NOI - Maintenance Contract for Zeiss Crossbeam 540

(i) This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items prepared in accordance with the format in FAR Subpart 12.6, as supplemented with additional information included in this notice. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; proposals are being requested, and a separate written solicitation will not be issued. (ii) The solicitation number is 75N98026Q00527. This solicitation is issued as a Notice of Intent (NOI) for a non-competitive combined synopsis/solicitation to award a contract or purchase order without providing for full and open competition (including brand-name, if applicable). This acquisition is conducted under the authority of FAR 12.603, Streamlined Solicitation for Commercial Products or Commercial Services, and is not expected to exceed the simplified acquisition threshold. Additional authority includes 41 U.S.C. 1901 and FAR 6.302-3(a)(2)(ii). The National Institutes of Health (NIH), Office of the Director, Office of Acquisitions, intends to negotiate and award a firm-fixed-price purchase order on a non-competitive basis to Carl Zeiss Microscopy, LLC, One Corporation Way, Peabody, MA 01960, for a one-year maintenance and service agreement for the NHLBI EM Core's Zeiss Crossbeam 540 FIB-SEM instrument (Serial No. 4774). Zeiss is the original equipment manufacturer and the only source possessing the proprietary knowledge, schematics, calibration routines, parts, and factory-trained engineers required to service this highly specialized dual-beam instrument. (iii) The solicitation document and incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular, March 2026. (iv) The associated NAICS code is 811210, Electronic and Precision Equipment Repair and Maintenance, and the small business size standard is $34.0 million. This requirement is not set aside for small business.