Instrument maintenance

Notice of Intent to Sole Source for Maintenance Service

The National Institutes of Health intends to award a Firm-Fixed-Price purchase order to LEICA Microsystems, Inc., 1700 Leider Lane, Buffalo Grove, IL 60089.

In accordance with FAR Part 6.302-1, the Contractor is the only known responsible source who can provide the specific preventive maintenance as no other source has been identified who can provide the requirement listed below.

The National Institutes of Health, National Eye Institute has a requirement for maintenance service for a high-performance tissue processor, cryostat, glass cover slipper, auto stainer, and cold plates.    Tissue is processed to embed in paraffin, methyl-methacrylate, and resins for electron microscopy to all NEI researchers. Leica instruments are used to process all tissue samples submitted from NEI researchers to analyze and produce images for research used to support the mission of NEI. The instruments require maintenance to ensure that the research remains uninterrupted and its integrity uncompromised.   LEICA Microsystems, Inc. is the manufacturer of the instruments and provides the timeliest repairs and service to critical systems.  LEICA has the replacement parts required to complete repairs and has the resources to support complex service repairs, minimizing possible delays to ongoing research.  These competencies result in consistent instrument performance and increased scientific productivity.  The manufacturer requires a pre-contract inspection (PCI) to restore the unit to original equipment manufacturer’s condition and is the only source that can certify it as such.

This notice is not a request for competitive quotes.  However, any party that believes it can provide the preventive maintenance as stated herein may submit a written capability statement that clearly supports and demonstrates their ability to satisfy the requirement. A determination by the Government to compete this proposed award based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government.

It is anticipated that an award will be issued approximately ten (10) days after the date of this notice unless the Government determines that another organization has the capability to meet this requirement.

Please email responses to zetherine.gore@nih.hhs.gov no later than 12:00 p.m. EST on Tuesday, February 15, 2022.