Notice of Intent_NB731070-25-02281.pdf

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) intends to negotiate on a sole-source basis with Hitech Instruments, Inc. under the authority of 41 US 3304(a)(1) for a Fluorescence Microscopy Additions to Stereoscope manufactured in Germany.

Background Information and Basis for Sole Source

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Engineering Laboratory (EL) Materials and Structural Systems Division (MSSD) studies the durability and service life of infrastructure materials (polymer, concrete, engineered composites). One of the key research focuses is to understand material properties through visualization of the samples and objects that cannot be seen with the unaided eye. Documentation of an object’s visual characteristics is important for documentation of samples throughout experimental studies for creating repositories of images for experimental integrity and evidence-based conclusions.

The MSSD operates various microscopes for visual characterization of various materials.

Stereoscopy is useful in viewing images from large, multi-dimensional data sets produced by experimental data. Stereoscopes are useful in inspection of larger objects, whereas compound or electron microscopy are better for visualization of small specimens, thus complimenting the other microscopes operated by MSSD. The use of fluorescence dyes can highlight features that would otherwise be obscured. Using a fluorescent light source, illuminators, and companion filters, further information about materials can be extracted. To enhance the ability to extract this information, image analysis software packages are necessary. The toolkits upgrade the base software for image acquisition to enable image analysis that is bolstered by applications specifically created for materials analysis such as porosity distribution and grain size analysis.

Furthermore, an AI toolkit enhances the other software in multiple ways including adaptation to specific samples and an increase in the throughput of samples.

The MSSD will benefit from the use of these enhancements for a stereoscope for analysis of various infrastructure materials (polymer, cement, concrete and composites) in the “Engineered Materials for Resilient Infrastructure” program, NCST investigations, and other work in the study of material properties.

The Fluorescence Microscopy Upgrades for the Zeiss AxioZoom V.16 was developed by Zeiss in Germany to specifically work with the light path of the previously acquired ZEISS Axio Zoom.V16 microscope and to be compatible with the ZEN Pro imaging software. No other parts may be substituted. The X-Cite XYLIS II LED fluorescent light source is tested and confirmed to work with the ZEISS Axio Zoom.V16 microscope and is the only LED fluorescent white-light source that can be controlled by the ZEISS ZEN Pro imaging software. This software control allows the intensity of the light source to be strictly defined during experiments and enables the users to perform repeatable measurements that can be compared across experiments.

All items required must be installed by a ZEISS-trained professional to preserve the warranty of the ZEISS Axio Zoom V16.

Due to the compatibility and capability requirements as described herein, NIST has determined that only the X-Cite XYLIS II LED fluorescent light source will satisfy the agency’s needs for continued mission requirements.

General

The North American Classification System (NAICS) code for this acquisition is 423490

– merchant wholesale distribution of professional equipment and supplies. The small business size standard is 500 employees.

This notice of intent is not a solicitation, and no solicitation package will be issued. This notice of intent is not a request for competitive quotations; however, responses received via email to Jennifer Lohmeier at jennifer.lohmeier@nist.gov by 10:00AM ET, July 3, 2025, will be considered by the Government.

A determination by the Government not to compete the proposed acquisition based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. Information received will normally be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement. Interested parties that believe they could satisfy the requirements listed above for NIST may clearly and unambiguously identify their capability to do so in writing on or before the response date for this notice.

mailto:jennifer.lohmeier@nist.gov