Leica Microsystems Stellaris Microscope System with Confocal 3D Sted

REQUEST FOR QUOTATION (RFQ) / COMBINED SYNOPSIS-SOLICITATION 
Solicitation Number: 75N98026Q00857 
Notice Type: Combined Synopsis 
Title: Stellaris Microscope System with Confocal 3D-STED, Film and Spectral 
Multiplexing Imaging Capabilities - Brand name or Equal 
Posted Date: July 22, 2026 
Response Date: July 31, 2026, 11:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time 
Set-Aside: None 
NAICS Code: 334516 – Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing 
PSC Code: 6640 – Laboratory Equipment and Supplies 
1. GENERAL INFORMATION
This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial products prepared in accordance with the FAR Subpart 12.6, as supplemented with additional information included in this notice, and in conjunction with FAR Part 12. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; quotations are being requested, and a separate written solicitation will not be issued. 
The National Institutes of Health (NIH), National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute 
(NHLBI), Intends to acquire one (1) microscope system, including automation, software, installation, startup, training, warranty, and manufacturer-supported service, in accordance with the requirements set forth herein. 
This acquisition is being conducted as an open market purchase. The Government intends to award a Firm-Fixed-Price Purchase Order resulting from this solicitation. 
2. DESCRIPTION OF REQUIREMENT
2.1 Background 
The NHLBI Light Microscopy Core requires acquisition of a state-of-the-art laser-scanning microscope to support advanced cellular and subcellular imaging for investigators within the NHLBI Division of Intramural Research (DIR). The proposed system will replace a 12-year-old Leica SP8 microscope, which will be traded in to offset the cost of the new instrument and ensure continuity of ongoing research projects. The new platform will provide substantial improvements in sensitivity, spatial resolution, and overall imaging performance, while expanding the Core’s ability to perform super-resolution imaging, fluorescence lifetime measurements, and highly multiplexed fluorescence imaging. This instrument will serve as a shared resource used by many laboratories within the NHLBI-DIR and, to a lesser extent, investigators across the NIH. The Leica Microsystems can provide all of the required capabilities within a single integrated system, ensuring compatibility with existing workflows, user training, and experimental protocols. The enhanced capabilities are essential to meet growing demand and to support complex, high-impact research projects requiring advanced, multi-parameter and spatially resolved imaging technologies. 
2.2 Objective 
The objective of this acquisition is to obtain a  Microscope System with Confocal, 3D-STED, FLIM, and  Spectral Multiplexing imaging capabilities that integrate all of the required imaging modalities within one unified and fully supported instrument configuration. 
3. Product Specifications/Features/Salient Characteristics Required Minimum Specifications:  
Confocal excitation: white light laser with tunable excitation range 440–790 nm with Acousto optical beam splitter system. 
Prism-based fluorescence detection: prism-based spectral detection with variable emission windows to 850 nm. 
Detectors: five (5) Hybrid (HyD) detectors optimized for spectral detection across approximately 400–850 nm.  
The proposed system must provide advanced confocal imaging capability and shall include a white light laser (WLL) with continuously tunable excitation from 440–790 nm integrated with acousto-optical beam splitter (AOBS) technology. The system must incorporate prism-based spectral emission detection with fully adjustable emission bandwidth selection and detection spanning 400–850 nm, along with a minimum of five (5) Hybrid (HyD) detectors appropriately matched and optimized for the emission bandwidth being measured across the full spectral detection range to ensure maximal sensitivity and signal fidelity. The overall configuration shall maximize excitation flexibility, spectral separation capability, and detection sensitivity across diverse fluorophores. 
3D STED super-resolution: pulsed depletion at 775 nm and 589 nm, with three-dimensional STED capability. 
The proposed system must provide fully integrated three-dimensional STED super-resolution microscopy. The system shall include pulsed depletion lasers at 589 nm and 775 nm and support depletion in both the lateral (XY) and axial (Z) dimensions. The STED implementation must include the capability for time-gated fluorescence emission detection in the nanosecond time domain to enhance resolution and suppress background fluorescence. The STED modality must be fully integrated with confocal and FLIM imaging within a unified platform configuration. The system must support fully spectrally corrected STED objectives with motorized correction collars for oil, glycerin and water immersion media. 
FLIM: integrated fluorescence lifetime imaging module for lifetime measurements, enhancement of super-resolution performance, and lifetime-based fluorescence species separation. 
The proposed system must include fully integrated fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy 
(FLIM) hardware and software utilizing time-correlated single photon counting (TCSPC) or equivalent time-resolved detection electronics capable of resolving fluorescence decay in the nanosecond time domain. The system shall incorporate single-photon–sensitive Hybrid (HyD) or equivalent detectors with timing resolution of less than 100 picoseconds and dedicated high-speed timing electronics integrated directly into the confocal detection pathway. The system must provide confocal imaging that utilizes fluorescence lifetime (“tau”) in addition to intensity and spectral information, enabling reduction of unwanted signals such as autofluorescence and reflections and supporting lifetime-based unmixing of fluorophores with overlapping spectra but distinct lifetimes. The FLIM implementation must support rapid lifetime determination, quantitative decay analysis, and multi-exponential fitting for fluorescence species separation. The system shall further provide lifetime-resolved detection integrated with STED depletion to enhance STED super-resolution, as well as STED-specific deconvolution, within a unified confocal/STED platform. 
 Pulse picker: capability to reduce/adjust the white light laser repetition rate to optimize FLIM and related applications. 
Scanning modes: ability to fast-switch between galvo and resonant scanning to support both high-resolution and high-speed imaging needs. 
Objective correction-collar support (existing lenses): motorized correction collar hardware and software support for existing Leica 100x oil and 93x glycerol objectives. 
New objective: a Leica 86x water-immersion objective with correction collar, chromatically corrected across the full 440–790 nm excitation range and optimized for 589 nm and 775 nm STED depletion, to ensure accurate multi-color registration and optimal super-resolution performance. 
High-plex spectral multiplexing: capability to image of 15 (or more) fluorescent colors per sample, including tools to plan spectral multiplexing panels and perform spectral unmixing. 
The proposed system must provide advanced high-dimensional multiplex fluorescence imaging capability. The system shall leverage the 440–790 nm white light laser excitation range, AOBS beam management, and prism-based spectral detection across the 400–850 nm emission range to enable simultaneous imaging and spectral unmixing of up to fifteen (15) or more fluorophores per specimen. The system must include integrated software tools for multiplex panel design, spectral species separation, and unmixing to support spatial-omics–type workflows and complex multi-parameter imaging applications. 
3.1 Services Requirements 
The vendor shall provide: 
1.    Delivery to the Government site identified in this solicitation.
2.    Installation and operational startup.
3.    User training.
4.    Manufacturer warranty coverage; and
5.    Manufacturer-supported service associated with the delivered system.
6.    Trade-in and removal of the  twelve-year-old microscope: The existing Leica Microscope, MDL: TCSSP8, SN: 8100000924 will be available as trade-in value as part of the purchase.  To include removal, packing and site cleanup of the trade-in instrument listed above. The obsolete system will be extracted and removed from its current location within the lab at the NIH main campus location in Bethesda, MD.
3.2 Compatibility/Operational Requirements 
The quoted system must be suitable for use as a shared resource supporting multiple laboratories.  . The new platform will provide substantial improvements in sensitivity, spatial resolution, and overall imaging performance, while expanding the Core’s ability to perform super-resolution imaging, fluorescence lifetime measurements, and highly multiplexed fluorescence imaging.  Vendors quoting an “equal” product must clearly demonstrate how the quoted system meets all minimum requirements and supports equivalent operational capability. 
4. DELIVERY / PLACE OF PERFORMANCE 
Delivery, installation, startup, and training shall be performed at: 
National Institutes of Health 
9000 Rockville Pike 
Building 10, Room 10/6-C210 
Bethesda, MD 20892 
5. Basic For Award 
The Government intends to award to the quoter whose quotation represents the best value to the Government, considering the following evaluation factors: 
1.    Technical Acceptability
2.    Past Performance
3.    Price
5.1 Technical Acceptability 
Technical acceptability is the most important factor. The Government will evaluate whether the quoted product meets all salient characteristics and minimum requirements of this solicitation. 
For any “equal” product, the vendor must provide sufficient technical documentation to demonstrate equivalency, including product literature, specifications, brochures, and a point-by-point crosswalk to each salient characteristic. 
Failure to clearly demonstrate compliance with all minimum requirements may render the quotation unacceptable. 
5.2 Past Performance 
The Government will evaluate the vendor’s record of recent and relevant past performance for similar laboratory instrumentation or comparable scientific equipment acquisitions. The Government may consider information obtained from the vendor, CPARS, prior Government experience, and other available sources. 
5.3 Price 
Price will be evaluated for fairness and reasonableness. The Government may make an  award to other than the lowest-priced quotation if a higher-rated quotation is determined to provide the best value. 
6. QUOTATION INSTRUCTIONS 
Vendors shall submit a complete quotation package that includes the following: 
6.1 Volume I – Technical Quote 
The technical quote shall include: 
•    Manufacturer name and model number.
•    Description of the quoted system.
•    Product literature/specifications.
•    Point-by-point response to each salient characteristic.
•    Description of included software, accessories, automation, warranty, and service.
•    Delivery lead time;
•    Installation and training approach.
•    Identification of any exceptions to the solicitation requirements.
6.2 Volume II – Past Performance 
Provide up to three examples of recent and relevant contracts or purchase orders for similar laboratory instrumentation or scientific equipment, including: 
•    customer name,
•    contract/order number,
•    description of supplies/services,
•    dollar value,
•    period of performance,
•    point of contact with email and phone number.
5.3 Price 
Price will be evaluated for fairness and reasonableness. The Government may make an  award to other than the lowest-priced quotation if a higher-rated quotation is determined to provide the best value. 
6. QUOTATION INSTRUCTIONS 
Vendors shall submit a complete quotation package that includes the following: 
6.1 Volume I – Technical Quote 
The technical quote shall include: 
•    Manufacturer name and model number.
•    Description of the quoted system.
•    Product literature/specifications.
•    Point-by-point response to each salient characteristic.
•    Description of included software, accessories, automation, warranty, and service.
•    Delivery lead time;
•    Installation and training approach.
•    Identification of any exceptions to the solicitation requirements.
6.2 Volume II – Past Performance 
Provide up to three examples of recent and relevant contracts or purchase orders for similar laboratory instrumentation or scientific equipment, including: 
•    customer name,
•    contract/order number,
•    description of supplies/services,
•    dollar value,
•    period of performance,
•    point of contact with email and phone number.
6.3 Volume III – Price Quote 
The price quote shall include: 
•    unit price,
•    extended price,
•    total quoted price,
•    any shipping charges,
•    any installation/startup/training charges,
•    warranty information,
•    any other separately priced items.
The total quoted price shall include all costs necessary to provide a complete and fully functional system meeting the requirements of this solicitation. 
6.4 SAM Registration 
In order to receive an award, offerors/contractor must maintain an active SAM registration for all awards throughout the entire contract/order lifecycle, from offer submission to final payment.  Failure to maintain an active SAM registration can jeopardize the award or result in non-payment.  Lack of valid registration in SAM will make an offerors/contractor ineligible for award.  
7. SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS 
Quotations shall be submitted electronically to: 
Tina Robinson@ Robinsti@mail.nih.gov 
Quotations are due no later than: 
July 31, 2026, prior to 11:00 AM Eastern Time 
Late submissions may be rejected and not considered for award. 
8. CLAUSES AND PROVISIONS 
The following FAR provisions and clauses apply to this acquisition, in addition to any others required by law or agency policy: 
FAR Provisions 
•    FAR 52.212-1, Instructions to Offerors—Commercial Products and Commercial Services
•    FAR 52.212-2, Evaluation—Commercial Products and Commercial Services
(The specific evaluation factors are identified in this solicitation.)
•    FAR 52.212-3, Offeror Representations and Certifications—Commercial Products and Commercial Services
•    FAR 52.204-7, System for Award Management
•    FAR 52.204-13, System for Award Management Maintenance
FAR Clauses 
•    FAR 52.212-4, Contract Terms and Conditions—Commercial Products and Commercial Services
•    FAR 52.232-25, Prompt Payment
•    FAR 52.232-40, Providing Accelerated Payments to Small Business Subcontractors
HHSAR Clauses 
•    HHSAR 352.203-70, Anti-Lobbying
•    HHSAR 352.208-70, Printing and Duplication
•    HHSAR 352.222-70, Contractor Cooperation in Equal Employment Opportunity Investigations
•    HHSAR 352.232-71, Electronic Submission of Payment Requests
9. BRAND NAME OR EQUAL INFORMATION 
This requirement is issued on a brand name or equal basis. The referenced brand name product is the Leica Microsystems Stellaris Microscope System with Confocal, 3D-STED, FLIM, and Spectral Multiplexing imaging capabilities. 
Any quotation offering an “equal” product must include sufficient descriptive material to permit the Government to determine whether the product offered meets all salient characteristics identified in this solicitation. The burden is on the vendor to establish equivalency. 
The Government is not responsible for locating or obtaining any information not identified in the quotation. 
If the vendor is providing an equal product(s), please supply descriptive data for evaluation purposes to determine the validity of how it is an EQUAL.  The following FAR provision applies to this a solicitation FAR 52.211.6 Brand Name or Equal  
(a)    If an item in this solicitation is identified as "brand name or equal," the purchase description reflects the characteristics and level of quality that will satisfy the Government’s needs. The salient physical, functional, or performance characteristics that "equal" products must meet are specified in the solicitation.
(b)    To be considered for award, offers of "equal" products, including "equal" products of the brand name manufacturer, must-
(1)    Meet the salient physical, functional, or performance characteristics specified in this solicitation.
(2)    Clearly identify the item by-
(i)    Brand name, if any; and
(ii)    Make or model number.
(3)    Include descriptive literature such as illustrations, drawings, or a clear reference to previously furnished descriptive data or information available to the Contracting
Officer/Specialist; and
(4)    Clearly describe any modifications the offeror plans to make in a product to make it conform to the solicitation requirements. Mark any descriptive material to clearly show the modifications.
( c ) The Contracting Personnel is not responsible for locating or obtaining any information not identified in the offer.
Unless the offeror clearly indicates in its offer that the product being offered is an "equal" product, the offeror shall provide the brand name product referenced in the solicitation.
(End of provision) 
10. IMPORTANT NOTICE 
This solicitation is issued as a competitive RFQ. The Government reserves the right to: 
•    make award without discussions.
•    request clarifications if needed.
•    reject any or all quotations; and
Quoters are advised that the Government may share your information with non-government personnel who are assisting with the evaluation of quotes.  The exclusive responsibility for source selection will reside with the Government.  By submitting your quote, you will be consenting to disclosure of your quote to non-government personnel for purposes of evaluation.