Maintenance Agreement for the Leica Mica Core microscopy imaging system

Notice of Intent: MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT MICROSCOPY IMAGING SYSTEM (75N98026Q00978) The National Institutes of Health intends to award a Firm-Fixed-Price Purchase Order to LEICA MICROSYSTEMS INC. The purpose of this requirement is to procure a one-year OEM service agreement for the Leica Mica Core microscopy imaging system. The Leica Mica Core is a critical research instrument supporting NIH-funded studies investigating the genomic regulation and spatial organization of brain-infiltrating lymphocytes in Alzheimer's disease. The research employs advanced imaging, single-cell genomics, and spatial transcriptomics to characterize immune cell function and localization within the Alzheimer's disease brain. The required Leica Premium Care service agreement provides comprehensive OEM support, including preventive maintenance, priority technical support, manufacturer-certified replacement parts, software and firmware updates, instrument calibration, and repair services necessary to maintain the system at original manufacturer performance specifications. Continuous OEM maintenance is essential to ensure reliable instrument operation, preserve imaging quality and data integrity, minimize research interruptions, and maintain the reproducibility of experimental results. Because the Leica Mica Core contains proprietary hardware, software, and calibration procedures, only the original equipment manufacturer is authorized to provide factory-certified maintenance, software updates, and genuine replacement parts necessary to maintain warranty and performance specifications. This notice is issued for informational purposes as a sole-source pre-solicitation. The Government intends to award a sole-source contract for a one-year Leica Premium Care service agreement for the Leica Mica Core microscopy imaging system to the original equipment manufacturer or its authorized service provider. No other source is known to possess the proprietary technical expertise, factory-trained personnel, specialized diagnostic tools, software access, and OEM-certified replacement parts required to perform these services while maintaining the instrument in accordance with manufacturer specifications. This notice is not a request for competitive quotations or proposals. However, any responsible source, including small businesses, 8(a) firms, HUBZone small businesses, service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses (SDVOSBs), women-owned small businesses (WOSBs), veteran-owned small businesses (VOSBs), and small disadvantaged businesses (SDBs), may submit a capability statement demonstrating its ability to satisfy the Government's requirement. Capability statements will be evaluated solely to determine whether a competitive procurement should be conducted. A determination by the Government not to compete the proposed requirement based upon responses to this notice is solely within the Government's discretion. Anticipated Award The Government anticipates making an award approximately five (5) calendar days after the closing date of this notice unless the Government determines that another responsible source is capable of satisfying the Government's requirements. Capability statements must be submitted via email to vensonm@mail.nih.gov no later than 9:00 a.m. EDT on August 12, 2026.