66--CARL ZEISS MICROSCOPY LLC SHUTTLE AND FIND SYSTEM AND ASSOCIATED SOFTWARE

NASA/JSC has a requirement for a Carl Zeiss Shuttle and Find system and the associated software, as an accessory for an existing Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and Axiovert 200M MAT (materials) inverted microscope. NASA/JSC intends to purchase the items from Carl Zeiss Microscopy, LLC. This system includes a motorized stage for the Axiovert 200M MAT inverted microscope, an adapter/specimen holder for the SEM, and software to interfaces with the existing Carl Zeiss instruments and the new accessory. These existing optical instruments from Carl Zeiss are controlled by Carl Zeiss software. Therefore, it is necessary to keep the communication platform consistent to allow for communication between the new accessory and the existing hardware. Only Carl Zeiss software is compatible with the existing hardware and the Shuttle and Find system with the associated software is only available from one source. The Government intends to acquire a commercial item using FAR Part 12. Interested organizations may submit their capabilities and qualifications to perform the effort in writing to the identified point of contact not later than 4:30 p.m. local time on June 13, 2012. Such capabilities/qualifications will be evaluated solely for the purpose of determining whether or not to conduct this procurement on a competitive basis. A determination by the Government not to compete this proposed effort on a full and open competition basis, based upon responses to this notice, is solely within the discretion of the government. Oral communications are not acceptable in response to this notice. All responsible sources may submit an offer which shall be considered by the agency. NASA Clause 1852.215-84, Ombudsman, is applicable. The Center Ombudsman for this acquisition is Lauri Hansen and can be reached at contact@example.gov.