This Combined Synopsis/Solicitation opportunity from Department Of Health And Human Services was posted on July 7, 2026. The submission period has ended. Browse the details below for market research, or find similar active opportunities.
Preventive Maintenance and Repair Service Agreement for two Zeiss Merlin Field Emission Gun Scanning Electron Microscope (FEG SEM) and a Gatan 3View serial block face sectioning device
Contract Overview
Solicitation details, issuing organization, response deadlines, documents, and interested companies for this government contract opportunity.
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The contract seeks a firm-fixed-price service agreement for one year of preventive maintenance and repair support for two Zeiss Merlin Field Emission Gun Scanning Electron Microscopes and one Gatan 3View Serial Block-Face Sectioning Device, with performance occurring at Jefferson, Arkansas, from September 12, 2026, to September 11, 2027. All work must be performed by OEM-certified technicians using OEM replacement parts in strict accordance with manufacturer specifications, including a minimum of one on-site preventive maintenance visit per year for each instrument, one FEG tip change-out per Merlin SEM annually, and access to a manufacturer technical call center staffed by senior engineers available Monday through Friday during Eastern Time business hours, with responses initiated within 24 hours of a service request. Remote access for troubleshooting is explicitly prohibited, and software updates are limited to the current licensed version series—SmartSEM 6.05 with Service Pack 7—excluding major version upgrades. The Gatan 3View device must be supported as part of the contract, though no strict repair timeframe applies; best efforts must be made considering OEM parts availability. Repair delays caused by OEM part lead times are acceptable only if an on-site technician confirms the need for replacement and the OEM provides written documentation of a back order. Pricing is required for the base period only, with no option years, and submissions are due by 1:00 P.M. Central Time on July 14, 2026, via email to the Contracting Officer. The evaluation follows a lowest priced technically acceptable (LPTA) methodology, where technical capability and past performance, when combined, hold greater weight than price. All offerors must be registered in SAM, provide a Unique Entity ID, and comply with applicable clauses including Buy American Act, Section 508 accessibility standards, whistleblower rights, and prohibitions on confidential confidentiality agreements. Invoicing must be submitted electronically through the Treasury’s IPP system with a detailed invoice log addendum and full breakdown of labor, travel, and parts for cost-reimbursement items, and payments are net 30 days after government acceptance with no advances permitted. Site inspections are permitted at the offeror’s expense but failure to conduct one does not relieve the award recipient of full compliance obligations.
General Info
Agency
Contract Value
$108,432NAICS
Place of Performance
Jefferson, AR, 72079, USASet-Aside
Awardee
Award Issued Date
Timeline
Submission Closed
Organization & Contact Information
Full Description
7/7/2026: See questions and answers below.
1. Can the Government provide the current SmartSEM software version and firmware version for each Zeiss Merlin SEM listed in the requirement?
Response: SmartSEM 6.05 (10-Apr-19) with Service Pack 7
2. Can the Government provide any recent service history, maintenance records, or known current issues for each Zeiss Merlin SEM?
Response: See Attached.
3. Is remote access permitted for troubleshooting and diagnostic support? If yes, are there any site-specific requirements or restrictions for remote access?
Response: No. Remote access is not permitted and has not been provided in the history of the instruments.
4. For any repair completion timeframe stated in the requirement, will the Government allow an exception when repair delays are caused by OEM parts availability or manufacturer lead times outside the contractor’s control?
Response: Yes, provided that: (1) a service technician has determined, through an on-site evaluation, that OEM parts require replacement; and (2) the OEM provides documentation confirming that the parts are on back order and subject to a lead time.
5. Does the requirement include support for the Gatan 3View serial block-face device, or is the required coverage limited to the Zeiss Merlin SEM instruments only?
Response: As stated in the solicitation, coverage must include support for the Gatan 3View Serial Block-Face Device. The distinction is that there is no strict repair timeframe for this accessory; best efforts must be made based on parts availability.
6. If the Gatan 3View device is included, can the Government confirm whether it may be serviced directly by Gatan or another separate qualified provider?
Response: To the Government's knowledge, Gatan no longer provides direct service support for the Gatan 3View system and instead licenses or contracts that support to Zeiss directly. The device may be serviced by a qualified vendor.
7. Are software and firmware updates limited to the instrument’s currently licensed software version series, or does the Government expect major software version upgrades to be included?
Response: Updates are expected to be limited to the instrument's current licensed software version series. Major version upgrades are not included.
8. Is a one-time onboarding/site assessment acceptable during the base period to verify instrument condition, document configuration, and capture system backup/inventory information before full service coverage begins?
Response: No. The instruments, including the Gatan 3View system, are currently covered under a service contract and are all operational. The solicitation states on page 14: "Offerors are afforded the opportunity to inspect the existing instruments and site, at their own expense, prior to the date set for receipt of quotes by contacting the Contract Specialist/Contracting Officer identified herein to schedule an appointment. Failure to inspect the instruments/site will not relieve the successful offeror from fully meeting the requirements of the resulting contract at the price offered."
9. Can the Government confirm the quote submission deadline and whether pricing is required for the base period only or for the base period and all option years?
Response: Quotes are due by 1PM Central Time on 7/14/26. There are no option years. Pricing is required for the base period only.
See attached combined synopsis/solicitation.
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