Leica Microsystems Service Agreement for Microscopes

NOTICE OF INTENT: The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) intends to negotiate on an “other than full and open competition” basis. This acquisition will be awarded under FAR Part 13 Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP). This will be the only notice of the Government's intent to solicit, negotiate, and award a firm-fixed price contract to one source.

THIS IS NOT A SOLICITATION FOR COMPETITIVE QUOTATIONS.

SUPPLY/SERVICE INFORMATION: NIAID anticipates award by 01/14/2022 to Leica Microsystems Inc. for maintenance services for Leica manufactured microscopes and scientific equipment. See attached Bill of Materials for details.

SOLE SOURCE JUSTIFICATION: The statutory authority for this sole source requirement is 41 U.S.C. 1901 as implemented by FAR 13.106-1(b)(1), in accordance with FAR 13.501.

NIAID requires a service plan for the microscopes manufactured by Leica that are currently in use in the DIR/RTB lab. To ensure their optimal performance and reliability, they require maintenance by specially trained, experienced, and certified service engineers. Leica is the original manufacturer of the microscopes and the direct provider of service agreements specific to their instruments. There are no authorized third-party service providers. Only Leica’s technicians and engineers have the most up-to-date knowledge and have access to the required spare parts to provide the services needed to upgrade, repair, and maintain these instruments.  Using another vendor to provide maintenance services where their engineers do not have the right credentials and authorization to repair the microscopes could void the warranty. Warranties do not cover damages due to misuse, negligence, or accidents due to installations, repairs or adjustments not specifically authorized by a certified Leica engineer. Furthermore, using vendor other than Leica could lead to the microscopes becoming non-functioning and unrepairable causing the Government to spend additional funds to repurchase needed equipment for the labs experimenting processes.

All responsible sources may submit a capability quotation, which will be considered by the agency via email to Lu, Chang at lu-chang.lu@nih.gov by 5:00 PM EST on Monday, January 3, 2022. All information furnished must be in writing and must contain sufficient detail to allow NIAID to determine if it can meet the unique specifications. All responses received by the closing date of this notice will be considered by the Government. A determination not to compete this requirement, based upon responses to this notice, is solely within the discretion of the Government. Any response received after the closing date and time of this notice will be late and will not be considered.