Keyence VHX-X1 Digital Microscope and Components

NASA's Shared Services Center has issued a Special Notice for the procurement of a Keyence VHX-X1 Digital Microscope and associated components for the Materials Analysis Laboratory at Kennedy Space Center. The agency intends to award a sole source contract to Keyence Corporation of America under FAR 13.106-1(b)(1)(i), having determined that Keyence is the exclusive provider of these specialized microscope components. The procurement includes 11 specific items including a digital microscope controller, Windows 10 PC, high-performance camera, free-angle observation system, 3D profile measurement module, and various adapters and support packages. The contract will be processed through NASA/NSSC with performance at Kennedy Space Center, and the procurement will utilize commercial item procedures under FAR Parts 12 and 13. The NAICS code for this procurement is 334513 for Instruments and Related Products Manufacturing for Measuring, Displaying, and Controlling Industrial Process Variables.

The primary purpose of this Special Notice is to provide market research and determine whether the procurement should proceed on a sole source basis or be conducted competitively. Interested organizations must submit their capabilities and qualifications in writing by 1:00 p.m. Central Standard Time on July 16, 2025, with oral communications not acceptable. These submissions will be evaluated solely to determine if the procurement should be conducted on a competitive basis, though the final decision remains at the government's discretion. The equipment will be delivered to the Operations and Checkout Building at Kennedy Space Center with a performance period of 3-4 business days after receipt of order. Organizations responding to this notice should demonstrate their ability to provide equivalent digital microscope systems and components that meet NASA's specialized requirements for materials analysis applications.