SATPC0037786 Tab 06 BNJ..pdf
PDF 142 KB Posted
- Attached to
- Zeiss SEM Workstation with SmartSEM
- Solicitation number
- 80NSSC25896702Q
About this file
This is a Brand Name Justification form from NASA Shared Services Center recommending procurement of a Zeiss SEM Workstation with SmartSEM software, with an estimated delivery timeframe of 30 days ARO. The document justifies why only ZEISS Microscopy can provide the required workstation.
The justification explains that Kennedy Space Center's existing Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) is a Zeiss-brand instrument that can only be controlled by Zeiss software, which requires a specially configured workstation installed by Zeiss engineers. The original system was installed in 2019, and a new workstation is needed to properly run the software and communicate with the SEM. Using any other vendor's workstation would require purchasing an entirely new SEM system (estimated around [redacted cost]) and would impact customer timelines due to week-long installation requirements. The SEM is described as a "workhorse" that supports all KSC programs and other Agency programs, with the workstation being covered under the instrument service agreement for repairs, patches, and updates.
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Other files
| File | Type | Posted |
|---|---|---|
| SATPC0037786 Tab 10 RFQ Open Market Template.pdf | ||
| SATPC0037786 Tab 04 4 SOW..pdf |
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Text version
Page 1 V2.0 3-15-2017
NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION
NASA SHARED SERVICES CENTER
RECOMMENDATION AND DETERMINATION TO SOLICIT FROM ONE SOURCE
OR BRAND NAME
PICK ONE
Sole Source:
☐I recommend that NASA, NASA Shared Services Center negotiate with Vendor Name only for Web of .
The total estimated cost of this effort is Enter Dollar amount and the estimated period of performance or lead-time for delivery is Date.
OR
Brand Name Justification:
☒I recommend that NASA, NASA Shared Services Center negotiate only with vendors who can provide the subject band name from ZEISS Microscopy.for Zeiss SEM Workstation with SmartSEM. The total estimated cost of this effort is and the estimated period of performance or lead-time for delivery is 30 days ARO.
This recommendation is for the acquisition of supplies or services determined to be reasonably available from only one source/only one manufacture. Competition is impractical for the following reasons (please answer the questions below):
1. What are the reasons for soliciting only the suggested source/suggested brand name? Please provide the unique characteristics of the items or services along with the supporting rationale and the market research performed to substantiate your reason for the suggested source/brand name.
Our Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) is a Zeiss-brand instrument. It can only by controlled by and interfaced with Zeiss software. Zeiss does not just provide their software for anyone to download. Zeiss provides the workstation with appropriate hardware configuration for connection to the instrument (appropriate processing, graphics, RAM, interface cards, etc.) with the required software installed to allow for communication and control of the SEM. That workstation is installed by a Zeiss engineer to ensure everything is performing and working properly. No other company software can communicate with the Zeiss instrument. We cannot just purchase a PC because Zeiss cannot provide us the software & programs to download. Additionally, the workstation is also then covered under the instrument service agreement so that if anything happens to the system is can be repaired/replaced by Zeiss and it ensures patches and updates to the system/software work with the instrument. Even if we could purchase a workstation separate and install the software, the system would then be at risk that no troubleshooting for communication with the instrument would be covered by the SEM OEM. This SEM is a workhorse for the laboratory that supports all KSC programs as well as other Agency programs.
2. What is the impact to the government if another vendor/brand is used? Include any dollar, schedule, or compatibility impacts if possible.
Kennedy Space Center would have to purchase an entirely new system: SEM, workstation, etc. (around
. Customer timelines would be impacted since the removal and installation of an entirely new system takes over a week to complete. This exact brand/workstation is required to properly interface with the existing SEM instrumentation in the laboratory. The original instrument system was installed in 2019 and a new workstation is required as an update to properly run the software and communicate with the
SEM
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS:
File details come from the government source that posted it. Updated .