Automated Slide Scanner

Statement of Work Automated Slide-Scanner with 20-Slide Capacity and Integrated Extended Depth of Field (EDF) Software General Information 1.0 Scope of Work The United States Department of Agriculture’s Systematic Entomology Laboratory (USDA-SEL) has a need to purchase an ultra-high-resolution slide scanning microscope system with the following features: (i) 20-slide loading capacity, (ii) whole slide scanning of 25mm x 75mm slides, (iii) magnification up to 400X, (iv) automated tissue detection and autofocus, (v) barcode reader, (vi) integrated control computer, and (vii) integrated extended depth of field (EDF) software to automatically produce focus-stacked images as the output. 2.0 Background The slide scanner will be used to facilitate rapid, efficient, high-resolution imaging of slide- mounted insect specimens from the United States National Museum and other collections for research and curation projects vital to the USDA’s mission. Target specimens generally range from <1 to 10 millimeters (mm) in length and specimen features that must be imaged in high resolution are as small as 1 micrometer (Pm) in length. The slide-scanner will be used for z-stack scanning with customizable depth of field to capture whole specimen images and automatically produce focus-stacked images as the final product. Technical Requirements The selected slide-scanning system must have the following specifications to meet USDA-SEL’s requirements: (i) system capable of scanning 20 slides per operational run; (ii) whole slide scanning of standard 25mm x 75mm microscope slides; (iii) magnification up to 400X, with scanning resolution of 0.5Pm; (iv) automated tissue detection and autofocus to enhance workflow efficiency; (v) barcode reading capability and automated file labeling to enhance workflow efficiency; (vi) integrated control computer with monitor; and (vii) integrated EDF software to automatically produce focus-stacked images as output. Integrated EDF software that is in beta-testing status shall not meet the requirement. The slide-scanning system shall include all necessary components for out-of-box operation and the option for on-site installation and training should be offered by the vendor. The scanner shall include a 20X objective with the option for scanning at 40X. Rapid scanning time is necessary for efficient and high-throughput scanning of slide-mounted collections. The ability to complete z-stack scanning and EDF image production for a 2mm x 2mm window with a 70Pm range and step size of 0.8Pm (88 stacks) within 2 minutes is optimal. Objectives The vendor will provide an ultra-high-resolution slide scanning microscope system meeting the requirements defined herein. Delivery within calendar year 2026 is expected. -- 1 of 2 -- Invoice and Billing Vendor will bill USDA for the total amount due to be paid in one installment after receipt and acceptance of the instrument. -- 2 of 2 --