NOI-Service/Maintenance Agreement renewal for the Discover 2.0 & Liberty Blue HT12/Razor microwave-assisted chemical synthesis systems made my CEM Corporation
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 NCATS Early Translation Branch (ETB) Chemistry, has issued a Special Notice (Notice of Intent to Sole Source) to renew a service/maintenance agreement for their Discover 2.0 and Liberty Blue HT12/Razor microwave-assisted chemical synthesis systems. The government intends to award a contract to CEM Corporation as the sole responsible source. Responses from interested parties are due by May 8, 2026, at 11:00 am EST.
Purpose & Scope
The requirement is for a service/maintenance agreement renewal for specialized laboratory equipment critical for small-scale organic and medicinal chemistry synthesis. These systems are used for multiple projects, including identifying inhibitors for various biological targets. The agreement must include:
- Unlimited service visits with troubleshooting and parts replacement coverage.
- One annual preventative maintenance (PM) visit.
- Use of original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts and accessories.
- Service performed by OEM factory-trained service engineers.
Specific PM activities include instrument cleaning, part verification/replacement, and efficacy testing. The contractor must also provide 24-hour telephone troubleshooting support with fast response times. Travel, labor, and parts are to be included in the agreement cost.
Contract Details
- Type: Pre-solicitation Non-Competitive (Notice of Intent to Sole Source)
- NAICS Code: 811210 Electronic and Precision Equipment Repair and Maintenance ($34 million size standard)
- Set-Aside: This acquisition is NOT set aside for small businesses.
- Period of Performance: One year upon acceptance of award.
- Regulatory Authority: FAR Part 12 (Acquisition of Commercial Items) and FAR Part 13 (Simplified Acquisition Procedures).
- Statutory Authority: FAR 6.302-1 (Only One Responsible Source).
- Intended Awardee: CEM Corporation, 3100 Smith Farm Road, Matthews NC 28104.
Sole Source Justification
Market research indicates that CEM Corporation is the only vendor capable of providing the required services. The equipment is proprietary to CEM Corporation, and they are the sole provider of maintenance for these systems. Extensive market research, including reviews of GSA Advantage, Dynamic Small Business Search, and previous government acquisitions, revealed no other sources that could meet all requirements.
Response Information
This is NOT a request for competitive proposals. However, interested parties may identify their interest and capability to respond to this notice. Responses should include sufficient information to establish bona-fide capabilities, such as unit price, list price, shipping/handling costs, delivery period, prompt payment discount terms, F.O.B. Point, DUNS, TIN, and certification of business size. All offerors must have an active registration in SAM.gov.
- Response Due: May 8, 2026, at 11:00 am EST.
- Contact: Jaddua Johnston, Contract Specialist, at Jaddua.Johnston@nih.gov.
- Solicitation Number: 75N98026Q00273 must be referenced in all responses.