2.02 JRC_Confocal Microscope System_Redacted.pdf

Source Selection Information – See FAR 2.101 and 3.104

Document Number: 26-091

JUSTIFICATION RESTRICTING COMPETITION

1. Identification of Agency and Contracting Activity.

The requiring activity is the United States Naval Academy (hereinafter, “USNA”), located in Annapolis, Maryland; the contracting activity is NAVSUP Fleet Logistics Center (FLC) Norfolk, Contracting Dept., Fleet Directorate.

2. Description of the Action Being Approved.

This is a sole source action to establish a Firm, Fixed-Price (FFP) purchase order with Nikon Instruments Inc. (hereinafter, “Nikon”) for the provision of a confocal microscope system capable of imaging objects ranging from 1-500 microns in size with resolution as low as ~100 nm for multiple colors with both tunable filters and spectral imaging.

This action is considered a new requirement.

3. Description of Supplies/Services.

The United States Naval Academy (USNA) Chemistry Department requires a confocal microscope system to support both research and project-based learning in biological chemistry. A confocal microscope system is a critical tool for both understanding biochemical processes at the cellular level and material science. It allows non-invasive, three-dimensional imaging of structures in both materials and living cells, which is an imperative specialty for both Midshipmen and faculty researchers. The use of fluorescent labels means that specific molecules or components can be identified in a complex space amongst other unlabeled structures. The current microscope is reaching the end of its lifetime and there is no other system available at the USNA that can replicate its capabilities. Technological advances made in the last 10 years have improved both the speed and capabilities of confocal systems which will expand the possible measurements that can be performed. A new inverted confocal-microscope setup equipped with a cage incubator will also open up more possible biochemical and biological uses compared to the current system, which will further increase the number of users, reducing the need for additional microscope systems.

Estimated Dollar Value

The resultant contract will be funded with FY26 Navy Operations & Maintenance (O&MN) appropriations. These funds are currently available.

4. Statutory Authority Permitting Sole Source.

The statutory authority permitting this sole source action is 41 U.S.C. 1901, Simplified acquisition procedures - a sole source acquisition using simplified procedures for the acquisition of commercial products and/or commercial services, as implemented by FAR 12.102(b).

5. Rationale Justifying Use of Cited Statutory Authority.

Based off of market research, there is only one (1) vendor who is capable of providing the required confocal microscope system, workstation, and software.

The only system that can meet the requirements is the AX-R Confocal Imaging System with 4 lasers (405, 488, 561, 640) and 4 GAASP Detectors and NSPARC from Nikon Instruments Inc. The system must be capable of making long term (up to a day or longer) imaging experiment with low noise, limited phototoxicity or photobleaching, and maintain constant environmental conditions. This all must be done while maintaining focus at multiple locations. The Nikon Perfect Focus System (PFS) is the standard for quickly maintaining focus with an active system and is exclusive to Nikon. Other vendors microscope systems use autofocus routines which are time consuming and do not maintain long term focus. The PFS provides shorter timescales as it allows for faster acquisition speed without interruption to refocus the sample, which is suitable for experiments that require the addition of reagents and fast imaging that USNA users require. The Ti2-E Inverted Microscope that comes with the system is the only one on the market with a 25 mm field of view to maximize size of samples that can be imaged. This is necessary for samples that are 500 microns in size.

USNA has used the Nikon confocal microscope system for the past ten (10) years and the Nikon NIS- Elements software is integrated into USNA’s Chemistry Department computer systems. This software is proprietary and allows for automated experiment setup and analysis that is required. Attempting to switch to another vendor would entail a new software that would entail unnecessary time for Midshipmen and faculty researchers to learn the new system that does not fully meet the requirements of

USNA.

6. Description of Efforts Made to Solicit Offers from as Many Offerors as Practicable.

A Sources Sought Notice (SSN) was posted to SAM.gov on 10 December 2025 with a response date of 18 December 2025. The SSN requested interested vendors provide capability statements demonstrating capacity to perform the type of work, relevant past performance, and documentation of technical expertise in sufficient detail for the Government to determine that the company possesses the necessary functional area expertise and experience to compete for this acquisition, as specified in the draft Statement of Work (SOW). Nikon Instruments Inc. is the only capable vendor who expressed interest in this requirement. No additional market research was conducted because it is not practicable, for the reasons discussed in paragraph 5 above, for any company other than Nikon to provide the required supplies. The table below summarizes the assessment of two (2) responses received to the SSN:

8. Actions to Remove Barriers to Future Competition.

For the reasons set forth in Paragraph 5, NAVSUP FLC Norfolk (FLCN) has no plans at this time to compete future contacts for the types of supplies/services covered by this document. If another potential source emerges, FLCN will assess whether competition for future requirements is feasible.

In accordance with DFARS 206.303-2(b)(i) and PGI 206.304(a)(S-70)), a sources sought notice was issued on 10 December 2025. See paragraph 6 for details regarding SSN.

Document Number: 26-091

CERTIFICATIONS AND APPROVAL

TECHNICAL/REQUIREMENTS CERTIFICATION

I certify that the facts and representations under my cognizance which are included in this Justification and its supporting acquisition planning documents, except as noted herein, are complete and accurate to the best of my knowledge and belief.

LEGAL SUFFICIENCY REVIEW

I have determined this Justification is legally sufficient.

CONTRACTING OFFICER CERTIFICATION

I certify that this Justification is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief. To the extent that the Justification value is > SAT and < $900K, the Contracting Officer’s signature below also represents approval of the document.