Helios NanoLab 660

Other / Unclassified

This document is a Sole Source Justification for a contract action related to PWS #26-6D4. It outlines the need to procure product service/updates/maintenance and consumable parts for DMEA's Helios NanoLab 660, Nova NanoSEM 650, and Nova NanoLab 600.

This justification is relevant to potential bidders as it explains the rationale for a sole-source acquisition. Key points include:

• Need: The current warranty and service contracts for the specified equipment will expire in mid-2026. A new service agreement is required to ensure proper operation and maintenance.
• Scope: The acquisition will cover product service, updates, maintenance, and consumable parts for the three named equipment models.
• Authority: The justification cites FAR 6.302-1, indicating that only one responsible source (FEI Company) can satisfy the agency's requirements.
• Reason for Sole Source: FEI is the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) and holds proprietary rights to the software used on these systems. Market research confirmed that FEI does not authorize third-party service due to a lack of software training and expertise on their proprietary systems.
• Competition: While posted on SAM.gov, the solicitation is expected to result in a sole-source award to FEI. The Contracting Officer will consider quotations from responsible sources, but the justification strongly indicates FEI as the only viable option.
• Contract Details: The acquisition is planned as a five-year agreement (base year plus four option years).
• Cost Determination: The contracting officer will determine the proposed price to be fair and reasonable and will perform price analysis on FEI's quote.

Statement of Work (SOW) / Performance Work Statement (PWS)

To ensure the proper function of the FEI Helios NanoLab 660 beam tool and minimize downtime through software updates, maintenance, and replacement of consumable parts.

• Provide software updates and operating system upgrades.

• Perform equipment maintenance and deliver/replace consumable parts.

• Conduct at least one (1) preventative maintenance (PM) visit per year.

• Provide unlimited on-site service, including labor, living expenses, and travel, to repair malfunctions.

• Provide email and telephone support Monday through Friday, 0900-1600 Pacific Time (excluding Federal Holidays), with a response time of within twenty-four (24) hours.

• Provide a service report after each on-site visit.

• System returned to full operational condition meeting Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) specifications during PM visits.

• Delivery of consumables within three (3) business days of order.

• Response to DMEA support inquiries within twenty-four (24) hours.

• One (1) base year with four (4) option years.

• DMEA facility located at 4234 54th Street, McClellan, CA 95652-2100, Building 1, Room 134 (Lab 1).

• Procurement is from FEI Company due to the proprietary nature of the equipment.

• All installation costs for consumable parts are covered under the software updates/maintenance agreement.

• Replacement parts must be equivalent or better-quality parts.

• Data items (reports) are required as specified in Section 4.0, including submission within two (2) business days of visit completion.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document is a Combined Synopsis and Solicitation for the DMEA Helios NanoLab 660. The government is procuring services and consumable parts related to the NanoLab 660, as detailed in the attached Performance Work Statement (PWS) No. 26-6D4 dated March 30, 2026.

• Service and consumable parts for the NanoLab 660.

• Performance is detailed in PWS No. 26-6D4.

• The proposed contract action is anticipated to be a firm-fixed-price contract.

• The solicitation structure suggests CLINs for service and parts over five one-year periods, starting June 1, 2026, and ending May 31, 2031.

• Quotes may be submitted using contractor-generated quote forms.

• Offers must be submitted to the Contracting Officer, Mike Hallock, by 1400 (2:00 p.m.) Pacific Standard Time on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, via email to Michael.w.hallock4.civ@mail.mil.

• The evaluation factor for award is Price.

• The government will award to the responsible offeror whose offer represents the best value.

• The document lists numerous FAR and DFARS clauses, including many related to small business set-asides and preferences (e.g., HUBZone, Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business, Economically Disadvantaged Women-Owned Small Business, etc.). Bidders should review these clauses to determine applicability.

• The government recommends a specific CLIN structure but allows for offeror-proposed alternatives.

• The solicitation is issued in accordance with FAR Part 13.

• Attachment 1: DMEA Performance Work Statement (PWS) No. 26-6D4, dated 30 Mar 26 (4 pages).

• Attachment 2: Justification and Approval – Sole Source Determination (2 Pages).

• The government may reject any or all quotations and reserves the right to cancel the solicitation.

• No proposal preparation costs or other expenses incurred to respond will be reimbursed.