirements.Lot 1  Line no 6, 9, 15 and  subsection D (components spare parts, and consumables), line 18Lot 2 Line no 4, 5, 6 ,7 10 ,14, 15 and subsection D (components spare parts, and consumables), line 19All other requirements, terms, and conditions of the ITB remain unchanged. 

New clarification added: Q.30 Kindly send us  the detailed specifications of the microscope you need.A.30 Please read the ITB_2024_52440_Section_III_Returnable_Bidding_Forms_Form D_ Technical Bid Form.

New clarification added: Q29: Please provide clarification for warranty services, transport options and documentation, expiration date of consumables, pre-shipment process and Liquidated damages: A29: With reference to the (warranty) The bidder must respond within 2 working days, either by phone call or site visit, to start the process.(Transport options) The proposed approach is acceptable as long as it complies with the warranty provisions, including ensuring at least 95% uptime (347 days out of 365) during the warranty period. If the item fails for more than 18 days in a year, the Supplier must extend the warranty by twice the downtime period. Customs clearance time for replacement parts is not counted as downtime;  Any mode of inland or air transport is acceptable. The bidder can choose which one to use.The bidder can choose the FCA point, which is not required at the bidding stage. The winning bidder must provide details of the freight forwarder(s) after the contract starts, ensuring the information is accurate. (Expiration date for consumables) This applies only to consumables with limited shelf life, such as reagents and disposables, not including rubber tubes.(Pre-shipment) This can be done at the supplier's or manufacturer's site. Hiring a third party is not necessary. (Documentation) Refer to ITB_2024_52449_Section_IV_Draft_Contract_for_Goods_Rev1, Annex 3: Schedule of Requirements, Clause 5; Scanned copies of the required documents must be submitted well ahead of the goods' arrival. Documents needed for customs clearance must accompany the goods. If there are delays due to missing documents, the Contractor must promptly provide them and bear responsibility for any resulting financial losses from delays and demurrages.

New clarification added: Q28: Could you please provide the status of revising the Schedule of Requirements and Technical Specifications for both Lot 1 and Lot 2?A28: ​The schedule of requirements and technical specifications for both Lot 1 and Lot 2 under ITB/2024/52440 are currently being revised. The updated documents are scheduled to be available and uploaded no later than July 7, 2024.

New clarification added: Q27: Reference to Lot 1, S/N 14: "Filter: Blue filter, Frosted Filter" The filters indicated are typically used for halogen illumination: a blue filter to remove yellowish (warm) light and a frosted glass filter to ensure uniform lighting. For LED lighting, which has a cooler light spectrum and usually includes a built-in filter for uniform illumination, these additional filters may not be necessary, please clarifyA27: If offered device support led light source , with builth in filter for ulumination uniformity, we will accept this technical solution as more advanced that requested.

New clarification added: Q26: Reference to Lot 2, S/N 11: "Illumination: LED" What types of objects will be studied: transparent or opaque? Is only reflected oblique lighting needed, or is both reflected and transmitted lighting required?A26: The requested microscopy device must support the observation of both transparent and opaque objects. The device should be intended for the observation of three-dimensional objects and detailed miniature work, providing comfort for the observer over extended periods. Therefore, the microscope must have both episcopic (reflected) and diascopic (transmitted) illumination integrated into its body. The technical specification will be modified to include the requirements for these light sources within the microscope body

New clarification added: Q25: Reference to Lot 2, S/N 3: "Base, stage, and microscope are one piece" It is stated that the base, stage, and microscope must be one piece. Please consider accepting stereomicroscopes where the base, stage, and microscope are separate parts.A25: Stereomicroscopes provided where the base, stage, and microscope are separate parts meet all specified technical requirements.

New clarification added: Q24: With reference to Lot 2, please clarify whether you need a DIA or EPI light (diascopic or episodic) or both; Please specify the zoom range for stereo microscope; .Should the microscope be upgradeable with fluorescence?A24: Offered device musts be intended for observation of three-dimensional objects and other work requiring observation of miniature details with comfort for the observer for a long time. That means that microscopy device must have episcopic and diascopic illumination iintegrated into the body of the microscope. There fore the technical specification will be modified with the requirements for light sources in the microscope stand. Answer no 2. Offered device must have Minimum Zoom magnification range of 7:1 Answer no.3 Yes microscopy device shoul be upgradible with fluorescence, there for technical reqirements will be changed.

New clarification added: Q23: Is it allowed to offer an adjustable interpupillary distance of 52-76 mm or better?A23: it is acceptable to offer interpupillary distance adjustment range of 52-76 mm or better. There for technical requirements will be changed in accordiance with your request - Adjustable interpupillary distance 50 - 70 mm +-10% or better

New clarification added: Q22: Can we offer a wire movement mechanical fixed stage with dimensions of 211 mm x 154 mm and a traveling range of at least 76 mm x 52 mm or better?Is it necessary for the multifunctional microscope to support Fluorescence observations to avoid the cost of purchasing new equipment?A22: Yes , bidder can offer better technical characteristics than the minimum required. It is necassary for offered microscopy to have the possibility of adding observations for Fluorescence.

New clarification added: Q21: For the items in Lot 1 and Lot 2, which are general lab items and not classified as medical devices, can you confirm that ISO 14001 and ISO 13485 certifications are not required?A21: ISO 14001 or other internationally recognized standard for environmental management systems (EMS), is mandatory. ISO 13485 specifies requirements for a quality management system where an organization needs to demonstrate its ability to provide medical devices and related services that consistently meet customer and applicable regulatory requirements. Having in mind purpos and institutions where microscopy equipment will be used this certificate is mandatory

New clarification added: Q20: For S/N 4, Lot 2: You require a stereoscopic microscope with two independent light path lens systems. Are both the Greenough system and the Galileo system acceptable, as both have independent light paths?For S/N 6, Lot 2:  You specified Apochromatic correction. Does this apply to the lens? Can proposals with achromatic correction be allowed instead?For S/N 9, Lot 2: Is a microscope with an interpupillary distance adjustment range of 55 mm to 75 mm acceptable, similar to the stated 50 mm to 70 mm range?A20: For S/N 4, Lot 2: As it is required Stereoscopic microscope with two independent light path lens systems, bidder need to offer microscopy with Galilean optical system employs two (right/left) independent and parallel zoom optical paths, achieving both superior optical performance and high system modularity. therefore technical requirement will be changed in: Stereoscopic microscope with Galilean optical system with two (right/left) independent and parallel zoom optical paths Answer For S/N 6, Lot 2: Due to revised technical requirements Achromatic lenses will be acceptable Answer For S/N 9, Lot 2: it is acceptable to offer interpupillary distance adjustment range of 55 mm to 75 mm. There for technical requirements will be changed in accordiance with your request - Adjustable interpupillary distance 50 - 70 mm +-10% or better

New clarification added: Q19: The table dimensions are specified as approximately 160 mm x 140 mm. Will slightly larger tables be allowed? Specifically, can tables deviate up or down by no more than 10%?A19: UNOPS encurage all bidders to offer devices in accodiance with tehnical requirements or better technical solutions. Larger microscopy table will be acceptable. Therefor technical requirument will be changed in -dimensions of the table should be minimum 160 mm x 140 mm

New clarification added: Q18: Lot 1: Is PHP a positive phase contrast? Will negative phase contrast be allowed since it is more common and produces more detail?A18: Based on end user requirement it is neceassary to offer microscopy device with required Objective lenses:1. Phase contrast plan achromatic 10x/0.25 PHP2. Phase contrast plan achromatic 20x/0.40 PHP3. Phase contrast plan achromatic 40x/0.65 PHP (Spring)4. Phase contrast plan achromatic 100x/1.25 PHP (Spring, oil) Offered microscopy device must support two forms of phase contrast: positive and negative phase contrast. They mainly differ by the phase plates used. For positive phase contrast, the phase of light passing through the phase ring is increased compared to the deviated light, whereas its phase is decreased for negative phase contrast. The retardation of phase in negative phase contrast leads to a destruction of the waves due to the phase differences. The light waves are in phase and, instead of destructive interference, constructive interference occurs which leads to an increased amplitude in the resulting light wave. In positive phase-contrast microscopy, objects with a higher refractive index than the surrounding medium are displayed darker than objects with a lower refractive index. For negative phase contrast, the opposite applies

New clarification added: Q17: Does the Stereo Microscope (Lot 2) require “transillumination”? We assume that epi-illumination is sufficient. Is that correct? Please confirm.A17: The offered device must be intended for the observation of three-dimensional objects and other tasks requiring comfortable, extended observation of miniature details. This means the microscope must have both episcopic (epi-illumination) and diascopic (transillumination) illumination integrated into its body. Therefore, the technical specification will be updated to include the requirements for light sources in the microscope body.

New clarification added: Q16: Can you confirm if the requirement for Apochromatic optical correction in Lot 2 stereomicroscopes is correct?A16: The requirement specifies the following: Magnification from 10 to 50, in at least 4 steps or continuous. Apochromatic or Achromatic lensesbased on that bidder can offer this two types of lens.

New clarification added: Q15: Please confirm if ITB/2024/52440 requires a sole manufacturer representative, meaning one manufacturer can have only one representativeA15: According to Section II: Schedule of Requirements, Section II.2a - Manufacturer’s Authorization, bidders must be either the manufacturer of the offered goods or a sole representative of the manufacturer to UNOPS. In cases where bids for a specific make and model originate from multiple appointed representatives (bidders), UNOPS reserves the right to select only one bid.

New clarification added: Q14: Regarding Lot 2 (Stereoscopic Microscopes):The field of view of the stage is at least 10mm in depth and 35mm in width. Can you provide a reference photo for this part of the stereoscopic microscope?Most stereomicroscopes on the market have a separate microscope head that can be fixed to the base without affecting functionality. Is a one-piece design necessary?The revised specification mentions a minimum field of view of 22mm and a minimum working distance of 80mm. Does the 22mm field of view refer to the eyepiece's field of view, and does the working distance refer to the distance between the objective lens and the sample?A14: The revised technical requirement now states: Field of view minimum 22mm, with working distance minimum 80mm. The 22mm field of view refers to the field of view of the eyepiece. The working distance is the distance between the top of the sample and the objective’s front lens.A larger working distance is useful for inspection, rework, or specimen sorting, as it allows more comfortable handling of the sample while observing it with the microscope.It is mandatory to offer a fully integrated microscopy device (base, stage, and microscope in one piece), but models where individual parts can be disassembled for maintenance and repair are allowed. Additionally, the schedule of requirements and technical specifications for both Lot 1 and Lot 2 under ITB/2024/52440 are currently being revised and will be available within the next few days.

New clarification added: Q13: According to Form H of the ITB/2024/52440, installation and commissioning works are required, please, kindly revise; Please provide the installation locations to calculate costs for on-site training sessions; Is it possible to include training and warranty costs in the overall product price, and to add an extra line for training costs? Additionally, are the items under Lot 1 and Lot 2 classified as medical devices or general lab equipment, and what is the process for registering microscopes in Uzbekistan? A13: Installation and commissioning are not required. Training services and locations have been updated; The training and warranty cost must be incorporated into the product price. The relevant changes will be reflected in the Revision to ITB_2024_52440_Section_IV_Draft_Contract_for_Goods_Rev1_, Annex 3: Schedule of Requirements, Section 2 - Delivery Requirements.  To the best of our knowledge the laboratory equipment is not subject to Uzpharm Control registration in Uzbekistan, but the import requirements for the equipment in question might change. It shall be the Contractor's responsibility to verify whether registration with Uzpharm Control is required for the items under its contract. If it transpires that registration is indeed required, the Contractor shall, upon signing the contract, submit the application forms along with the required documents to Uzpharm Control and SES for registration. The Contractor shall make efforts to obtain the certificates of registration or authorizations for the import and use of the items before the goods arrive in the country.

New clarification added: Q12:Could you please consider extending the bid submission deadline and the delivery time?A12: The bid submission deadline and delivery time has been extended. The changes related to the delivery time will be reflected in the Revision to the ITB_2024_52440_Section_IV_Draft_Contract_for_Goods_Rev1_, Annex 3: Schedule of Requirements, Section 2 - Delivery Requirements.

New clarification added: Q11: Does this tender no. ITB/2024/52440 require a Declaration of Conformity?A11: Please read ITB_2024_52440_Section_II_Schedule_of_Requirements, specifically Section II.2c - Product Certification.

New clarification added: Q10: Is the bidder responsible for conducting pre-loading inspection and obtaining GOST-UZB certification for the products upon delivery?A10: The responsibility for conducting pre-loading inspection for the products upon handover to the Freight Forwarder or Carrier rests with the Supplier. Responsibility for obtaining the Certificate of Compliance from Gosstandard of the Republic of Uzbekistan rests with the Consignee of the goods.

New clarification added: Q9: Could the bidding deadline be extended, and provide clarification to the previous clarification requests?A9: The bid submission deadline has been extended until July 15, 2024; The schedule of requirements and technical specifications for both Lot 1 and Lot 2 under ITB/2024/52440 are currently being revised and will be available within the next few days. They will be uploaded accordingly.

New clarification added: Q8: Could the bidding deadline be extended?A8: The bid submission deadline has been extended until July 15, 2024. Additionally, the schedule of requirements and technical specifications for both Lot 1 and Lot 2 under ITB/2024/52440 are currently being revised and will be available within the next few days. They will be uploaded accordingly.

New clarification added: Q7: Could you please share the pre-bid meeting minutes?A7:The Minutes of the Pre-bid Meeting for ITB-2024-52440 was uploaded under the Documents tab on June 27, 2024.

New clarification added: Q6: Could you please extend the bid submission date?A6: The bid submission deadline has been extended until July 15, 2024. Additionally, the schedule of requirements and technical specifications for both Lot 1 and Lot 2 under ITB/2024/52440 are currently being revised and will be available within the next few days. They will be uploaded accordingly.

New amendment added #1: The ITB is further amended as follows:1. Deadline for the submission of bid is extended for 14 more days until 15 July 2024;2. To upload the Minutes of Pre-bid meeting held on 20/06/2024 for ITB-2024-52440 is uploaded under the Documents Tab.All other requirements, terms and conditions of the ITB remain unchanged. 

New clarification added: Q4: Could you please revise and provide comments on below: Lot 1: Binocular microscope, Objective lenses: (1). Phase contrast plan achromatic 10x/0.25 PHP (2). Phase contrast plan achromatic 20x/0.40 PHP (Spring) (3). Phase contrast plan achromatic 40x/0.65 PHP (Spring) (4). Phase contrast plan achromatic 100x/1.25 PHP (Spring, oil) as for point 2 and 3, actually, there is no spring for 20x/0.40 PHP and 40x/0.65 PHP, normally, only 100x/1.25 PHP has spring. Lot 2: Stereoscopic microscope: Could you please provide the exact parameters for the field of view depth and width for the stage of a stereoscopic microscope. Is the requirement for apochromatic magnification from 10 to 50, in at least 4 steps or continuous, necessary given its high cost and that the microscope functions without it?A4: Lot 1: Given that almost all optical and microscope manufacturers can offer the requested phase contrast plan achromatic objective lens 40k/0.65 PHP (spring), as well as the better functionality of a spring-loaded lens, we cannot accept a lens with this magnification without spring - technical requirements remain unchanged. Regarding our requirement related to Objective Lens Phase contrast plan achromatic 20x/0.40 PHP (Spring) we accept your request that the lens with a magnification of 20x can be offered withouth spring, considering that this type of magnification does not require that kind of safety in the lens. Technical specifications will be adapted accordingly. Lot 2: Upon clarification request, item No 5 will be changed into: Field of vew minimum 22mm, with working distance minimum 80 mm. Upon your request to remove apochromatic lens requirement, please be informed that technical requirement no 6. Magnification from 10 to 50, in at least 4 steps or continuous. Apochromatic will be changed into: Magnification from 10 to 50, in at least 4 steps or continuous. Apochromatic or Achromatic lenses. The schedule of requirements and technical specifications  for ITB/2024/52440 is currently under revision and will be available within the next few days. It will be uploaded accordingly; The bid submission deadline has been extended to July 15, 2024 

New clarification added: Q5: Are the equipment installation locations and picture of the locations available; Could you please extend the bid submission date?A5: The bid submission deadline has been extended to July 15, 2024. Installation and commissioning are not required; however, the schedule of requirements for ITB/2024/52440 is currently under revision and will be available within the next few days. It will be uploaded accordingly. 

New clarification added: Q3:Could you please provide the exact addresses of the locations to quote for the required installation, commissioning, and training? A3: Installation and commissioning are not required. Training will be conducted centrally as a single session for multiple users, in accordance with Article 4.1, Section 4 (Required Services) of Annex 3 (Schedule of Requirements) of the contract terms 

New clarification added: Q2: Does the medical equipment (Lot 1: Binocular microscope & Lot 2: Stereoscopic microscope) require the registration cetificate in the Republic of Uzbekistan?A2: As per Clause 2.2 of Section 2 in Annex 3 (Schedule of Requirements of the Contract, this is the bidder's responsibility to verify whether registration is required or not required. 

New clarification added: Q1: Does the binocular microscope and bidding product require a medical device registration certificate in Uzbekistan? Please clarify specfic parameters fot lot 1: 360 degree rotation: can you elaborate on the requirements for this, and lot 2: the sixth technical specifications in the magnification of 10-50 times, whether in the sub-range can be, or must be strictly this 10-50 times range.A1: As per Clause 2.2 of Section 2 in Annex 3 (Schedule of Requirements) of the Contract, this is the bidder's responsibility to verify whether registration is required or not required. For LOT1: 360-degree rotation requirement mean that binocular microscopy device must be with inclined viewing head's ability to rotate 360° and for LOT 2: Offered Stereoscopic microscope must cover magnification from 10x to 50x zoom range. Subrange of magnification less that requested will not be considered as technicaly compliant