Fully integrated dual YAG/SLT ophthalmic laser system with associated accessories

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items to procure a "Fully integrated dual YAG/SLT ophthalmic laser system with associated accessories." This announcement serves as the only solicitation; proposals are being requested, and a written solicitation will not be issued separately. The acquisition is being conducted in accordance with FAR Part 12 and FAR Part 13.

• The core requirement is for a fully integrated dual YAG/SLT ophthalmic laser system with associated accessories.

• The Statement of Need and relevant terms and conditions are included as attachments.

• Contract Award Type: Firm Fixed Price

• Period of Performance: TBD

• Estimated Value: TBD

• Contract Award Date: TBD

• The solicitation includes the Government's unilateral option to extend performance for an additional period up to six months under FAR 52.217-8.

• Closing Response Date: April 27, 2026, at 6:00 A.M. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT).

• Questions Due Date: April 17, 2026, at 12:00 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT).

• Proposals will be evaluated based on Technical Superiority, Past Performance, and Cost. Technical Superiority and Past Performance, when combined, are significantly more important than Cost.

• Offerors must include a completed copy of FAR Clause 52.212-3, Offeror Representations and Certifications – Commercial Items, unless completed annually via SAM.gov.

• Set-aside Status: Small Business

• NAICS Code: 339112

• Small Business Size Standard: 1,000

• This solicitation is being released unrestricted.

• Contracting Office Address: 6701 Rockledge Drive, Bethesda, MD 20817.

• Contact Specialist: David Shen (david.shen@nih.gov).

• Place of Contract Performance: Bethesda, MD.

• The solicitation document, incorporated provisions, and clauses are effective through Federal Acquisition Circular 2024-07.

Statement of Need (SON)

To procure a fully integrated dual YAG/SLT ophthalmic laser system with associated accessories to support clinical procedures and translational research projects involving porcine surgical models at the National Eye Institute (NEI), Ocular Genomics and Visual Function Branch (OGVFB), Translational Research Core (TRC).

• Procurement of a new, replacement dual therapeutic laser system.

• Support for development of novel ophthalmic surgical techniques, treatment paradigms, and animal models of degenerative eye disease using porcine eyes.

• Applications include modulation/release of post-surgical fibrotic scars, management of tractional elements, precise disruption of tissue interfaces, and evaluation of laser-tissue interactions under altered biomechanical and optical conditions.

• Wide, continuous anterior and posterior Nd:YAG focal offset adjustment (up to +/-500 um) to compensate for porcine ocular anatomy and experimental variability without increasing pulse energy.

• Fine-grained, stable Nd:YAG energy control enabling consistent plasma formation at low energy levels.

• High-precision aiming and small YAG spot size (approx. 8 um) for delicate, non-standard anterior segment targets.

• Nd:YAG energy range from 0.3 to 10 mJ, continuously adjustable.

• Selectable burst modes (1, 2, or 3 pulses).

• Combined Nd:YAG and SLT capability in a single, integrated platform.

• Operational reliability and calibration stability suitable for large-animal experiments.

• A mobile and wheelchair-accessible laser stand/table.

• Delivery, professional on-site installation, system calibration, initial system orientation, and user training.

• Delivery and setup within 60 business days of receiving a Purchase Order.

• Installation and training on the same day of delivery or within 5 business days thereafter.

• NIH on-campus location: Building 49, NIH Main Campus, 9000 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD 20892.

• Systems failing to meet the critical requirement for wide, continuous YAG offset adjustment will be deemed technically unacceptable.

• Documented design validation for shot-to-shot stability, clean plasma formation, and reduced optical breakdown variability is required.

• The system must support fine control of multiple interdependent parameters.

• Vendor will certify installation completion and provide documentation of system readiness for use.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document outlines the evaluation criteria for a Fully Integrated Dual YAG/SLT Ophthalmic Laser System with Associated Accessories for the National Eye Institute (NEI). Offers will be evaluated on an Acceptable/Unacceptable basis.

• Technical Evaluation Criteria (11 Criteria):

  • Nd:YAG Focal Offset: Continuous, stepless anterior and posterior adjustment of at least ±500 µm.
  • Nd:YAG Energy Control: Fine-grained, continuously adjustable energy from 0.3 mJ to 10 mJ with shot-to-shot stability.
  • YAG Spot Size & Aiming Precision: Approximately 8 µm spot size with appropriate aiming beam accuracy.
  • Selectable Burst Mode Operation: Support for 1, 2, and 3 pulse delivery options per trigger.
  • Fully Integrated Dual YAG/SLT Platform: Both modalities must be in a single, integrated system.
  • Calibration Stability & Operational Reliability: Documented validation supporting stability and low variability across extended use.
  • Multi-Axis Parameter Independence: Focal offset, pulse energy, and burst mode must be independently adjustable.
  • Mobile, Wheelchair-Accessible Laser Stand/Table: Must be included, mobile, and compliant with accessibility standards.
  • Delivery and Setup Timeline: Within 60 business days of Purchase Order receipt.
  • On-Site Installation, Calibration, and Training: Professional installation and calibration by certified staff, with user training within 5 business days of delivery at NIH Main Campus, Bethesda, MD.
  • System Readiness Certification and Documentation: Written certification of installation completion and system readiness.

• Not specified in this document.

• Evaluation Basis: Acceptable/Unacceptable for all technical and administrative criteria.

• Critical Differentiator: Criterion 1 (Nd:YAG Focal Offset) is a critical differentiator; failure here results in immediate technical unacceptability.

• Award Condition: An offer must receive an Acceptable rating on all eleven criteria to be considered for award. Any single Unacceptable rating renders the entire offer technically unacceptable.

• Not specified in this document.

• The document includes detailed 'Rationale' for specific requirements, highlighting their importance for research settings.

Sources Sought Notice

This notice is issued by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), National Eye Institute (NEI), Ocular Genomics and Visual Function Branch (OGVFB), Translational Research Core (TRC) for planning purposes only. It aims to determine the availability and capability of small businesses (including 8(a), Small Disadvantaged, HUBZone, veteran-owned, service-disabled veteran-owned, and women-owned small businesses) to provide a fully integrated dual YAG/SLT ophthalmic laser system with accessories. This system is intended for clinical procedures and translational research using porcine surgical models.

The NEI requires a new or replacement dual therapeutic laser system with the following critical capabilities:

• Wide, continuous anterior and posterior Nd:YAG focal offset adjustment: Up to +/-500 um, crucial for porcine ocular anatomy and experimental variability. Standard systems with discrete offsets are insufficient.
• Fine-grained, stable Nd:YAG energy control: Enabling consistent plasma formation at low energy levels (0.3 to 10 mJ), with a small YAG spot size (approx. 8 um).
• Selectable burst modes: 1, 2, or 3 pulses for controlled energy delivery.
• Combined Nd:YAG and SLT capability: Integrated into a single platform.
• Operational reliability and calibration stability: Suitable for large-animal experiments, with documented design validation for shot-to-shot stability and reduced optical breakdown variability.
• Parameter flexibility: Across multiple axes (offset, energy, burst structure) for technique development.
• Wheelchair-accessible laser stand.

Services include delivery, professional on-site installation, system calibration by certified staff, and initial user training.

Interested small businesses are encouraged to submit capability statements (max 20 pages, excluding brochures) by 9:00 a.m. ET on April 2026 to david.shen@nih.gov. Responses must demonstrate capability and capacity to meet the specific requirements, including compliance with FAR 52.219-14 ("Limitations on Subcontracting"). Generic statements are insufficient. Pricing information is encouraged but not required.

This notice specifically seeks capabilities from small businesses, including certified 8(a), Small Disadvantaged, HUBZone, veteran-owned, service-disabled veteran-owned, and women-owned small businesses. Companies must be registered in SAM.gov. Teaming arrangements are acceptable.

This is a Sources Sought Notice for market research and planning purposes only. It is not an Invitation for Bids, RFP, RFQ, or an indication that the Government will award a contract. No reimbursement for costs incurred in responding will be provided. Responses may inform future acquisition strategies. The Government reserves the right to contact respondents for clarification.