This is a synopsis prepared in accordance with the format in FAR Part 13, Simplified Acquisitions Procedures.  This is a Notice of Intent.  This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; quotations are being requested and a written solicitation will not be issued.

The announcement number for this acquisition is NIH-OLAO-OA5-2390205 and is being issued under the authority of FAR Subpart 6.302-1, 10 U.S.C. 2304 (c)(1)  Only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements.  The anticipated award date is January 23, 2012.  This acquisition will be processed under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP) and is a small business set-aside. The associated North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) Code is 811219, which has a size dollar standard of $7.0. 

The National Institutes of Health, Office of the Director, Office of Logistics and Acquisitions Operations, on the behalf of National Institute of Deafness Communication Disorders, intends to procure on a sole source basis from Carl Zeiss Microimaging LLC, a one year maintenance agreement for LSM 710 Scanhead Microscope Serial #2504000176, ID #m206041. The service coverage includes of the following: Item/Description/Quantity (1) Scheduled and Emergency service performed between the hours of 8:am and 5:00pm Monday through Friday, excluding Carl Zeiss Microscopy, LLC holidays; (2) All travel charges within the continental U.S.A.; (3) One (1) preventative maintenance inspection per Service Agreement year; (4) All covered replacement parts; (5) Applications Support/Training; (6) Software updates when available; and (7) Factory trained Field Service Representatives.

This notice of intent is not a request for competitive quotations; however, the Government will consider responses submitted.   Responses must be submitted no later than 5:00 PM Eastern Standard Time (EST), January 23, 2012 to Mrs. Shirlene Smith.  For delivery through the Postal Service, the address is NIH/OD/OLAO/OA Simplified Acquisitions - Branch 5, 6011 Executive Blvd, Suite 629C, MSC 7663, Rockville, MD  20852.  Emailed submission will be accepted ([email protected]). All information furnished must be in writing and must contain sufficient detail to allow the government to determine if it can meet the above specifications described herein.  A determination by the Government not to compete the proposed acquisition based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government.  Information received will normally be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement.  Please reference the announcement number NIH-OLAO-OA5-2390205 on all correspondence.