Maintenance for the Carl Zeiss LSM 880 Confocal Microscope

1.0    DESCRIPTION 

The Carl Zeiss LSM 880 confocal microscope (SN:2850100120) is a government-owned instrument that has been in operation at the NCI Optical Microscopy Core, LRBGE, in support of fixed and live cell imaging of cancer cells and tissues in 3D. Carl Zeiss Microscopy, LLC is the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) and sole authorized service provider for the LSM 880 system. The instrument is currently in need of a renewed annual service agreement to ensure continued operation and maintenance coverage for the upcoming period. 

The publicizing of this notice is in accordance with Revolutionary Federal Acquisition Regulation (RFO) 5.101(a). This acquisition will be processed under FAR Part 12 – Acquisition of Commercial Products and Commercial Services and will be made pursuant to the authority at 41 U.S.C. 1901, utilizing simplified procedures in accordance with RFO 12.201-1. Competition is being restricted in accordance with RFO FAR 12.102(a), based on the Contracting Officer’s determination that only one source is available to meet the Government’s requirements due to the proprietary nature of the microscope components and its unique capabilities within the NIH laboratory environment. The applicable North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code is 811210 - Other Electronic and Precision Equipment Repair and Maintenance.

Please see the attached requirements document titled “Requirements Document” for additional information. 

2.0    UNIQUE QUALIFICATIONS OF THE CONTRACTOR

1. Carl Zeiss Microscopy, LLC is the OEM and sole proprietary manufacturer and
international distributor of the Carl Zeiss LSM 880 super-resolution microscope
system;
2. Carl Zeiss Microscopy, LLC is the OEM provider of all spare and replacement
components for the Elyra PS.1, including laser modules, scan modules, spectral
detectors, NDDs, electronics controllers, scanning stages, and AxioCam imaging
systems;

3. Carl Zeiss Microscopy, LLC is the only vendor with these proprietary
components available in the continental United States;

4. Carl Zeiss Microscopy, LLC is the only vendor capable of providing factorytrained
Field Service Engineers and original OEM replacement parts to
troubleshoot and repair both hardware and software (ZEN Control and Analysis
Software) for the LSM 880;

5. Carl Zeiss Microscopy, LLC is the sole proprietary owner and copyright holder of
the ZEN microscopy software platform, and is the only entity capable of providing authorized software updates, version upgrades, and IT security patches for the LSM 880 system; and

6. Carl Zeiss Microscopy, LLC does not currently work with or authorize third-party
service providers, nor authorize them to perform maintenance, calibration, or
repairs on their super-resolution systems.

3.0    RESPONSE INSTRUCTIONS

This notice is not a request for competitive quotations. However, all responsible sources may submit a capability statement, which will be considered by the agency. The response and any other information furnished must be in writing and must contain material in sufficient detail to allow the Office of Mission Acquisition Solutions (OMAS) to determine if the party can fulfil the requirement. All responses must be sent via email to Contract Specialist, Joseph Kozar, at joseph.kozar@hhs.gov by no later than 3:00 pm EST on 4/27/2026. A determination by the Government not to compete this proposed requirement based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. Information received will be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement. To receive an award, Contractors must be registered and have valid certification through SAM.gov.