Scanning Electron Spectrometer (SEM) service contract

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), operating under the Department of the Interior's Office of Acquisitions and Grants, has issued a Special Notice regarding a Scanning Electron Spectrometer (SEM) service contract. The USGS intends to award a purchase order to Tescan USA Inc. in Warrendale, Pennsylvania for maintenance and support services on a TESCAN MIRA4 Scanning Electron Microscope. This procurement will be conducted under Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Part 12 for commercial items and simplified acquisition procedures. The notice is being issued to satisfy FAR Subpart 5.2 notification requirements, though it is not a competitive solicitation. Tescan USA Inc. has been identified as the sole source due to proprietary software requirements necessary for operating and upgrading the TESCAN SEM equipment.

This Special Notice serves to provide transparency regarding the USGS's intent to procure SEM maintenance services while inviting capability statements from any responsible parties who may wish to demonstrate alternative capabilities. All responses must be submitted electronically to thuot@usgs.gov by December 10, 2025 at 10:00 AM Pacific Time, with no phone calls or alternative submission methods accepted. The 12-month service contract, running from December 12, 2025 through November 30, 2026, will cover comprehensive maintenance for the equipment located at the USGS Alaska Volcano Observatory in Anchorage, including annual preventative maintenance, unlimited emergency visits, software upgrades, and component replacements. Contractors must hold the NAICS code 811310 (Commercial and Industrial Machinery Repair and Maintenance Services) with an associated small business size standard of $12.5 million. The contract is essential for ensuring continued operational capability of the microscope for critical volcanic research and mineral analysis activities.