ThermoFisher Helios 5 CX

1. Presolicitation Notice
   1. Noncompetitive (All)

NASA/ITPO has a requirement for ThermoFisher Helios 5 CX DualBeam Focused Ion Beam–Scanning Electron Microscope (FIB-SEM).  This is the direct successor to the Thermo Fisher Scientific system currently operated within NASA’s Focused Ion Beam Laboratory. The ThermoFisher Helios 5 CX consists of a fully integrated, next-generation FIB-SEM platform capable of preparing ultra-high-quality transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and atom probe tomography (APT) specimens while preserving the pristine condition of irreplaceable extraterrestrial and terrestrial materials. NASA Johnson Space Center’s Astromaterials Research and Exploration Science Division (XI) requires this highly specialized system to support scientific research, planetary sample curation, technology development, and future exploration missions.

NASA/ITPO intends to issue a sole source contract to acquire the items from FEI Company, a part of ThermoFisher Scientific, Inc. under the authority of FAR 6.103-1, Only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements.

The Government intends to acquire a commercial product or service using FAR Part 12.

Interested organizations may submit their capabilities and qualifications to perform the effort electronically via email to Kimberly Sandoz and Sara Stuart at Kimberly.R.Sandoz@nasa.gov and Sara.Stuart@nasa.gov not later than 9/14/2026 at 12:00PM CST, such capabilities/qualifications will be evaluated solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct this acquisition on a competitive basis. A decision by the Government not to compete this acquisition on a full and open competition basis, based upon responses to this notice, is solely within the discretion of the Government.

NASA Clause 1852.215-84, Ombudsman, is applicable. The Center Ombudsman for this acquisition can be found at : https://www.hq.nasa.gov/office/procurement/regs/Procurement-Ombuds-Comp-Advocate-Listing.pdf