Special Notice of Intent to Sole Source: Maintenance Services for Government-Owned Leica SP8 WLL2 TAN Laser Scanning Confocal Microscope with Falcon (decal # 01963841, ID # 81-920).

Background:

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), National Institutes of Health (NIH), National Cancer Institute (NCI), Center for Cancer Research (CCR) requires preventative maintenance services for government-owned equipment. The NCI maintains a Leica SP8 WLL2 TAN Laser Scanning Confocal Microscope with Falcon (decal # 01963841, ID # 81-920) used capturing images for basic research in NCI CCR.

The original equipment manufacturer (OEM) for this system is Leica Microsystems Inc ("Leica"). The design and components for the instrument are proprietary and servicing the instrument requires personnel with qualifications that can only be provided by the OEM. Based on market research, there are no authorized resellers for the spare parts necessary to maintain the equipment, and no third-party organizations with certified repair technicians. Thus, the OEM is the only source capable of meeting the requirement to maintain and repair this system.

Additional details regarding the requirement can be found in the attached Statement of Work.

Response Instructions:

The response close date of this notice is in accordance with FAR 5.203(a)(1). This acquisition will be processed under FAR Part 12 - Acquisition for Commercial Items and will be awarded pursuant to the authority in FAR 13.106-1(b)(1) using simplified acquisition procedures. This acquisition is exempt from the requirements of FAR Part 6.

This notice is not a request for competitive quotation; however, if any interested party – especially any small business – believes it can meet this requirement, it may submit a capability statement for the Government to consider. The response and any other information furnished must be in writing and must contain material in sufficient detail to allow NCI to determine if the party can perform the requirement.

Responses must be received in the contracting office by the deadline stated in this notice. All responses and/or questions must be submitted via e-mail to Renee Jones-Chuang, Contract Specialist, at renee.jones-chuang@nih.gov.

A determination by the Government not to compete this proposed requirement based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. Information received will be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement. In order to receive an award, contractors must be registered and have valid certification through SAM.gov and have representations and certifications completed.

Responses should include both the STATEMENT OF CAPABILITY and the BUSINESS SIZE AND SOCIOECONOMIC STATUS information as explained below. This notice is to assist with determining sources only. If a solicitation is issued it will be announced at a later date, and all interested parties must respond to that solicitation announcement separately from the responses to this announcement.

Requested Information:

(1) Statement of Capability: Submit a brief description (10-pages or fewer) that includes product specifications. Include past experience with performing this type of service for Government agencies, or for a private medical facility. Please indicate your address.

(2) Business Size and Socio-Economic Status:

• (a) Indicate whether your organization is a small business or other-than-small business.
• (b) If small, indicate if your firm qualifies as a small, emerging business; or a small disadvantaged business.
• (c) If disadvantaged, specify under which disadvantaged group and if your firm is certified under Section 8(a) of the Small Business Act.
• (d) Indicate if your firm is a certified HUB-Zone firm.
• (e) Indicate if your firm is a woman-owned or operated business.
• (f) Indicate if your firm is a certified Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) or a Veteran Owned Small Business (VOSB).
• (g) Include the DUNS number of your firm.
• (h) State whether your firm is registered in the System for Award Management (SAM).