Desktop OCT (Optical Coherence Tomography) for non-invasive imaging of biological tissues
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 Institutes of Health (NIH) intends to award a non-competitive contract to Thorlabs, Inc. for a Desktop OCT (Optical Coherence Tomography) system. This presolicitation notice indicates the NIH's plan to acquire this specialized equipment for non-invasive imaging of biological tissues to expand research capabilities. Responses from interested parties are due by May 29, 2026.
Scope of Requirement
The NIH's National Eye Institute Visual Function Core seeks to purchase a Desktop OCT system. This technology provides a non-invasive approach for 3D optical sectioning to examine the structure and integrity of live biological tissues. While OCT is commonly used in eye clinics, Thorlabs has developed a desktop version suitable for imaging other biological samples, including cell and tissue cultures, organoids, and small live animals, which the NIH aims to utilize for intramural research.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Non-competitive contract under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (FAR Part 13), not expected to exceed the simplified acquisition threshold ($350,000).
- Intended Awardee: Thorlabs, Inc., 43 Sparta AVE, Newton, New Jersey 07860-2401, United States.
- Set-Aside: N/A
- NAICS Code: 333310 (Size Standard $1000)
- Response Due: May 29, 2026, at 9:00 AM Eastern time
- Published: May 20, 2026
- Solicitation Number: 75N98026Q00410
Submission Requirements
This is not a request for competitive proposals. However, interested parties may identify their interest and capability to fulfill the requirement. Responses must include:
- Sufficient information to establish bona-fide capabilities.
- A technical proposal.
- A cost-price proposal.
- The period of performance.
- Unique Entity ID (UEI) and Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN).
- Certification of business size. All offerors must have an active registration in SAM.gov.
Additional Notes
The Government's decision not to compete this proposed contract based on responses is solely at its discretion. Information received will be considered to determine whether to proceed non-competitively or conduct a competitive procurement. Responses should be submitted electronically to Mr. James Law, Contracting Officer, at James.Law@nih.gov.