Zeiss LSM 980 confocal microscope equipped with Airyscan maintenance
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 Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), specifically the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), has issued a Special Notice announcing its intent to award a sole source, firm-fixed-price purchase order to Carl Zeiss Microscopy, LLC. This is for the maintenance and service of an existing Zeiss LSM 980 confocal microscope equipped with Airyscan 2.
Scope of Work
The required service includes comprehensive maintenance to restore and maintain full operational capability of the Zeiss LSM 980 confocal microscope. This encompasses:
- Diagnostic evaluation
- Repair
- Calibration
- Proprietary software updates
- Replacement of OEM components as necessary
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Special Notice (Notice of Intent to Sole Source)
- Justification: Carl Zeiss Microscopy, LLC is the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) and the only known source capable of providing factory-certified technicians, proprietary diagnostic tools, firmware updates, and genuine replacement parts.
- Period of Performance: Two (2) weeks after receipt of order (ARO).
- Response Due: March 14, 2026, at 12:00 PM EST.
- Published: March 9, 2026.
- Place of Performance: White Plains, NY.
Response Instructions
This notice is not a request for competitive proposals. However, responsible sources may submit a capability statement demonstrating their ability to provide OEM-certified service, proprietary diagnostic tools, software/firmware updates, and genuine replacement parts for the specified Zeiss microscope. All interested parties must be registered in SAM.gov.
Capability statements must be submitted via email to Michael Gemmill (michael.gemmill@hhs.gov) by the deadline. The government will consider all responses, but the decision to compete the acquisition remains at its discretion.