Proprietary OEM Parts
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 INSTITUTES OF HEALTH OLAO, has issued a Presolicitation in the form of a Notice of Intent to Sole Source. NIH intends to award a Firm-Fixed-Price purchase order to Thermo Electron North America LLC. for proprietary OEM parts required for the servicing and maintenance of an Orbitrap Ascend mass spectrometer. This action is based on the determination that Thermo Fisher Scientific is the only responsible source due to exclusive access to proprietary knowledge, certified training, specialized diagnostic tools, and OEM parts. While not a request for competitive quotes, interested small businesses may submit capability statements by April 30, 2026.
Scope of Requirement & Rationale for Sole Source
This requirement is for proprietary OEM parts and associated service for the Orbitrap Ascend mass spectrometer used by the NINDS Proteomics Core Facility. The government's rationale for a sole-source award to Thermo Electron North America LLC. (Thermo Fisher Scientific) is based on:
- Exclusive Access: Thermo Fisher Scientific possesses the unique proprietary knowledge, certified training, specialized diagnostic tools, and OEM parts essential for maintaining the instrument.
- Technical Necessity: Third-party providers lack access to critical proprietary calibration procedures, embedded system controls, and validated software updates required for optimal performance.
- Mission Criticality: The system's mission-critical role necessitates OEM-certified service to prevent compromised data quality, reduced instrument performance, and increased downtime. High mass accuracy, resolution, and sensitivity for advanced proteomics workflows can only be reliably maintained through OEM support.
Contract Details & Timeline
- Contract Type: Firm-Fixed-Price purchase order
- Intended Contractor: Thermo Electron North America LLC. (UEI: KGXJZFLXJ3H5)
- Set-Aside: None (Notice of Intent to Sole Source)
- Anticipated Award: Approximately ten (10) days after the notice date (published April 23, 2026).
- Published Date: April 23, 2026
Submission & Competition
This notice is NOT a request for competitive quotes. However, the government invites small businesses (including 8(a), SDVOSB, HUBZone, SDB, VOSB, WOSB) to submit a written capability statement. This statement should demonstrate their ability to perform the requirement. The government reserves the discretion to compete the award if responses indicate sufficient capability.
Deadlines & Contact
- Capability Statement Due: No later than 12 p.m. EST on Thursday, April 30, 2026.
- Email Responses To: Lynda.Cole@nih.gov
- Primary Contact: Luz Casey (luz.casey@nih.gov)