Replacement of the 488nm laser unit on the Nikon Spinning Disk Confocal Microscope

NOTICE OF INTENT: (75N98026Q01033)

Sole Source Justification and Notice Authority: FAR 6.302-1 — Only One Responsible Source and No Other Supplies or Services Will Satisfy Agency Requirements

Contracting Activity: National Cancer Institute (NCI)

Proposed Contractor: Nikon Instrument Inc.

Description of Requirement: Replacement of 488nm Laser Unit – Nikon Spinning Disk Confocal Microscope

Justification for Sole Source:

Only One Source: Nikon Instrument Inc. is the only known responsible source capable of providing the required services that meet NCI compatibility, and continuity requirements in accordance with FAR 6.302-1.

Nikon is the only known source, capable of meeting the requirement because Nikon is the original equipment manufacturer of the spinning disk confocal microscope and the associated excitation laser unit. Replacement of the 488nm laser module requires installation and optical realignment performed by Nikon-trained service engineers with direct knowledge of the system's proprietary architecture. Entrusting this work to any third-party provider risks improper installation, miscalibration, and potential damage to the broader optical system, which would be detrimental to the imaging performance the Core and its users depend on. It is important to prevent time lost due to inoperability of the system without proper integration, resulting in the loss of work hours on the research imaging experiments

Nikon Instruments Inc. is the only source capable of supplying the compatible replacement laser unit and providing the specialized technical service required to restore the system to full operational specification.

System Compatibility: The material or service must be compatible in all aspects (form, fit, and function) with existing systems presently installed. The current equipment is, and the new item/service must coordinate, connect, or interface with the existing system. A patent, copyright, proprietary data, or licensing agreement limits competition.

Small Business Notification: This notice is not a request for competitive quotes. However, any interested small businesses (including 8(a), service-disabled veteran-owned, HUBZone, small disadvantaged, veteran-owned, and women-owned small businesses) may submit a written capability statement demonstrating their ability to perform the requirement. Submission of capability statements does not constitute a commitment by the Government to compete the proposed award; any decision to compete will be made at the Government’s sole discretion.

Anticipated Award Date: An award is anticipated approximately five (5) days after the date of this notice closes unless the Government determines another vendor can meet the requirement.

Please email responses to danielt@mail.nih.gov no later than 09:00 a.m. EDT on August 28, 2026.