Sources Sought for One (1) Nikon Spinning Disk Confocal with Super Resolution via Reassignment (SoRA) live cell imaging microscope.

The U.S. Army Research Laboratory is conducting market research through the Department of the Army Materiel Command Army Contracting Command Aberdeen Proving Ground to identify potential sources for one Nikon Spinning Disk Confocal with Super Resolution via Reassignment (SoRA) live cell imaging microscope. The procurement targets the analytical laboratory instrument manufacturing sector under NAICS code 334516 and seeks vendors capable of providing a sophisticated microscope system with specific technical requirements including a 25mm field-of-view, capability for up to seven excitation lines, Lumencor Ziva light source, disk bypass mode, and dual-camera output options. Interested parties must demonstrate their ability to meet the technical specifications and provide details about their business classification, small business status, and past performance experience. The government will evaluate responses based on technical capability, business qualifications, and prior contract performance. All responses must be submitted to Andrea Minter at andrea.m.minter.civ@army.mil by September 26, 2025, with the original notice posted on September 23, 2025.

This procurement does not include any set-aside designations, though the government strongly encourages participation from small businesses, including those certified under Section 8(a), HUBZone, Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business, Women-Owned Small Business, and Economically Disadvantaged Women-Owned Small Business programs. The NAICS size standard for this procurement is 1,000 employees, and the proposed solicitation number is W911QX26QA001. The contract will require delivery of one microscope unit to the U.S. Army Research Laboratory facility in Adelphi, Maryland, with an estimated delivery timeframe of 30-90 days after receipt of order. No specific award values or budget ranges have been disclosed in this sources sought notice, as this represents preliminary market research rather than a formal solicitation. The government has emphasized that this notice does not constitute a commitment to issue an order or guarantee a forthcoming solicitation, and respondents will not be notified of evaluation results.