PM and Repair Services: TESCAN Vega-3 Scanning Electron Microscope

The Department of the Navy Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) has issued a Special Notice announcing its intent to award a sole source purchase order to TESCAN USA, Inc. for preventive maintenance and emergency repair services for a TESCAN Vega-3 Scanning Electron Microscope located at Fleet Readiness Center Southwest, Naval Base Coronado. The procurement is specifically for maintenance of the microscope and its ancillary components, with TESCAN USA, Inc. identified as the only qualified source due to being the original equipment manufacturer (OEM). The government has determined that TESCAN USA, Inc. possesses unique proprietary knowledge of the system's hardware and software, making them the sole capable provider for diagnosing and repairing the equipment to its pre-failure performance level. The procurement will be conducted under Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Subpart 13.106-1(b)(i), which allows for sole source acquisition when only one source is reasonably available.

The Special Notice provides an opportunity for other responsible sources to submit a capability statement within two calendar days of publication, though the government maintains sole discretion in determining whether to pursue a competitive procurement. The contract is structured with a base year and potential option years, covering comprehensive maintenance services using factory-trained service engineers and technicians. Eligible contractors should note that while the notice is not a formal request for competitive quotes, capability statements will be considered for potential competitive evaluation. The procurement is valued under $250,000 and specifically targets maintenance of the scanning electron microscope and related components. Key requirements include providing on-site and on-call emergency repair services, conducting annual preventive maintenance inspections, offering technical telephone assistance within 24 hours of equipment failure, and ensuring on-site field technician response within 48 hours if full operational capability cannot be achieved remotely. The technical scope covers maintenance for the microscope, associated detectors, pumps, and control panel, with detailed reporting and standard commercial warranty provisions.