Renewal of Leica Microsystems Maintenace for the Division of Intramural Research (DIR)

THIS IS A NOTICE OF INTENT AND NOT A REQUEST FOR QUOTATIONS

This notice is published in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 5.101(a)(1) requiring the dissemination of information regarding proposed contract actions. This is a Notice of Intent to award a sole source, firm-fixed price purchase order under the authority of 41 U.S.C. 3304(a)(1), as implemented by FAR 13.106-1(b)(1) and 13.501(a) - Only One Responsible Source and No Other Supplies or Service Will Satisfy Agency Requirements and is not a request for competitive quotes. 

The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) intends to negotiate on a sole source basis with Leica Microsystems Inc., 1700 Leider Lane, Buffalo Grove, IL 60089, UEI: VN38G4R6FUB9.

This acquisition will provide a 12-month service contract for forty Leica microscopes and lasers. The microscopes and lasers are used daily and must be repaired and/or upgraded immediately to prevent the loss of research and maintain the continuity of experiments. The service of Leica microscopes includes: unlimited service visits by Leica-Microsystems trained and qualified field service engineer, unlimited OEM Replacement service parts, components, or modules necessary for repairs; excluding multiphoton lasers, one (1) annual on-site planned maintenance visit, to ensure the system is performing to factory specifications, unlimited access to expert applications and technology support center (M-F 8am-5pm), biosafety level three (3) included -software updates. Guaranteed priority response time of two business days after receipt of service call. Priority onsite scheduling equal to a manufacturers direct contract, to ensure minimal down time of instrumentation. Priority scheduling and onsite response for all repairs during the period of performance. Priority is defined as giving priority scheduling equal to a direct contract and guaranteeing the equivalent manufacturer’s priority onsite response.

The manufacturer only supports the use of its proprietary supplies and services for its instruments. NIAID understands that only Leica Microsystems Inc. has the engineers and technicians with the skills, expertise, and authorization to work on Leica-manufactured equipment. Only Leica has Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts and latest service and support information.

The period of performance required for total performance (inclusive of all options) is from March 1, 2023 through February 29, 2024.

The North American Industry Classification (NAICS) code for this acquisition is 811210-Other Electronic and Precision Equipment Repair and Maintenance, which has a size standard of 30.0 million. Lecia Microsystems, Inc. is other than a small business.

This will be the only notice of the Government's intent to solicit, negotiate, and award to one source to satisfy this requirement. The Government plans to award a contract for this requirement within 25 days of this notice.

While this synopsis does not constitute a solicitation, interested vendors may identify their interest and capability to satisfy this requirement. The Government understands that Leica Microsystem, Inc. is the only vendor which can provide the requested products/services for NIAID. However, firms that believe they can provide the capability required to fully meet the Government's requirement may submit a capabilities statement, including past performance, in writing to the identified point of contact within 15 days after publication of this notice. Such documentation shall be evaluated solely for the purpose of determining whether or not to conduct this procurement on a competitive basis. A determination not to compete this requirement, based upon responses to this notice, is solely within the discretion of the Government. Interested parties may identify their interest and capability to respond to the requirement or submit offers on NOI-NIAID-2151970.

If submitting a capability statement, it must include evidence of being capable of providing priority service and a priority partnership with Leica Microsystems. Requirement: *As priority status is only available with a contract with Leica Microsystems, third-party vendors must also include a contract with Leica Microsystems to be considered.

This notice does not obligate the Government to award a contract or otherwise pay for any information provided in response. The Government reserves the right to use information provided by respondents for any purpose deemed necessary and legally appropriate. Any organization responding to this notice should ensure that its response is complete and sufficiently detailed to allow the Government to determine the organization's qualifications to perform the work. Respondents are advised that the Government is under no obligation to acknowledge receipt of the information received or provide feedback to respondents with respect to any information submitted.

For additional information or to submit responses, please contact Hershea Vance, Contract Specialist at hershea.vance@nih.gov.