NOTICE OF INTENT: The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), National Institutes of Health (NIH) intends to negotiate on an other than full and open competition basis. This will be the only notice of the Government's intent to solicit, negotiate, and award a firm-fixed price contract to one source.

THIS IS NOT A SOLICITATION FOR COMPETITIVE QUOTATIONS.

The statutory authority for this sole source requirement is 41 U.S.C. 253(c)(1) as implemented by Parts 13.106-1(b)(1) and 6.302-1 only one source available and no substitutions are possible.

NIAID anticipates awarding a contract by 09/25/2020 to Carl Zeiss Microscopy, LLC, 1 N Broadway, White Plains, NY 10601 for the LSM 900 KMAT system.

See attachment for Bill of Materials.

All responsible sources may submit a capability quotation, which shall be considered by the agency, via email to Christine Illanes at [email protected] by 9/14/2020 12:00 pm EST. All information furnished must be in writing and must contain sufficient detail to allow NIAID to determine if it can meet the above unique specifications described herein. A determination not to compete this requirement, based on responses to this notice, is solely within the discretion of the Government. Any response to this notice that is received after the closing date and time is late and will not be considered.

SOLE SOURCE JUSTIFICATION: A non-competitive, sole source award to Carl Zeiss Microscopy LLC is required, using statutory authorization 41 USC 253(c)(1) and FAR Parts 13.106-1(b)(1) and 6.302-1: Only one responsible source. Only the ZEISS LSM 900 confocal laser scanning microscope can satisfy program needs.  This equipment has unique features that include automatic component recognition, 2 channel system that allows multi-channel configuration, and software that includes self-maintenance tools and smart setup that allows for easy hardware control and adaptation. These features are essential to the government because they enable precise, three-dimensional imaging and characterization of microstructures, flexible and accurate imaging, and automated data acquisition that can be quickly adapted to the specifics of a project.

BUY AMERICA ACT AND TRADE AGREEMENTS: One or more of the items under this acquisition is subject to the World Trade Organization Government Procurement Agreement and Free Trade Agreements.