Zeiss Lattice SIM 5 laser scanning structured illumination super-resolution light microscope and Associated Supplies or Equal
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 U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), National Institutes of Health (NIH), National Cancer Institute (NCI), Center for Cancer Research (CCR) Microscopy Core, has issued a Sources Sought notice to identify qualified companies capable of providing one (1) new, commercially available Zeiss Lattice SIM5 super-resolution light microscope or an equal product, along with associated supplies. This equipment is essential for advanced cancer research at NCI. Responses are due by March 13, 2026, at 10:00 AM ET.
Purpose & Scope
The NCI's CCR Microscopy Core, a key facility for cancer research, requires a cutting-edge super-resolution light microscope to support its extensive projects. The Zeiss Lattice SIM5 or an equivalent system will enable researchers to visualize molecular interactions in live cells, advancing the understanding of cellular proteins and gene expression profiles in tumor cells. The requirement includes the microscope, associated supplies, delivery and installation within six months of order, and training within two weeks of installation by an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) certified service technician. The place of performance is Bethesda, MD.
Contract Details
This is a Sources Sought notice for market research purposes only; it is not a solicitation for proposals or quotes, and no award will be made from this notice. The government intends to issue a Firm Fixed Price Purchase Order for the eventual requirement.
Eligibility & Submission Requirements
This opportunity encourages small businesses to respond. Companies must address their size status relative to NAICS Code 334516. Organizations not considered small businesses under this NAICS code should not submit a response. Interested companies must submit a capability statement addressing each project requirement separately. The statement should include:
- Company Name, Unique Entity ID (UEI) from SAM.gov, DUNS number/CAGE Code, physical address.
- Technical and administrative points of contact (names, titles, addresses, phone/fax, email).
- Total number of employees, professional qualifications of personnel.
- Any relevant GSA Schedule contracts or Government-Wide Acquisition Contracts (GWACs).
- Type of business and size standard (NAICS Code 334516).
- If applicable, how the company addresses the Non-Manufacturer Rule.
Responses must be in Microsoft Word or Adobe PDF format, 11-point or 12-point font, 8-1/2" x 11" paper, 1" margins, single or double spacing, and limited to ten (10) pages (excluding cover page, executive summary, and references). The first page must contain specific company identification details.
Response Deadline & Contact
Capability statements must be submitted electronically to Shayna Simpson at Shayna.simpson@hhs.gov by Friday, March 13, 2026, at 10:00 AM Eastern Time. A secondary contact is Sanya Jackson (sanya.jackson@hhs.gov).
Additional Notes
The government will use responses to determine the availability of qualified domestic sources and the appropriate acquisition method, potentially including a set-aside. The government is not responsible for any costs incurred by respondents. A presolicitation synopsis and/or solicitation may be published on www.sam.gov after review of responses.