Upgrade to the Zeiss Serial Block Face Scanning Electron Microscope

Authority: FAR 6.302-1 – Only One Responsible Source and No Other Supplies or Services Will Satisfy Agency Requirements

Contracting Activity:
National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering (NIBIB)

Proposed Contractor:
Carl Zeiss

Description of Requirement
This is an upgrade to the Zeiss Serial Block Face Scanning Electron Microscope.  This instrument is used to study the three-dimensional structure of cells and tissues using the serial block face (SBF) imaging technique using an ultramicrotome built into the specimen chamber of the SEM.

Justification for Sole Source
NIBIB intends to negotiate and award a sole source contract to Carl Zeiss pursuant to FAR 6.302-1, Only One Responsible Source and No Other Supplies or Services Will Satisfy Agency Requirements. The proposed upgrade is for an existing Zeiss Serial Block Face Scanning Electron Microscope (SBF-SEM) manufactured by Carl Zeiss AG. This upgrade must be carried out by the original equipment manufacturer because:
1.    Proprietary Technology 
o    The upgrade involves proprietary hardware, software, firmware, and system integration developed exclusively by Carl Zeiss. 
o    The technical specifications, source code, calibration procedures, and engineering documentation necessary to perform the upgrade are not available to third-party vendors. 
2.    System Compatibility 
o    The microscope is an integrated instrument whose imaging performance depends on precise compatibility between the microscope hardware, detectors, stage controls, software, and Serial Block Face system. 
o    Only Carl Zeiss can ensure that the upgraded components are fully compatible with the existing instrument configuration. 
3.    Factory Calibration and Validation 
o    Following installation, the upgraded system requires factory-approved calibration, alignment, and performance verification to meet manufacturer specifications. 
o    These procedures require proprietary service tools, software, and trained factory-certified engineers. 
4.    Preservation of Warranty and Service Support 
o    Installation by any non-authorized organization could invalidate manufacturer warranties, future service agreements, software support, or eligibility for future upgrades. 
o    Carl Zeiss maintains responsibility for continued maintenance, software updates, and technical support of the upgraded system. 
5.    No Equivalent Alternative 
o    No other vendor has the legal authority, proprietary knowledge, or access to OEM components necessary to provide an equivalent upgrade while maintaining the instrument's specified performance. 
o    Third-party service providers cannot supply genuine Zeiss upgrade kits or certify the system to manufacturer performance specifications. 
6.    Research Continuity 
o    The upgraded system must maintain continuity with existing research protocols, imaging workflows, and previously acquired datasets. 
o    Using the OEM upgrade minimizes downtime and reduces technical risks that could negatively affect ongoing research. 

Notice to Interested Parties
This notice is not a request for competitive quotations or proposals. However, any responsible source, including small businesses, 8(a) firms, HUBZone small businesses, service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses (SDVOSBs), women-owned small businesses (WOSBs), veteran-owned small businesses (VOSBs), and small disadvantaged businesses (SDBs), may submit a capability statement demonstrating its ability to satisfy the Government's requirement.

Capability statements will be evaluated solely to determine whether a competitive procurement should be conducted. A determination by the Government not to compete the proposed requirement based upon responses to this notice is solely within the Government's discretion.

Anticipated Award
The Government anticipates making an award approximately five (5) calendar days after the closing date of this notice unless the Government determines that another responsible source is capable of satisfying the Government's requirements.

Capability statements must be submitted via email to haunp@mail.nih.gov no later than 9:00 a.m. EDT on August 7, 2026.