Notice of Intent to Sole Source -Maintenance Service for Gatan Imaging Filter (GIF) BioQuantum-K3 and its Associated Instrumentation
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 Cancer Institute (NCI), under the Department of Health and Human Services, has issued a Notice of Intent to Sole Source for maintenance services for its Gatan Imaging Filter (GIF) BioQuantum-K3 and Gatan K3 Digital Camera. NCI intends to award a sole source purchase order to Gatan Inc. due to the proprietary nature of the equipment and required specialized services. Interested parties believing they can meet the requirements must submit a statement of capabilities by February 24, 2026.
Scope of Work
This requirement is for an annual preventive service maintenance agreement for the government-owned Gatan Imaging Filter (GIF) BioQuantum and Gatan K3 Digital Camera, which are clinical instruments associated with a Titan Krios high-resolution microscope and Vitrobot. Services include:
- Thorough cleaning, calibration, adjusting, inspection, and testing of all equipment.
- Operational testing through at least one complete operating cycle.
- Software service and updates, including proprietary software updates.
- Use of original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts.
- Guaranteed on-site response.
- Technicians must be technically certified by Gatan, Inc.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Notice of Intent to Sole Source (Simplified Acquisition Procedures)
- Intended Awardee: Gatan Inc.
- Period of Performance: Base Year: March 1, 2026 – February 28, 2027
- NAICS: 811210 – Electronic and Precision Equipment Repair and Maintenance (Size Standard: $34M)
- Set-Aside: None (Sole Source)
- Statement of Capabilities Due: February 24, 2026
- Published: February 20, 2026
Evaluation
This is a sole source acquisition because the Gatan Imaging Filter (GIF) BioQuantum and K3 Digital Camera, along with their associated proprietary software, require manufacturer certification, factory-trained technicians exclusively certified by Gatan, Inc., and access to proprietary software updates only available from Gatan, Inc. Only the OEM and its certified partners possess the necessary expertise and tools. NCI will negotiate directly with Gatan, Inc., and no solicitation will be issued. Award is subject to approval of the Sole Source Justification.
Action for Interested Parties
This notice is not a request for competitive proposals. However, parties who believe they can meet the requirement may submit a written statement of capabilities within 5 days from the publication date. The statement must demonstrate the ability to provide:
- Gatan certified technicians authorized to service the equipment.
- A service plan including proprietary software updates.
- Manufacturer OEM parts. Information received will determine if a competitive procurement is feasible. If no qualifying responses are received, an award will be made to Gatan, Inc.
Contact
For questions, contact Michelle Cecilia at michelle.cecilia@hhs.gov.