6650--NOTICE OF INTENT TO SOLE SOURCE: Spinning Disk Confocal
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
Timeline
Qualification Details
Fit reasons
- NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
- Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
- Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
- Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps
Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.
Quick Summary
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Network Contracting Office (NCO) 22, has issued a Notice of Intent (NOI) to award a sole source, firm fixed-price contract to Nikon Instruments Inc. for Spinning Disk Confocal imaging equipment. This equipment is required by the Southern Arizona VA Healthcare System (SAVAHCS) to enhance their existing Nikon Ti Microscope System for an ALS study. Capability statements from interested parties are due by April 8, 2026, 1:00 PM PDT.
Scope of Work
The SAVAHCS requires a Spinning Disk Confocal imaging system to provide optical depth, 3D imaging reconstruction, and superior resolution for subcellular localization of proteins. The system must be compatible with the existing Nikon Ti Microscope System and its NIS-Elements software. Key specifications include:
- Field of View (FOV): Up to 22mm
- Bypass Mode: Manual
- Light Source: LED (3mm Liquid Light Guide) & Multimode Laser (SMA Fiber)
- Spectral Range: Excitation: 390-750 nm; Emission: 430-850 nm
- Camera Compatibility: C-mount Camera
- Resolution: Lateral (FWHM): ~230 nm; Axial (FWHM): ~600 nm
- Configurations: Compatible with Upright and Inverted Microscopes
- Weight: 7.65Kg | 16.8 lbs
- Dimensions: 166.20 (W) x 234 (L) x 228.60 (H) mm Specific parts required are CICERO, 50/250UM WITH CELESTA 5CH (Part Number: 99899) and A1 TI INTERLOCK CABLE (Part Number: MXA22094).
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Firm Fixed Price, Sole Source Award
- Procedure: FAR Part 13 (Simplified Acquisition Procedures), specifically FAR Subpart 13.5 (Simplified Procedures for Certain Commercial Items), and FAR Part 12 (Commercial Items).
- NAICS Code: 334516 - Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing (Size Standard: 1,000 Employees)
- Product Service Code: 6650 - Optical Instruments, Test equipment, Components and Accessories
- Response Due: April 8, 2026, 1:00 PM PDT
- Published: April 2, 2026
Submission & Evaluation
This NOI is for informational purposes only and is not a formal solicitation. No award will be made based on unsolicited quotations. Interested parties must submit clear, compelling, and convincing evidence that competition would be advantageous to the Government. Information received will be considered solely to determine if a competitive procurement is feasible.
Eligibility / Notes
SDVOSB/VOSB respondents are encouraged to provide proof of www.vetcert.gov certification and acknowledge understanding of FAR 52.219-14, Limitations on Sub-Contracting. Respondents should also provide company name, UEI, address, point of contact, phone, email, and business size information. Point of Contact: Clift Domen, Clift.Domen@va.gov. Subject line for inquiries and submissions: "PR for 678-26-3-8106-0111 Spinning Disk Confocal".