Incubation and optics upgrade for storm system

The National Institutes of Health, Office of Logistics and Acquisition Operations, is issuing a pre-solicitation notice of intent to award a firm-fixed-price purchase order to Nikon Instruments for an incubation and optics upgrade to a Nikon STORM system, with responses due June 24, 2026 by 09:00 a.m. EDT. This is a sole-source procurement under FAR 6.302-1, justified on the basis that Nikon Instruments is the only responsible source capable of providing these products and services, as the manufacturer restricts system upgrades to authorized personnel.

The STORM system is housed in the Advanced Imaging & Analysis Core Facility at the National Human Genome Research Institute. The upgrade comprises three components: a CFI Apo 60X TIRF lens (NA 1.49, WD 0.12) to replace a damaged lens and restore full TIRF and STORM resolution; a Plan Apo Lambda D 20X dry lens (NA 0.8, WD 0.8) to enable lower magnification imaging and increase throughput and sample depth; and a Tokai HiT stage top incubation system compatible with the existing piezo Z stage to convert the platform into a live cell imaging capability. The incubation system features magnetic holders for multiple dish and slide formats, operates with 100% CO2 or mixed 5% CO2, and maintains temperature control between 25–45 degrees with humidity management.

Award is anticipated within five business days following the notice date unless the Government determines an alternative vendor possesses capability to meet the requirement. The NAICS code is 334516, Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing; the PSC code is 6640, Laboratory Equipment and Supplies. The solicitation number is 75N98026Q00628.