Warranty/Preventative Maintenance Coverage for NICHD Multiphoton Microscope Equipment

The National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), a component of the National Institutes of Health under the Department of Health and Human Services, is seeking 12-month warranty and preventative maintenance coverage for a Thorlabs Bergamo II Multiphoton Microscope used for high-resolution imaging of live tissue and in vivo brain imaging. The required services include certified preventive maintenance, calibration, software support, genuine parts replacement, and on-site repairs by certified Thorlabs engineers to ensure optimal performance and minimal downtime for neuroscience research operations. The government intends to restrict competition and award directly to Thorlabs, Inc., as the original equipment manufacturer, in accordance with FAR 12.102(a) and FAR 12.201-1(c)(2), based on the manufacturer's unique qualifications to provide specialized support for this sensitive equipment. Although this is a pre-solicitation notice rather than a formal request for quotation, all responsible sources may submit capability statements, quotations, bids, or proposals for consideration. Responses must be submitted electronically to Contracting Officer Jacob Balenson at Jacob.balenson@nih.gov by January 5, 2026, at 1800 Eastern Time, with the pre-solicitation number 75N94026Q00021 referenced in the email subject line.

This procurement involves no set-aside designation and contemplates direct award to Thorlabs, Inc., the incumbent and original equipment manufacturer. The contract structure includes a 12-month base year with three optional 12-month renewal years, allowing for up to four years of continuous service coverage. The specific equipment requiring coverage is the Thorlabs Bergamo II Multiphoton Microscope with Instrument ID TP01907837-684990, located at the NICHD facility. The anticipated award date is January 9, 2026, providing minimal gap between the pre-solicitation deadline and contract commencement. This procurement falls under NAICS code 811219 (Electronic and Precision Equipment Repair and Maintenance) with a $34.0 million size standard, and is categorized under PSC code J066 for maintenance, repair, and rebuilding of laboratory and precision equipment.