INCUBATION AND OPTICS UPGRADE FOR STORM SYSTEM
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 Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI), under the National Institutes of Health (NIH), has issued a Notice of Intent to award a Firm-Fixed-Price Purchase Order to Nikon Instruments for an Incubation and Optics Upgrade for a STORM System. This upgrade is critical for the Advanced Imaging & Analysis Core Facility (AIACF) to expand available applications for core users. Responses from other interested parties are due by June 24, 2026, at 09:00 a.m. EDT.
Scope of Work
The core requirement is to add incubation and optics capabilities to an existing Nikon STORM system. Key components include:
- Replacement of a damaged CFI Apo 60X TIRF lens (NA 1.49, WD 0.12) to restore full functionality and improve TIRF and STORM resolution.
- Addition of a Plan Apo Lambda D 20X lens (NA 0.8, WD 0.8) for lower magnification imaging, increased throughput, and expanded sample depth.
- Addition of a Tokai HiT stage top incubation system compatible with the existing piezo Z stage, featuring magnetic holders, 100% CO2 with a mixer for 5% CO2, and temperature/humidity control (25-45 degrees) for live cell imaging.
Contract & Timeline
- Contract Type: Firm-Fixed-Price Purchase Order
- Set-Aside: Sole Source (Nikon Instruments)
- Response Due: June 24, 2026, 09:00 a.m. EDT
- Published: June 15, 2026
- Anticipated Award: Approximately five (5) days after the notice date, unless another vendor demonstrates capability.
Evaluation
This notice is not a request for competitive quotes. It serves as a sole source justification in accordance with FAR Part 6.302-1, identifying Nikon Instruments as the only known responsible source due to their manufacturer status and policy against third-party upgrades. Any responses received will be evaluated solely at the Government's discretion to determine if competition is feasible.
Additional Notes
Interested parties who believe they can meet the requirements must submit an email response to the contracting officer by the deadline.