13-NON Competitive CSS 75N98026Q0105.docx

NON-COMPETITIVE

COMBINED SYNOPSIS / SOLICITATION

Title: Purchase Order Sakura Tissue-Tek VIP 6A Vacuum Infiltration Processor

(i) This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items prepared in accordance with the format in FAR Subpart 12.6, as supplemented with additional information included in this notice. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; proposals are being requested, and a separate written solicitation will not be issued.

(ii) The solicitation number is 75N98026Q0105. This solicitation is issued as a Notice of Intent (NOI) for a non-competitive combined synopsis/solicitation to award a contract or purchase order without providing for full and open competition (including brand-name, if applicable).

This acquisition is conducted under the authority of FAR 12.603, Streamlined Solicitation for Commercial Products or Commercial Services, and is not expected to exceed the simplified acquisition threshold. Additional authority includes 41 U.S.C. 1901 and FAR 6.302-3(a)(2)(ii).

The National Institutes of Health (NIH), Office of the Director, Office of Acquisitions, intends to negotiate and award a Purchase Order on a non-competitive basis to Sakura Finetek USA, Inc. 1750 West 214th Street, Torrance, CA 90501, USA for the purchase of one Sakura Tissue-Tek VIP 6A Vacuum Infiltration Processor.

(iii) The solicitation document and incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular (insert current circular number and date).

(iv) The associated NAICS code is 423450 Medical, Dental, And Hospital Equipment and Supplies Merchant Wholesalers. This requirement is not set aside for small business.

(v) Description of Requirement:

The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) / Division of Translational Toxicology (DTT) / Comparative and Molecular Pathogenesis Branch needs to purchase one Sakura Tissue-Tek VIP 6A Vacuum Infiltration Processor from Sakura Finetek USA, Inc., including all associated accessories, installation, validation, training, and manufacturer support services, to replace the current outdated instrument currently used in the core histology laboratory. The existing instrument is no longer vendor-supported, has reached the end of its service life, and no longer provides the reliability, efficiency, or compatibility required to meet current laboratory standards and operational needs.

Requirements:

The Sakura Tissue-Tek VIP 6A Vacuum Infiltration Processor is the only system we have identified as meeting the laboratory’s technical and operational requirements. No equivalent instrument has been identified that provides the same level of validated performance, workflow compatibility, automation, and reliability without introducing substantial additional validation requirements, workflow disruptions, or compatibility concerns.

Specifically, the processor must provide the following required capabilities:

• Integrated vacuum infiltration processing specifically designed for high-throughput histology and pathology tissue preparation;

• Advanced programmable processing protocols supporting standardized and reproducible specimen preparation;

• Compatibility with existing Sakura histology workflows, reagents, accessories, and automated reagent processors currently utilized by the Government laboratory;

• Automated reagent management and monitoring features that reduce operator intervention and minimize processing variability;

• AI-assisted operational monitoring and workflow optimization capabilities necessary to support continuous laboratory operations and quality assurance requirements;

• Validated processing performance necessary to maintain consistency with previously established tissue processing methods and downstream histology and imaging protocols;

• Manufacturer-certified installation, maintenance, software support, and operator training

(vi) Delivery Location:

NIH/NIEHS

111 TW Alexander Drive Research Triangle Park, NC 27709

(vii) [Reserved, if needed]

(viii) FAR 52.204-7, System for Award Management, applies to this acquisition.

(ix) The provision at FAR 52.212-1, Instructions to Offerors—Commercial Items, applies to this acquisition. Add any additional instructions as required.

(x) The provision at FAR 52.212-2, Evaluation—Commercial Items, applies to this acquisition.

(a) A written notice of award or acceptance of an offer, issued to the successful offeror within the time specified in the offer, shall result in a binding contract without further action by either party.

The Government reserves the right to accept any offer (or part of an offer) before the expiration date, whether or not discussions are conducted, unless a written notice of withdrawal is received prior to award. Add additional evaluation criteria as required.

(xi) FAR 52.212-4, Contract Terms and Conditions—Commercial Items, applies to this acquisition.

(xii) Additional contract requirements or terms and conditions, as determined necessary by the Contracting Officer and consistent with customary commercial practices: None.

(xiii) The Defense Priorities and Allocations System (DPAS) is not applicable to this requirement.

(xiv) Submission Requirements:

Responses must include sufficient information to demonstrate the respondent’s capability to provide the required product or service. Price quotations shall include, at a minimum: unit price, list price, shipping and handling costs, delivery timeframe after award, delivery terms, prompt payment discount terms, F.O.B. point (destination or origin), product or catalog numbers, product descriptions, and any other relevant information.

Evaluation factors may include, but are not limited to: past performance, technical capability, special features, trade-in considerations, expected lifecycle, warranty, maintenance availability, and environmental or energy efficiency considerations.

Respondents claiming to be manufacturers or authorized resellers of a specified brand-name product must provide:

(a) Product, catalog, model, and/or part number(s);

(b) Product description;

(c) Documentation demonstrating that the offered item meets all required salient characteristics;

(d) Quantity;

(e) Estimated price or cost;

(f) Shipping, handling, and/or installation charges; and

(g) Delivery timeframe after receipt of order.

Responses must also include the Unique Entity Identifier (UEI), Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN), and business size certification. All offerors must be actively registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) at www.sam.gov.

All responses must be received by September 4, 2026 and must reference solicitation number 75N98026Q0105. Responses may be submitted electronically to wagstaff@nih.gov.

(xv) Point of Contact:

Francisca Wagstaff at wagstaff@nih.gov