REQUEST FOR INFORMATION ZEISS SEM Maintenance.docx

REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI)

Preventive Maintenance and Troubleshooting Support for Zeiss EVO-15 Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM)

NOTICE

This is a Request for Information (RFI) only. This is not a solicitation, Request for Proposal (RFP), Invitation for Bid (IFB), or Request for Quotation (RFQ). The Government is seeking information from industry to assist in acquisition planning and market research. Responses will not be considered offers and cannot be accepted by the Government to form a binding contract.

The Government will not reimburse respondents for any costs associated with preparing or submitting a response to this RFI.

1. Agency Information Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP) Office of Quality Operations Washington, DC

2. Purpose The Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP) is conducting market research to identify qualified sources capable of providing preventive maintenance (PM), troubleshooting, repair support, and related technical services for a Zeiss EVO-15 Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) located at the BEP Annex Building in Washington, DC.

The Government is interested in determining the availability of Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM), OEM-authorized, and other qualified service providers capable of maintaining the SEM in operational condition through annual preventive maintenance and on-demand troubleshooting support.

3. Requirement Overview The contractor would be expected to provide:

• One annual preventive maintenance visit.

• Technical inspection, testing, calibration, adjustment, alignment, and servicing required to maintain instrument functionality.

• Remote and/or on-site troubleshooting support.

• Response to service requests within 48 business hours.

• Annual PM reporting documenting findings and corrective actions.

• Replacement of non-consumable repair components as required, excluding damage attributable to misuse or improper handling.

Preventive maintenance activities may include evaluation of:

• Environmental conditions.

• General system condition.

• Power supplies and operating voltages.

• Damping and anti-vibration systems.

• Ventilation systems.

• Electrical safety.

• User PC configuration and software/firmware updates.

• Vacuum systems.

• Specimen stage functionality.

• Secondary Electron (SE), Backscatter Electron (BSD), and Variable Pressure Secondary Electron (VPSE) detectors.

• Video systems.

• Electron optics and related components.

The anticipated contract structure is a Firm-Fixed-Price contract consisting of a one (1) 1-year base period and four (4) 1-year option periods.

Place of Performance:

Bureau of Engraving and Printing Annex Building 301 14th Street SW Washington, DC 20228

4. NAICS and Small Business Information Requested The Government is considering the following NAICS codes:

• 811210 – Electronic and Precision Equipment Repair and Maintenance

• 811310 – Commercial and Industrial Machinery and Equipment Repair and Maintenance

• 541690 – Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services Respondents are requested to identify:

a. The NAICS code they believe most appropriately describes this requirement.

b. Their business size under each applicable NAICS code.

c. Socioeconomic status (e.g., Small Business, HUBZone, SDVOSB, WOSB, 8(a), etc.).

5. Information Requested from Industry Interested firms should provide the following:

1. Company Information

• Company name

• Address

• UEI

• Business size

• Point of contact

2. Relevant Experience

• Experience supporting Zeiss EVO-series SEMs.

• Experience supporting Zeiss EVO-15 SEMs specifically.

• Experience supporting comparable scanning electron microscopes.

• Examples of contracts performed within the last five years.

3. OEM Status

• Indicate whether your company is:

· The OEM (Carl Zeiss Microscopy)

· An OEM-authorized service provider

· An independent service provider

• Describe access to OEM parts, software updates, technical documentation, and factory-trained personnel.

4. Technical Capability

• Ability to perform annual preventive maintenance.

• Ability to provide remote troubleshooting support.

• Ability to provide on-site repair support.

• Ability to provide replacement non-consumable parts.

• Typical response times for service requests.

5. Responses Interested parties should submit responses electronically in PDF format to jerkendra.holloway@bep.gov by June 16, 2026 at 10:00am EST.

Responses should not exceed ten (10) pages excluding capability statements, brochures, or supporting documentation.

7. Disclaimer This RFI is issued solely for information and planning purposes and does not constitute a solicitation. The Government reserves the right to use the information received for acquisition planning purposes. No contract award will result directly from this notice.

The Government may use the results of this market research to determine acquisition strategy, set-aside considerations, and the most appropriate NAICS code for any future solicitation.