Keyence VHX-X1 Microscope and Accessories

NASA's Shared Services Center (NSSC) has issued a Special Notice for the procurement of a Keyence VHX-X1 Microscope and Accessories. The agency intends to award a sole source contract to Keyence Corporation of America, located in Elmwood Park, New Jersey, under the authority of FAR 13.106-1(b)(1)(i). The procuring center is NASA/NSSC, with performance taking place at NASA Glenn Research Center (GRC). This procurement falls under NAICS Code 334513 (Instruments and Related Products Manufacturing for Measuring, Displaying, and Controlling Industrial Process Variables) and PSC Code 6650 (Optical Instruments, Test Equipment, Components and Accessories). The government intends to acquire commercial items and services using the provisions and procedures prescribed in FAR Parts 12 and 13.

The purpose of this Special Notice is to allow interested organizations to submit their capabilities and qualifications in writing to demonstrate whether the procurement should be conducted on a competitive basis rather than as a sole source award. All submissions must be received by the identified point of contact, Laura Quave, no later than 4:00 p.m. Central Standard Time on February 25, 2026, with the Notice ID 80NSSC26925914Q referenced in all correspondence. Only written submissions are acceptable; oral communications will not be considered. The government will evaluate submitted capabilities and qualifications solely to determine whether competitive procurement is warranted, though any decision to compete or proceed with the sole source award remains at the government's discretion. Organizations interested in challenging the sole source determination have a narrow two-day window to respond with evidence of their capability to supply the required microscope and accessories.