Scanning electron microscope service and maintenance agreement

NASA's Shared Services Center (NSSC) has issued a Special Notice soliciting a scanning electron microscope service and maintenance agreement for the TESCAN USA MIRA-3 XMU system located at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC). The notice, posted on March 31, 2026, indicates the agency's intent to award a sole source contract to TESCAN USA INC of Warrendale, Pennsylvania, based on a determination that the company is the sole provider capable of delivering the required services. The procurement will utilize commercial item procedures under FAR Parts 12 and 13. The NAICS classification for this effort is 811210 (Electronic and Precision Equipment Repair and Maintenance). This Special Notice provides an opportunity for interested organizations to challenge the sole source justification by submitting their capabilities and qualifications.

The primary objective of this procurement is to secure a one-year Shield Elite service agreement covering on-site maintenance, preventative care, and technical support for the specialized scanning electron microscope during the period April 1, 2026 through March 31, 2027. Interested organizations must submit written capabilities and qualifications statements by April 3, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. Central Standard Time to be considered; the government will evaluate these submissions solely to determine whether to conduct the procurement on a competitive basis. The service agreement requires the contractor to provide priority telephone support for system diagnostics, next-day parts delivery, on-site service with a 48-hour response time, and one preventative maintenance visit during the performance period. Although TESCAN USA INC has been identified as the intended sole source contractor, any qualified organization may submit documentation demonstrating capability to perform this work, with the final determination to compete or proceed with sole source award remaining at the government's discretion.