Maintenance agreement for Tescan 4th generation Scanning Electron Microscope

FBO ANNOUNCEMENT: PRESOLICITATION NOTICE, NOTICE OF INTENT

ACTION CODE: SPECIAL NOTICE

SUBJECT: Sole source – Maintenance agreement for Tescan 4th generation Scanning Electron Microscope

SOLICITATION NUMBER: NB643020-26-00405

RESPONSE DATE: 02/18/25

DESCRIPTION:

The Microscopy and Microanalysis Research Group within the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) performs research and develops metrology to advance, promote and ensure robust and quantitative microscopy and microanalysis to address stakeholder needs in diverse areas of materials science. Electron, ion, and photon interactions with matter are used to enable the compositional, structural, and morphological characterization of materials from the mesoscale to the atomic scale. This group utilizes a Tescan 4th generation Scanning Electron Microscope which requires an annual maintenance agreement.

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) intends to negotiate on a sole source basis, under the authority of FAR Part 12.102(b) with Tecsan, Inc located in Warrendale, PA, for maintenance of this equipment.

Sole Source justification is based on the following:

Market research has shown that Tescan is the sole responsible source for service for this instrument. Tescan has in writing stated that: Tescan USA is the sole factory authorized provider of service and sales in the United States and Canada. “TESCAN USA Inc. is the official and sole U.S.A. representative for TESCAN Brno s.r.o. As such, supplies, accessories, and parts required to service and/or upgrade your instrument can be obtained, installed, and guaranteed in the U.S.A. only by TESCAN USA Inc. Further, TESCAN is also the sole source for the proprietary software required to operate your system. Furthermore, we are the only company in the U.S.A. with factory trained service engineers for the TESCAN SEMs.”

NAICS code for this requirement will be 811210– Other Electronic and Precision Equipment Repair and Maintenance with a small business size of $34.0M.

No solicitation package will be issued. This notice of intent is not a request for competitive quotations; however, interested parties who regard themselves as capable of fulfilling these requirements are invited to submit responses to the Government for consideration. Responses received by 1:00AM EST on 02/18/25 will be considered by the Government.

A determination by the Government not to compete the proposed acquisition based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. Information received will normally be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement.

Inquiry POCs

Erik.Fycklund@nist.gov Primary

Donald.Graham@nist.gov Secondary

National Institutes of Standards and Technologies NIST Acquisition Management Division (AMD)

100 Bureau Dr. Mail Stop 1640

Gaithersburg, MD. 20899-1640