The Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USUHS), located on the National Naval Medical Campus (NNMC) in Bethesda, MD, intends to negotiate on a sole source basis with Carl Zeiss Microimaging, Inc. for the following service & maintenance agreement contract: One (1) year of service and maintenance, with two (2) one- (1) year options, for the following machines: 1. Microscope Laser System - PASCAL UV 405 (SN: 1213000119) (ZEISS ID: M200599) - containing the following components: Basic LSM Pascal; Microscope; System Table; Scan Module; Laser Modules; Electronics Controller; System Computer; Image Monitors; ?AIM Software; Stage Incubator; Axiocam; Hene Lasers; VIS AR Laser, 504nm Diode Laser; Software Upgrades; 1 PM visit per year. 2. Microscope Scanhead - LSM 710 (SN: 2502000111) (ZEISS ID: M200610) - containing the following components: Scanhead LSM 710; Axio Observer Z1 Stand MOT; 405nm Laser Diode; NLO Laser Coupling Kit (Inverted Stands). Period of performance for the base year to begin on November 1, 2010, and end on October 31, 2011. Sole source determination is made in accordance with: FAR Part 13.106-1 Soliciting Competition (b) Soliciting from a single source (1) For purchases not exceeding the simplified acquisition threshold, contracting officers may solicit from one source if the contracting officer determines that the circumstances of the contract action deem only one source reasonably available. These Carl Zeiss machines to be serviced are highly specialized in design and application requiring software and firmware updates and system components upgrades that are proprietary to the vendor. All major component parts and assemblies including circuit electronics are specialized in design whereby obtaining these parts from alternate sources as generic items is not possible and not in the best interest of the Government. Carl Zeiss is the manufacturer of this system. The vendor is the only company that has specialized and technical knowledge as well as the necessary tolls, manpower and repair parts to maintain this piece of equipment in an operable state. Attempting to award this contract to another company could result in lost time in research and productivity. Another vendor was not located that had the technical and specialized knowledge and/or accessibility to repair parts for this system. This is not a request for quotes and a solicitation package will not be issued. A determination by the government not to compete this proposed contract action based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the government. Information received will be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement. Responses must be submitted electronically, via email, to
contact@example.gov by 5:00 PM (EST) on September 22, 2010.
