This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items prepared in accordance with the format in FAR 12.6 as supplemented with additional information included in this notice.  This announcement constitutes the only solicitation and a separate written solicitation will not be issued.  This solicitation number is NICHD-20-083a and is issued as a Request for Quotation (RFQ).  The solicitation/contract will include all applicable provisions and clauses in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular 2020-06.  The North American Industry Classification (NAICS) Code is 334516 with a size standard of 1250 employees.  However, this solicitation is not set aside for small business.  This acquisition is being conducted using Simplified Acquisition Procedures in accordance with FAR Part 13.  Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) intends to contract on a sole source basis with Nikon Instruments – 1300 Walt Whitman Road - Melville, NY 11747 to procure the following new Nikon Instruments Inc manufactured product: 

Nikon Ti2 Inverted High Speed Widefield Microscope Set up with A1R-HD25 Scanner, software, air table, computer, etc. and all related components/accessories and installation.  See Attached List.

The Ti2-E microscope is Nikon’s most cutting-edge confocal microscope that is fully compatible with the labs existing Nikon’s proprietary image analysis software and compatible with all existing imaging systems and workflows.  NIS-Elements software is exclusive and proprietary to Nikon.  The Nikon Instruments Inc. has exclusive rights and holds the patents on the following Nikon microscopy equipment listed below. Nikon Instruments Inc. is the sole provider and licensed distributor of the requested Nikon products as listed. Nikon Instruments is the sole supplier of the listed Nikon microscopy equipment in the United States:

• Nikon A1R HD25 confocal microscope system and its components,

• Nikon Ti2-E research inverted microscope system and its components,

• Nikon NIS-Elements Confocal (C) software package modules, and

• Nikon CFI60 objectives

The listed Nikon microscopy equipment provides unique capabilities that make the

equipment without equal in the microscopy systems market:

• Nikon A1R HD25 confocal microscope system equipped with an industry-leading

and unsurpassed 25 mm field of view (FOV),

• Nikon Ti2-E research inverted microscope system equipped with an industry-leading

and unsurpassed 25 mm FOV, this makes the system optimal for imaging large samples like live zebrafish.  It also has the capability to capture 1K x 1K high-definition images, allowing the same microscope to be used to image both large samples and minute cellular structures from the same source

• Nikon NIS-Elements Confocal (C) software package modules. NIS-Elements software

is exclusive and proprietary to Nikon.

• Nikon CFI60 objectives

Nikon Corporation is the sole and original equipment manufacturer (OEM) of the listed Nikon microscopy system and products and are proprietary and sold only by Nikon Instruments Inc.  Nikon has no authorized dealers/distributors that are able to independently distribute these specific microscope products for research in the State of Maryland. Resellers or businesses

purporting to be resellers are not authorized to represent themselves as distributors

or representatives of Nikon Instruments products or individually solicit sales of

Nikon microscope products for research.  Any service scheduled or performed on Nikon microscopy system(s) by unauthorized entities will void any warranties they may have. If another company modifies the installation or participates in the installation, existing warranties will be voided.   As the direct manufacturer and sole source provider, Nikon can provide the most complete and efficient technical support and service without any obstacles or delays that typically are experienced when using an intermediate source. Nikon warrants and represents that the Nikon sales representatives are highly skilled, factory trained, and fully qualified to perform the installation, training, and continued on-site support of the products provided herein.

The proposed contract action is for supplies or services for which the Government intends to solicit and negotiate with only one source under authority of the 41 U.S.C. 253(c) (1), FAR 6.302.  Only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements.  Interested persons may identify their interest and capability to respond to the requirement or submit proposals. This notice of intent is not a request for competitive proposals. However, all bids, proposals, or quotations received by the closing response date will be considered by the Government. A determination by the Government not to compete with this proposed contract based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. 

The offeror must include a completed copy of the provision of FAR Clause 52.212-3, Offeror Representations and Certifications – Commercial Items with its offer.  The provisions of FAR Clause 52.212-1 Instructions to Offerors – Commercial Items; FAR Clause 52.212-2, Evaluation – Commercial Items; FAR Clause 52.212-4, Contract Terms and Conditions – Commercial Items; and FAR 52.212-5, Contract Terms and Conditions Required to Implement Statutes or Executive Orders – Commercial Items – Deviation for Simplified Acquisitions applies to this acquisition.  The offeror must include their Dun & Bradstreet Number (DUNS), the Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN), and the certification of business size.  The clauses are available in full text at http://www.acquisition.gov/far. Interested vendors with the capability of providing the government the needed items and  services specified in this synopsis should submit a copy of their quotation to the below address or via email to [email protected].  Offers must also be accompanied by, delivery timeframe, descriptive literature, warranties and other information that demonstrates that the offer meets all the foregoing requirements. Quotations will be due fifteen calendar days from the publication date of this synopsis or by May 27, 2020 by 9 a.m. EST. via email.  The quotation must reference “Solicitation number” NICHD-20-083a.  All responsible sources may submit a quotation, which if timely received, shall be considered by the agency.  Quotations must be sent via email to [email protected]. Attention:  Tina Robinson, by the date and time mentioned above.  Any questions must be sent via email to [email protected] and must include solicitation# NICHD-20-083a in the subject line of email.

Note:  In order to receive an award, contractor must be registered and have valid certification for all awards in the SAM database @WWW.SAM.GOV.