RFO FAR Presolicitation Notice_75N94026Q00021.pdf

Presolicitation Number: 75N94026Q00021

PRESOLICITATION NOTICE

Presolicitation Number: 75N94026Q00021 Acquisition Title: Warranty/Preventative Maintenance Coverage for NICHD Multiphoton Microscope Equipment NAICS Code: 811219 NAICS Size Standard: $34.0 – in millions of dollars PSC Code: J066 Procedures: 12.201-1, Simplified procedures Anticipated award date: 1/9/2026

This Presolicitation notice is NOT a Request for Quotation (RFQ)/Solicitation, however all responsible sources may submit a capability statement, quotation, bid, or proposal, as appropriate, which will be considered by the agency. Responses shall be submitted electronically to Jacob Balenson via email to Jacob.balenson@nih.gov no later than 1800 (Eastern Time), 1/5/2026. Emails must reference Presolicitation Number 75N94026Q00021 in the subject line.

The solicitation:

[ ] Will be posted to the Government Point of Entry (GPE): https://sam.gov/ [ X ] Will NOT be posted to the Government Point of Entry (GPE)

POINT OF CONTACT

Contracting Officer Name: Jacob Balenson Agency/Office: National Institutes of Health Address: RM 1161A, 6710B Rockledge Dr, Bethesda, MD 20817 Email: Jacob.balenson@nih.gov Phone: 301-827-8302

SET-ASIDE STATUS

[ X ] Not Set-Aside [ ] Total Set-Aside [ ] Partial Set-Aside [ ] Local Area Set-Aside

DESCRIPTION OF REQUIREMENT

The Thorlabs multiphoton microscope is a core imaging system supporting the the Division of Neuroscience, Cellular, and Structural Biology (DNCSB) at NICHD. This advanced microscope enables in-depth imaging of live brain tissue to study the structure, function, and dynamics of neuronal circuits and synaptic activity. The laboratory relies heavily on the instrument’s high-resolution optical performance to conduct experiments on synaptic integration, neuronal mailto:Jacob.balenson@nih.gov https://sam.gov/ communication, and circuit-level physiology. Maintaining this system under a service contract is crucial to prevent interruptions that could delay ongoing NIH-funded research projects.

We need 12-month warranty/preventative maintenance coverage for the Thorlabs Bergamo II Multiphoton Microscope (Instrument ID: TP01907837-684990), located at NICHD, used for High-resolution multiphoton imaging for live tissue and in vivo brain imaging. We need the service contract to include certified preventive maintenance, calibration, software support, genuine parts replacement, and on-site repairs by certified Thorlabs engineers in order to ensure optimal performance, reliability, and minimal downtime for sensitive neuroscience experiments.

PERFORMANCE / DELIVERY

Place(s) of Delivery/Performance/Acceptance: NIH/NICHD, BLDG 35 / RM 3C-705, 35 Convent Dr, Bethesda, MD, 20892 Estimated Delivery Date(s)/Period of Performance: 1/9/2026 - 1/8/2027

The Agency anticipates needing a 12-month base year, and three additional 12-month option years.

TRADE AGREEMENTS

Items subject to WTO GPA or a Free Trade Agreement:

[ ] Yes:

[ ] FAR 52.225-3, Buy American–Free Trade Agreements–Israeli Trade Act: “One or more of the items under this acquisition is subject to Free Trade Agreements.”

[ ] FAR 52.225-5, Trade Agreements: “One or more of the items under this acquisition is subject to the World Trade Organization Government Procurement Agreement and Free Trade Agreements.”

[ ] FAR 52.225-11, Buy American-Construction Materials under Trade Agreements: “One or more of the items under this acquisition is subject to the World Trade Organization Government Procurement Agreement and Free Trade Agreements.”

[ ] FAR 52.225-23, Required Use of American Iron, Steel, and Manufactured Goods-Buy American Statute-Construction Materials under Trade Agreements: “One or more of the items under this acquisition is subject to the World Trade Organization Government Procurement Agreement and Free Trade Agreements.”

[ X ] No

[ ] N/A – Unknown

TECHNICAL DATA

Technical data required to respond will be included in solicitation:

[ ] Yes

[ ] No:

Can be obtained: ______________________________________________________

[ X ] N/A – Not Required

SMALL BUSINESS CONSTRUCTION

[ ] Yes:

Include definitization/change order information:

[ X ] No

NONCOMPETITIVE CONTRACT ACTION

[ X ] Yes:

Statutory authority: 41 U.S.C. 1901 Intended Source: THORLABS, INC Justification: As the original equipment manufacturer of the microscope, Thorlabs has specialized knowledge of every aspect of our current Multiphoton Microscope equipment, providing certified service technicians specifically trained on Thorlabs equipment, as well as access to proprietary replacement parts for Thorlabs microscopes. In addition to technical support, services include software support for Thorlabs propriety software which integrates and calibrates the various components of the microscope as well as enabling image acquisition. Our microscope equipment was originally purchased from and installed by Thorlabs, so they are uniquely familiar with our facility and the current system.

[ ] No

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

Offeror or product/service must meet a qualification requirement:

[ ] Yes

Qualification Requirement: _____________________________________________________ Qualification may be obtained from: ___________________________________________

[ X ] No