Maintenance Agreement for Microscope
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 Eye Institute (NEI) at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) intends to award a Fixed-Priced One-Year Maintenance Agreement for Zeiss Microscope Equipment in Bethesda, MD. This is a sole source action to Carl Zeiss Microscope, LLC. However, other responsible sources may submit a quotation if they can provide OEM authorization. Quotations are due May 11, 2026.
Scope of Work
The NEI requires premium service coverage for seven complex Carl Zeiss Microscopy LLC instruments, including various Zeiss EVO, LSM, and Axio Scan models. These instruments are critical for NEI research efforts and require continuous functionality, preventative maintenance, and expert repair. The agreement includes:
- One (1) preventative maintenance inspection annually, including labor and travel.
- All labor and travel for additional service visits.
- All covered replacement parts.
- 10% discount on consumable purchases and instrument upgrades.
- Software version upgrades (minor versions) when available.
- Scheduled and emergency service during business hours (M-F, 8 AM - 5 PM).
- Services to be performed by factory-trained Customer Support Engineers.
Contract Details
- Solicitation Number: 75N98026Q00305 (RFQ)
- Contract Type: Fixed-Priced One-Year Maintenance Agreement
- NAICS Code: 811210 (Business Size Standard: $34M)
- Set-Aside: None (Not set aside for small business)
- Sole Source Justification: The NEI intends to contract on a sole source basis with Carl Zeiss Microscope, LLC under FAR 6.302, citing their proprietary technology, specialized components, and the necessity of factory-trained Zeiss engineers with unique expertise and tools for proper diagnosis and repair. Carl Zeiss is often the only source for replacement parts.
Submission Requirements
All responsible sources may submit a quotation. However, offerors must provide signed documentation confirming authorization and certified capability from Carl Zeiss to provide all identified services and products, and to maintain existing warranties. Responses without this OEM confirmation will be considered invalid. Quotations must include a completed copy of FAR Clause 52.212-1.
Deadlines & Contact
- Quotations Due: May 11, 2026, by 10:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time.
- Submission Method: Email to haunp@mail.nih.gov.
- Quotation Reference: Must reference "Solicitation number" 75N84026Q00305.
- Questions: Must be sent via email to haunp@mail.nih.gov with "solicitation# 75N98026Q00305" in the subject line.
Important Notes
This synopsis is not a request for competitive proposals, as the government intends to negotiate with only one source. However, any timely received quotation from a responsible source with the required OEM authorization will be considered. Offerors must be registered and have valid certification in the System for Award Management (SAM) at www.Sam.gov to be eligible for award.