STEDYCON STED & Confocal Microscope

The National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) is seeking to procure a STEDYCON STED & Confocal Microscope for the Fluorescence Microscopy and Imaging Center (FMIC) at the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS). This sophisticated microscopy system must include advanced imaging capabilities with STED and confocal optics featuring specific laser lines at 405nm, 488nm, 561nm, and 640nm wavelengths, along with superior STED resolution capabilities. The procurement will be conducted as a firm fixed-price contract with comprehensive evaluation criteria that considers salient characteristics, past performance, and price, with non-price factors weighted as significantly more important than price in the selection process. Proposals are due by September 4, 2025 at 9:00 A.M. EST, and interested parties should direct inquiries to Contracting Officer Michael Falzone at michael.falzone@nih.gov. The government reserves the option to extend contract performance for up to six months beyond the base period.

This opportunity is designated as a total small business set-aside under NAICS code 334516 (Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing) with a size standard of 1,000 employees, restricting competition to qualified small businesses only. The place of performance is specified as Durham, North Carolina, though the solicitation also references Research Triangle Park, NC 27709 as a related location. The contract includes provisions for potential unilateral government extension and encompasses a comprehensive evaluation process that will consider total pricing including any option periods. No incumbent contractors or specific award values are identified in the available documentation. The solicitation number is 75N94025Q00204, and the procurement falls under PSC code 6515 for Medical and Surgical Instruments, Equipment, and Supplies. The timeline appears focused on the immediate procurement need with the September 4th deadline being the primary constraint for potential offerors.