Notice of Intent to Sole Source - Service and Maintenance of Zeiss LSM 980 and Celldiscoverer 7 Microscope systems
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 Aging (NIA), under the Department of Health and Human Services, has issued a Notice of Intent to Sole Source to Carl Zeiss Microscopy, LLC. This presolicitation aims to secure service and maintenance support for Zeiss LSM 980 and Celldiscoverer 7 microscope systems located at the Center for Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias in Baltimore, MD. The government has determined Carl Zeiss Microscopy, LLC is the only source capable of meeting this requirement. Responses from interested parties are due by March 31, 2026.
Scope of Work
The requirement is for comprehensive service and maintenance, including:
- Preventative maintenance and repair services.
- Software updates and provision of OEM-certified replacement parts.
- Maintenance of systems to full operational condition per manufacturer specifications.
- Provision of OEM-certified service technicians for troubleshooting and repair.
- Installation of new instrument software upgrades and staff training.
- Troubleshooting support, both in-person and via telephone.
- Acknowledgment of repair requests within 24 business hours.
- Onsite technician visits within 72 business hours.
Contract Details
- Contract Type: Presolicitation, Non-Competitive (Notice of Intent to Sole Source).
- Intended Contractor: Carl Zeiss Microscopy, LLC.
- Period of Performance: A Base Year (May 26, 2026 – May 25, 2027) with two subsequent Option Years.
- Acquisition Method: Simplified Acquisition Procedures, FAR Part 12 (Acquisition of Commercial Items). The estimated value is below the Simplified Acquisition Threshold.
- NAICS Code: 811210 – Electronic and Precision Equipment Repair and Maintenance (SBA Size Standard: $34.0 Million).
- Set-Aside: This acquisition is NOT set aside for small businesses.
Submission & Inquiry
This synopsis is NOT a request for competitive proposals. However, interested parties who believe they can meet the requirement may submit a capability statement, proposal, or quotation to demonstrate their interest and capability. Submissions must include unit price, list price, shipping/handling costs, delivery period, prompt payment discount terms, F.O.B. Point, Unique Entity Identifier (UEI), Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN), and business size certification. All offerors must have an active SAM registration.
- Response Due: March 31, 2026, at 9:00 A.M. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT).
- Submission Method: Electronically to Nicholas Capobianco at nicholas.capobianco@nih.gov.
Key Information
The government's determination to award non-competitively is based on market research, citing Carl Zeiss Microscopy, LLC as the only source capable due to proprietary software, certified parts, and factory calibration procedures essential for maintaining the specialized microscope systems.