Nikon Optical Microscope– Combined Sources Sought/Notice of Intent to Sole Source
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 Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), under the Department of Commerce, has issued a Combined Sources Sought and Notice of Intent to Sole Source for a Nikon Optical Microscope. This notice seeks to identify other sources capable of providing a high-speed, Lock-in/Servo system. If no alternate sources are identified, NIST intends to award a sole source contract to Nikon Metrology, LLC. Responses are due by June 1, 2026, at 3:00 PM ET.
Scope of Requirement
NIST requires a Nikon Optical Microscope for the Physical Measurements Lab (PML), Quantum Nanoelectronics Group. This microscope will be used to visualize, manipulate, and measure single atomic layer crystals for fabricating quantum devices. Key requirements include imaging silicon wafers and 2D quantum materials in visible and infrared light (IR), operating in reflection and transmission modes. The system must be capable of automatically recording and stitching multiple images, as well as combining images taken at different focal heights. It needs to be compatible with NIST's existing NIKON MM-400SLU, allowing for shared objective lenses, adapters, illuminators, and software to reduce costs and training.
Specific minimum specifications for the NIKON LV100NDA INSPECTION MICROSCOPE include:
- Imaging capabilities for silicon wafers and Van der Waals materials in transmitted and reflected light.
- Motorized controls for objective changes, light modes (Brightfield, Darkfield, POL, DIC), XY Stage, and Z-Focus via software.
- Reflected light source capable of visible and IR imaging.
- Encoded motorized stage (min. 100mm x 100mm travel) and Z-axis with digital readout.
- Integrated software for imaging control, automated motion, image stitching, and depth of focus combination.
- Objectives for VIS & IR at 5x, 10x, 20x, and 50x magnifications.
- Tilting trinocular head, ability to mount two cameras, and a color camera with at least 5.9 megapixels.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Special Notice (Combined Sources Sought / Notice of Intent to Sole Source)
- NAICS: 334516 (Laboratory Equipment And Supplies)
- Set-Aside: None specified
- Response Due: June 1, 2026, 3:00 PM ET
- Published: May 18, 2026
- Place of Performance: Gaithersburg, MD
Response Instructions
Interested parties should submit responses via email to Tracy Retterer (Primary Point of Contact) and Forest Crumpler (Secondary Point of Contact). Responses should not include proprietary information and must be in Microsoft Word 365, Excel 365, or .pdf format. Submissions should include:
- Company name, address, contact information, and UEI.
- Details on capabilities meeting or exceeding NIST's requirements.
- Evidence of authorized reseller status.
- Identification of any unduly restrictive requirements and suggestions for small business participation.
- Company size status (small/other than small) for NAICS 334516.
- Alternative NAICS codes, if applicable.
- Existing Federal Supply Schedule or other contract numbers.
- Firm's experience providing similar products/services.
Additional Notes
NIST conducted market research from February 2025 to April 2026, concluding that only Nikon Metrology, LLC appears capable of meeting the requirements. This notice is for market research and planning purposes only and does not constitute a solicitation or commitment to award a contract. NIST is not responsible for any costs incurred by respondents.