Optical Microscope

The National Institute of Standards and Technology seeks procurement of an optical microscope system with installation and training, with quotations due July 29, 2026, at 1:00 PM ET. This is a total small business set-aside, 100% restricted to firms meeting the NAICS 334516 standard size threshold of 1,000 employees.

Place of performance is NIST Gaithersburg, Maryland (100 Bureau Drive, Building 301). The optical microscope must feature upright configuration with reflected light measurement capability, LED light source(s), bright field/dark field/differential interference contrast imaging modes, motorized objective turret with five objective lenses (5x, 10x, 20x, 50x, and 100x magnifications), motorized translational stages (75 mm × 50 mm minimum with 24 mm focus stroke), digital camera with minimum 5 Megapixel resolution, compatible workstation software with auto-focusing capability, and dust cover. All items must be new and shipped in original manufacturer's packaging, delivered FOB destination.

The procurement comprises three line items: optical microscope and accessories, installation (to be completed within 30 days of delivery), and training for up to four NIST users (to occur within 20 days of installation). Contractor must provide one-year warranty covering parts, labor, and travel. Award will be made to the lowest-priced, technically acceptable quotation. Quoters must submit documentation demonstrating technical acceptability, firm-fixed pricing, SAM registration, and a completed Applicable Provisions/Clauses document. The solicitation is conducted as a Restricted RFQ under FAR Standard Form 1449 and incorporates standard FAR clauses plus NIST-specific local clauses addressing campus operating status, electronic billing, and the Invoice Processing Platform. The procurement contact is Erik Frycklund (erik.frycklund@nist.gov).