Notice of Intent for Zeiss SEM-XB Workstation Upgrade Kit

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Contract Opportunity

NOTICE OF INTENT (NOI) – Carl Zeiss , Inc

Product Service Code (PSC): 6640

NAICS Code: 334516

Place of Performance: Bethesda, MD 20892, USA

POTS Number: 25-003692

Description

Description

This is a Notice of Intent, not a request for quotation. No solicitation will be issued, and no quotations will be requested.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services on behalf of the National Institute of Health (NIH), National Eye Institute (NEI), Ophthalmic Genetics and Visual Function Branch (OGVFB), Ocular and Stem Cell Translational Research Section (OSCTRS) intends to award a firm-fixed-price contract to Carl Zeiss, Inc, 1 N Broadway, Ste. 1501, White Plains, New York 10601 for the purpose of purchasing an Upgrade Kit SEM/XB Workstation and installation charges. Zeiss is the manufacturer of the Scanning Electron Microscope and because it is currently under a maintenance agreement, any other provider would invalidate that agreement.

This request is for the purchase of equipment and services which includes delivery, installation, and any required configuration or calibration of the upgraded components in at the NEI, OSCTRS.

Justification for Sole Source

Zeiss maintains exclusive control over the design and supply of components specific to their SEM systems. OEM parts are not available through resellers. Zeiss is the only source for the proprietary firmware, calibration protocols, and certified installation support necessary to maintain the instrument’s validated performance. Use of alternative suppliers would void warranties and could compromise system reliability and precision. Moreover, the continuity provided by this upgrade ensures uninterrupted research workflows and protects previous investments made in high-value imaging infrastructure.

Authority

This acquisition is being conducted under the policies of FAR Part 13 – Simplified Acquisition Procedures, Subpart 13.106-1(b)(1). For purchases not exceeding the Simplified Acquisition Threshold (SAT), contracting officers may solicit from a single source if determined that only one source is reasonably available. Contracts awarded under FAR Part 13 are exempt from the requirements of FAR Part 6 (Competition Requirements).

Submission of Capability Statements

Interested parties capable of providing the same or similar products or services must submit a Capability Statement electronically. Responses will be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement. A determination by the Government not to compete the proposed contract, based upon responses to this notice, is solely within the discretion of the Government.

Deadline: September 26, 2025, at 6:30 AM EST

Submit to:

Leah Hinson

Contract Specialist

Office of Acquisition Management Services

Office of the Assistant Secretary for Administration

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Leah.hinson@hhs.gov

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