NOI-Service and Maintenance of Sony SH800SFP Cell Sorter
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), specifically the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS), has issued a Notice of Intent (NOI) to award a sole-source contract to Sony Biotechnology, Inc. for the service and maintenance of a Sony SH800SFP Cell Sorter. This is a pre-solicitation synopsis, and interested parties may submit capability statements. The response deadline is May 7, 2026, at 11:00 am EST.
Purpose & Justification
The Sony SH800SFP Cell Sorter is a mission-critical instrument for NCATS's Functional Genomics Lab (FGL). Due to its proprietary nature, including hardware, firmware, software, and diagnostic tools, only the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM), Sony Biotechnology, Inc., can provide the necessary maintenance and repair services to ensure reliable operation, maintain manufacturer specifications, and protect system integrity. This acquisition is being conducted under FAR 6.302-1, "Only One Responsible Source."
Scope of Work
The contractor shall provide a 12-month maintenance and service agreement. This includes:
- Preventive Maintenance (PM): One onsite visit per 12-month period, covering inspection, calibration, alignment, cleaning, lubrication, and parts replacement according to OEM specifications.
- Repairs and Parts Replacement: Provision of all OEM-certified replacement parts sourced directly from Sony Biotechnology, with repairs performed using OEM diagnostic tools and procedures.
- Technical Support: Unlimited telephone, email, and remote diagnostic support, with onsite OEM service within 72 hours if remote support is insufficient.
- Software and Firmware Support: Provision of updates and direct support for Sony proprietary software and system configuration.
- All services must be performed by Sony Biotechnology factory-trained and certified service engineers. Third-party subcontractors are not permitted.
Contract Details
- Type: Notice of Intent to Sole Source (Pre-solicitation Non-Competitive)
- Period of Performance: 12-month base year, beginning upon award.
- NAICS Code: 334516 (Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing).
- Set-Aside: This acquisition is NOT set aside for small businesses.
- Regulatory Authority: FAR Part 12 (Commercial Items) and FAR Part 13 (Simplified Acquisition Procedures).
- Place of Performance: Rockville, MD.
Submission Requirements
- This is not a request for competitive proposals. However, interested parties may submit a capability statement, proposal, or quotation.
- Submissions must establish bona-fide capabilities and include: unit price, list price, shipping/handling costs, delivery period, prompt payment discount terms, F.O.B. Point, DUNS, TIN, and business size certification.
- Offerors must have an active SAM.gov registration.
- Response Due: May 7, 2026, at 11:00 am EST.
- Submission Method: Electronically to Jaddua Johnston (jaddua.johnston@nih.gov).
Contact
Jaddua Johnston, Contract Specialist, jaddua.johnston@nih.gov, 240-569-0006.