Combined Sources Sought/Notice of Intent to Sole Source: Scanning electron microscope computer upgrade
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 National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has issued a Combined Sources Sought Notice and Notice of Intent to Sole Source for a scanning electron microscope (SEM) computer upgrade. NIST intends to award a non-competitive contract to Carl Zeiss Microscopy to replace a failed workstation controlling their Zeiss Supra SEM. This upgrade is critical for maintaining essential capabilities for CHIPS Metrology projects. Responses to the sources sought are due by May 12, 2026, at 5:00 PM ET.
Scope of Work
NIST requires a new workstation to replace a failed unit that controls their Zeiss Supra SEM (serial number 3041). The replacement workstation must:
- Successfully regain full functionality and control of the Zeiss Supra SEM.
- Be configured with all necessary hardware and software.
- Be factory vetted and tested prior to delivery. This acquisition is vital for the Microsystems and Nanotechnology Division (MND) to support CHIPS Metrology projects, enabling calibration and measurement method development, assessment of nanofabrication processes, characterization of microscopy standards, and cathodoluminescence spectroscopy.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Special Notice (Combined Sources Sought/Notice of Intent to Sole Source)
- NAICS: 334516, Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing
- Set-Aside: None (non-competitive intent)
- Intended Awardee: Carl Zeiss Microscopy
- Response Due: May 12, 2026, 5:00 PM ET
- Questions Due: April 30, 2026, 5:00 PM ET
- Published: April 28, 2026
- Place of Performance: Gaithersburg, MD
Justification for Sole Source
NIST's market research indicates that only Carl Zeiss Microscopy can provide a workstation control unit compatible with the legacy Zeiss Supra SEM. This is due to the specific hardware and software requirements, which only the original manufacturer can supply and verify. Carl Zeiss Microscopy does not have authorized resellers for this product. The current workstation is irreparable due to a lack of available parts.
Response Instructions
Interested parties capable of meeting NIST's requirements should submit the following via email to Cielo Ibarra (cielo.ibarra@nist.gov) by the due date:
- Company name, address, contact information, and UEI.
- A capability statement detailing how your company can meet or exceed the minimum requirements.
- Evidence of authorized reseller status, if applicable.
- Suggestions for less restrictive requirements or alternative NAICS codes.
- Small business status for NAICS 334516.
- Information on existing Federal Supply Schedule contracts or other relevant contracts.
- Description of company experience.
- Any other valuable information for market research. Do not include proprietary information. This is not a request for quotation, and no award will be made from this notice.