Maintenance contract for LSM 880 NLO with Axio Observer Z1
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), under the Department of Health and Human Services, has issued a Notice of Intent to award a Firm-Fixed-Price Purchase Order for a maintenance contract for the Zeiss LSM 880 Axio Observer Z1 confocal microscope. This critical instrument supports research into molecular mechanisms of addiction, synaptic plasticity, and neural circuit function. While NIH intends to award to Carl Zeiss Microscopy, LLC, small businesses are invited to submit capability statements demonstrating their ability to meet the requirement. Responses are due by June 26, 2026, at 11:00 p.m. EDT.
Scope of Work
The requirement is for a comprehensive maintenance agreement covering the Zeiss LSM 880 Axio Observer Z1 confocal microscope. Key deliverables include:
- All parts, service visits, and repairs necessary to maintain the system.
- Ensuring the system operates at factory standards.
- Providing prompt expert support to prevent unexpected failures and minimize downtime, crucial for ongoing research.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Firm-Fixed-Price Purchase Order (intended award)
- Intended Contractor: Carl Zeiss Microscopy, LLC
- Set-Aside: Not a set-aside solicitation. However, the Government is seeking capability statements from interested small businesses, including 8(a), service-disabled veteran-owned, HUBZone, small disadvantaged, veteran-owned, and women-owned businesses.
- Response Due: June 26, 2026, 11:00 p.m. EDT
- Published: June 17, 2026
- Place of Performance: Rockville, MD 20852, United States
Evaluation
This notice is not a request for competitive quotes. The Government will review submitted capability statements from small businesses to determine if there is sufficient interest and capability to warrant a competitive award. If no other vendor demonstrates the capability to meet the requirement, an award is anticipated approximately ten days after the notice date to Carl Zeiss Microscopy, LLC.
Additional Notes
The Zeiss LSM 880 Axio Observer Z1 confocal microscope is essential for NIH's research objectives. Submissions should clearly demonstrate the vendor's ability to provide the required specialized maintenance services.