Service Agreement for CIF’s Zeiss LSM 880 Confocal Microscope
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 on Aging (NIA), part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), intends to award a sole-source purchase order to Carl Zeiss Microscopy, LLC for a service agreement covering their Zeiss LSM 880 Confocal Microscope system with Airyscan 2. This pre-solicitation notice seeks to ensure the proper function and maintenance of critical research equipment. Responses from interested parties are due by April 30, 2026, at 1:00 P.M. EDT.
Scope of Work
The contractor shall provide comprehensive maintenance and repair support for the Zeiss LSM 880 confocal microscope system, including:
- Preventative maintenance, safety inspections, and adjustments.
- Travel and labor for service technicians.
- All covered replacement parts (new or rebuilt) for components such as the Microscope Axio Observer 7, Scan Modules, Spectral Detectors, Laser Modules (including 405/440nm CW Laser), Electronics Controller, and Airyscan Detector.
- Software and hardware upgrades.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Fixed-Price Purchase Order (Sole Source)
- Period of Performance: Estimated 6/23/2026 - 6/22/2027
- NAICS Code: 811210 – Electronic and Precision Equipment Repair and Maintenance
- Set-Aside: Not set aside for small businesses
- Response Due: April 30, 2026, 1:00 P.M. EDT
- Published: April 20, 2026
- Place of Performance: Baltimore, MD
Evaluation
The determination to award without full and open competition is based on extensive market research indicating that Carl Zeiss Microscopy, LLC is the only vendor capable of providing the required services due to the proprietary nature of the equipment. The acquisition is authorized under FAR 6.302-1 (Only one responsible source).
Additional Notes
This is not a request for competitive proposals. However, interested parties who believe they can fulfill this requirement are encouraged to submit a capability statement. Submissions should include unit price, list price, shipping, delivery period, payment terms, F.O.B. Point, DUNS, TIN, and business size certification. All offerors must have an active SAM.gov registration. Responses must reference solicitation number 75N98026Q00227 and be submitted electronically to John Johnson (johnsonjr@mail.nih.gov).