NOTICE OF INTENT TO SOLE SOURCE: Preventative Maintenance Service for Zeiss Confocal and Epifluorescence Microscopes

***This is NOT a solicitation***

The National Institutes of Health (NIH), National Cancer Institute (NCI), Center for Cancer Research (CCR), Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Genetics (LCBG) Microscopy Core requires preventative maintenance and emergency services for fourteen (14) government-owned Zeiss confocal and epifluorescence microscopes and their associated components:

1. Elyra S.1 w/one scope S/N 2504000666                                         

2. LSM 880 w/one scope S/N 2802000291                                        

3. Elyra PS.1 w/one scope S/N 2560000238                                       

4. LSM 880 w/one scope S/N 2850100120                                         

5. Observer Z1 Inverted Scope S/N 3834003359                               

6. LSM 880 w/one scope S/N 2802000280                                        

7.AxioScan Z1 System S/N 4631000263                                           

8. AxioScan Z1 System S/N 4646000304                                           

9. Observer Z1 Definite Focus S/N 3834004401                                

10. Imager Z2 with MetaSystem S/N 3534000529                              

11. LSM 880 w/one scope S/N 2850100102                                       

12. Elyra 7 w/one scope S/N 2881000130                                          

13. Lightsheet S/N 2583000305                                                        

14. AxioImager M2 Upright Scope S/N 3525002696            

The Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Genetics (LCBG) is focused on understanding the mechanisms underlying cancer initiation and metastatic progression to help develop new treatments. These Zeiss microscopes are used extensively for analysis of biological specimens. As such, a comprehensive preventative maintenance and repair contract is essential for continued operation. 

The Office of Acquisitions (OA) plans to procure, on a sole source basis, maintenance services from:

Carl Zeiss Microscopy, LLC (One North Broadway White Plains, New York 10601-2310)

SAM UEI: H41JAKKNEXY1

The response close date of this notice is in accordance with FAR 5.203(a)(1). This acquisition will be processed under FAR Part 12 and will be made pursuant to the authority in FAR 13.106-1(b)(2) and, in accordance with FAR 13, is exempt from requirements in FAR Part 6.  The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code is 8811210 – Electronic and Precision Equipment Repair and Maintenance; and the small business size standard is $34 million.

Carl Zeiss Microscopy, LLC owns the proprietary software and internal components associated with these fourteen different microscopes.  Additionally, Zeiss holds multiple patents on these instruments and is the only source for replacement parts and new software updates. Only Zeiss service technicians are authorized to perform maintenance on their proprietary equipment and software. Zeiss does not license third party technicians to perform maintenance on its equipment.  In the event a non-authorized contractor tries to repair an imaging system or any associated component, the manufacturer will not repair them.  This scenario creates undue risk for the Government because if the third-party technician is unable to resolve an issue or provide adequate maintenance then the Government would be unable to return to the manufacturer for maintenance and repair services.

Each of these government-owned Zeiss microscopes must be calibrated and maintained according to the manufacturer’s specifications. Any deviation from the specifications could jeopardize the imaging functionality of the equipment which could result in an unacceptable, negative direct impact on the specimen analysis conducted by the LCBG Microscopy Core. 

To NCI’s knowledge, only the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) is capable of providing the maintenance services required for these Zeiss microscopes.  A sole-source award to Carl Zeiss Microscopy, LLC will ensure that the government-owned devices receive proper calibration, maintenance, and parts.  The manufacturer does not license third party technicians; therefore, Carl Zeiss Microscopy, LLC is the only provider that can meet the Government’s needs at this time.

This notice is not a request for competitive quotation. However, if any interested party, especially small businesses, believes it can meet the above requirement, it may submit a capability statement, proposal, or quotation, which shall be considered by the agency.  The statement of capabilities and any other information furnished must be in writing and must contain material in sufficient detail to allow the NCI to determine if the party can perform the requirement.  Responses must be received no later than 4:00PM EST, January 6, 2025.  All responses and questions must be in writing and emailed to Lena Lee, Contract Specialist, via electronic mail at lena.lee@nih.gov.  A determination by the Government not to compete this proposed requirement based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. Information received will be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement. No collect calls will be accepted. In order to receive an award, Contractors must be registered and have valid, current Entity Record, including current Representations and Certifications, in the System for Award Management (SAM) through SAM.gov. Reference: 75N91025NOI7093469 on all correspondence.

***Please reference the attached Statement of Work for more details pertaining to the nature of the requirement.***