Keyence X1 Type A Model digital microscope

NASA/NSSC is proceeding with a sole source procurement under FAR 12.102(a) to acquire the Keyence X1 Type A Model digital microscope from KEYENCE CORPORATION OF AMERICA, identified as the exclusive provider of this specific model. The acquisition is being managed by the NASA Shared Services Center out of Stennis Space Center, Mississippi, with performance expected primarily at the Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California, and delivery also required to 500 Park Boulevard, Suite 200, Itasca, Illinois. This is a commercial item acquisition governed entirely by FAR Part 12, which exempts it from many traditional government procurement requirements and relies on commercial standards for packaging, labeling, and inspection. The NAICS code for this procurement is 334513, and the contractor must deliver a fully functional microscope equipped with a 20–200x lens within a four-week lead time after receipt of the purchase request. No competitive solicitation is planned, as the government has determined no other source can meet the requirement. A pre-solicitation notice was issued to gather industry input on sole source justification, with written submissions due by 4:00 p.m. Central Standard Time on May 21, 2026. Oral communications are prohibited. The NASA FAR Supplement clause 1852.215-84 on the Ombudsman applies, and a point of contact for questions is Tracy Bremer, Procurement Specialist, reachable via email. No contract value, pricing, payment terms, inspection criteria beyond functionality, or special certifications are specified, as the procurement relies on commercial practices and the sole source determination obviates the need for competitive evaluation factors or detailed submission guidelines.