Carl Zeiss Lattice SIM 5 laser scanning structured illumination super-resolution light microscope and Associated Supplies

Amendment / Modification

• Omit clause FAR 52.219-6, which was inadvertently included in Amendment 1.

• Remove any associated small business set-aside provisions.

• Clause FAR 52.219-6

• Small business set-aside provisions

• Attachment 9 - Amendment 0002 (revised)

• Attachment 2 - Terms and Conditions (revised)

All other terms and conditions remain unchanged. No impact on proposal deadlines or evaluation factors is indicated beyond the removal of set-aside provisions.

Amendment / Modification

• Amendment 2 (two) omits clause FAR 52.219-6, which was inadvertently included in Amendment 1 (one).

• Associated small business set-aside provisions are removed.

• Clause FAR 52.219-6

• Small business set-aside provisions

• All other terms and conditions remain unchanged.

• The solicitation's hour and date for receipt of offers is not extended by this amendment.

Forms / Attachments / Pricing Sheets

This document lists and incorporates by reference various FAR (Federal Acquisition Regulation) clauses and provisions. It serves to inform potential bidders about the terms and conditions that will govern the contract, including specific requirements, representations, and certifications that may need to be submitted.

• Clauses Incorporated by Reference: Lists numerous FAR clauses (e.g., 52.212-4, 52.203-17, 52.222-50) that are made part of the solicitation with the same effect as if they were fully stated. The full text of these clauses can be accessed via a provided URL.
• Applicable Clauses (Checked Items): Highlights specific clauses that are checked as applicable, indicating their direct relevance to this solicitation. These include clauses related to subcontractor sales, business ethics, personal identity verification, System for Award Management, contractor identification, protection against debarred contractors, updates on responsibility matters, prohibition on inverted domestic corporations, HUBZone preference, small business aside, utilization of small businesses, subcontracting plans, limitations on subcontracting, and child labor.
• Solicitation Provisions Incorporated by Reference: Lists FAR solicitation provisions (e.g., 52.212-1, 52.203-18, 52.240-90) that require offeror action, such as completing representations or certifications.
• Applicable Provisions (Checked Items): Highlights specific provisions that are checked as applicable, including certification and disclosure regarding payments to influence federal transactions, and System for Award Management registration.
• Removal Dates: Notes specific dates (e.g., 04/02/2026) for the removal of certain FAR clauses, indicating potential future changes or expirations.

Bidders must carefully review all incorporated clauses and provisions, paying close attention to those that are checked as applicable. These dictate critical aspects of the contract, including compliance requirements, reporting obligations, subcontracting limitations, and specific representations or certifications needed for proposal submission. Failure to address these can impact bid eligibility and evaluation.

Amendment / Modification

This document is Amendment 1 to the solicitation, providing responses to vendor questions.

• Award Type: This is a new award, not a follow-on to an incumbent contract.
• Awardee: The award will be made directly to the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM).
• Small Business: The Government does not intend to procure the equipment through a small business distributor or reseller.
• FAR 52.219-6: This clause was inadvertently included in the solicitation and is not intentional.
• Trade Agreements Act (TAA) Compliance: For equipment exceeding $730,000, TAA compliance is required. Equipment manufactured in Germany is considered TAA-compliant if it is wholly a German product or has been substantially transformed into a new article of commerce in Germany, provided the offeror certifies compliance with FAR provisions.

This amendment clarifies aspects of the original solicitation but does not appear to modify specific sections or attachments directly, other than correcting the inclusion of FAR 52.219-6.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, titled "Purchase Description," details the specific requirements for the procurement of one Zeiss Lattice SIM5 super-resolution light microscope and associated supplies. It serves as a detailed specification for potential bidders to understand the exact equipment and services required.

• Title: Procurement of One (1) Zeiss Lattice SIM 5 laser scanning structured illumination super-resolution light microscope and Associated Supplies.
• Background: Provides context on the National Cancer Institute (NCI), Center for Cancer Research (CCR), and the Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Genetics (LCBG) Microscopy Core's need for advanced microscopy capabilities.
• Type of Order: Firm Fixed-Price Purchase Order.
• Special Order Requirements: A comprehensive list of "brand name" or "brand name or equal" items, including the microscope itself, various modules, lasers, cameras, objective lenses, stages, incubation systems, and a microscopy workstation. Each item is listed with a product description, part number, and quantity.
• Additional Requirements: Specifies a minimum 12-month manufacturer's warranty and 12-month maintenance support services.
• Product Features/Salient Characteristics: Outlines specific technical features required for the microscope, illumination module, cameras, workstation, and objective lenses.
• Delivery/Installation: Details delivery location (NIH/NCI, Bethesda, MD), timeframe (within six months of award), and installation requirements (within two weeks of delivery by an OEM-authorized technician).
• Training: Requires in-person training for up to 10 users, to be conducted by a factory-trained specialist within 30 business days of installation.
• Warranty: Mandates a minimum 12-month warranty against defects from final installation, with provisions for repair or replacement.

This document is critical for bidders as it defines the exact technical specifications, components, quantities, and service requirements for the microscope system. Bidders must ensure their proposed solution meets all listed requirements, including brand name or equal specifications, warranty, training, and delivery terms, to be considered compliant.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a provision titled "52.204-24 Representation Regarding Certain Telecommunications and Video Surveillance Services or Equipment (Nov 2021)". It requires offerors to represent whether they provide or use covered telecommunications equipment or services in their offers.

• Prohibition: Details the restrictions under Section 889(a)(1)(A) and (a)(1)(B) of the National Defense Authorization Act regarding the procurement or use of covered telecommunications equipment or services.
• Definitions: Provides definitions for terms such as "backhaul," "covered telecommunications equipment or services," and "critical technology."
• Representation: Requires offerors to state whether they:
  • Will provide covered telecommunications equipment or services to the Government.
  • Use covered telecommunications equipment or services, or any equipment, system, or service that uses them.
• Disclosures: If an offeror represents "will" or "does" in the above categories, they must provide specific disclosures, including:
  • For covered equipment: Entity that produced it, description (brand, model, etc.), and explanation of proposed use.
  • For covered services: Product Service Code (PSC) or maintenance details, and explanation of proposed use.

Bidders must carefully review this provision and complete the required representations and disclosures accurately. Failure to comply or provide necessary information may impact their ability to be considered for the opportunity. The document outlines specific requirements related to telecommunications and video surveillance equipment and services that may affect the offeror's proposed solution.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items, issued as a Request for Quotation (RFQ) under FAR Part 13 (Simplified Acquisition Procedures). The National Institutes of Health (NIH), National Cancer Institute (NCI) Center for Cancer Research (CCR) Microscopy Core requires one (1) new, commercially available Zeiss Lattice SIM5 super-resolution light microscope and associated supplies. This is a non-competitive solicitation intended to award a purchase order without full and open competition to Carl Zeiss Microscope, LLC.

• One (1) new, commercially available Zeiss Lattice SIM5 super-resolution light microscope.

• Associated supplies as detailed in the document.

• Delivery and installation within 6 months after receipt of order (FOB Destination, inside delivery).

• Training to be completed within two (2) weeks of equipment installation.

• Equipment installation to be performed by an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) certified service technician.

• Contract Type: Firm Fixed Price Purchase Order.

• Period of Performance: Delivery and installation within 6 months of order.

• Estimated Value: Not specified.

• Proposals must include clear and convincing evidence of the offeror's capability to fulfill the requirement.

• Offerors must provide UEI, Dun & Bradstreet Number (DUNS), Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN), and business size certification.

• Offerors must have an active registration in the System for Award Management (SAM).

• Submission Deadline: Wednesday, April 22, 2026, by 10:00 AM Eastern Standard Time.

• Submission Method: Electronically to Shayna Simpson at Shayna.simpson@hhs.gov.

• Questions Deadline: Tuesday, March 31, 2026, by 10:00 AM Eastern Standard Time, via email to Shayna Simpson.

• Evaluation Criteria: Technical evaluation criteria will be used.

• This is a non-competitive solicitation (Notice of Intent).

• NAICS Code: 334516 with a business size standard of 1,000 employees.

• The solicitation number is 75N98026Q00070.

• The document references several attachments, including a Purchase Description, Additional Terms and Conditions, and various FAR provisions and certifications.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, "Attachment 4 - Invoice and Payment Provisions (Vendor has Transitioned to IPP)", outlines the requirements for submitting invoices and receiving payments under the contract. It details the "Prompt Payment" clause (FAR 52.232-25) and specific NIH implementation requirements.

• Invoice Requirements: Specifies that an invoice must be an "Original" and include 12 specific items, in addition to FAR 32.9 requirements. These include vendor/contractor name and address, remit-to address, invoice date, unique invoice number, NBS document number formats, Unique Entity Identifier (UEI), Federal Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) or Vendor Identification Number (VIN), indication of a three-way match, description of supplies/services matching the award, itemized freight/delivery charges (if applicable), and quantity, unit of measure, unit price, and extended price matching the award.
• Invoice Submission: Invoices must be submitted electronically to the Department of Treasury's Invoice Processing Platform (IPP) at https://www.ipp.gov, with a copy to the Approving Official (Contracting Officer) and Contracting Officer Representative.
• Invoice Payment Terms: Payment is due the later of 30 days after receipt of a proper invoice or 30 days after government acceptance of supplies/services, unless otherwise specified for perishable goods.
• Interest Penalties: Interest penalties may be paid automatically if payment is late and specific conditions are met.
• Accelerated Payments to Small Business Subcontractors: Outlines requirements for contractors to make accelerated payments to their small business subcontractors within 15 days of receiving accelerated payments from the government.

This document is crucial for understanding the financial and administrative processes related to contract performance. Bidders must ensure their invoicing procedures and documentation align with these requirements to ensure timely payment and avoid penalties. It details the specific information needed on invoices, the submission platform (IPP), and payment timelines, which are essential for financial planning and contract management.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, "52.212-3 Offeror Representations and Certifications—Commercial Products and Commercial Services," is a standard provision used in solicitations for commercial products and services. It requires offerors to provide specific representations and certifications regarding their business status, compliance with various regulations, and other relevant information.

• Definitions: Provides definitions for terms used throughout the provision, such as "economically disadvantaged women-owned small business," "forced or indentured child labor," "immediate owner," and "restricted business operations."
• Representations and Certifications: Requires offerors to complete various sections, including:
  • Small business status (including joint ventures)
  • Veteran-owned, service-disabled veteran-owned, small disadvantaged, women-owned, and HUBZone small business status
  • Representations related to Executive Order 11246 (Affirmative Action)
  • Certifications regarding payments to influence Federal transactions
  • Buy American Certificates and Free Trade Agreements Certificates
  • Certifications regarding responsibility matters (debarment, suspension, etc.)
  • Representations regarding delinquent tax liability or felony convictions
  • Representations regarding predecessors and ownership
  • Certifications regarding restricted business operations in Sudan and inverted domestic corporations
  • Representations regarding sensitive technology and Iran sanctions
  • Certifications regarding child labor for listed end products
  • Representations regarding place of manufacture
  • Certifications regarding Service Contract Labor Standards exemptions
  • Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) and type of organization
  • Representations regarding covered telecommunications equipment or services

This document is critical for all potential bidders. Offerors must carefully review and complete the relevant sections of this provision to ensure their offer is compliant and to accurately represent their business status and qualifications. Failure to complete these representations and certifications correctly may result in an offer being deemed non-responsive.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a representation provision (52.204-26) concerning "Covered Telecommunications Equipment or Services." It requires offerors to represent whether they provide or use such equipment or services.

• Definitions: Clarifies terms such as "covered telecommunications equipment or services" and "reasonable inquiry" by referencing clause 52.204-25.
• Procedures: Instructs offerors to review the System for Award Management (SAM) for excluded parties.
• Representation: Requires offerors to state whether they:
  • Provide covered telecommunications equipment or services as part of their offered products/services to the Government.
  • Use covered telecommunications equipment or services, or any equipment, system, or service that uses them, after conducting a reasonable inquiry.

Bidders must carefully review this provision and accurately complete the representation as part of their proposal. Failure to do so may impact their eligibility or the evaluation of their offer.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, "52.212-1 Instructions to Offerors—Commercial Products and Commercial Services," provides instructions for submitting offers for commercial products and services. It outlines the requirements for offerors to ensure their proposals are compliant and considered for award.

• NAICS Code and Small Business Size Standard: Information regarding the applicable North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code and small business size standard is referenced as appearing elsewhere in the solicitation. Specific guidance is provided for concerns that do not manufacture the end item, with a size standard of 500 employees (or 150 for IT value-added resellers under NAICS 541519) if certain conditions are met (e.g., set-aside, HUBZone preference, 8(a) status).
• Offer Submission: Details on how and where to submit offers, including the use of SF 1449, letterhead stationery, or other specified methods. Minimum required information includes solicitation number, receipt time, offeror contact details, technical description, warranty terms, price, "remit to" address, representations and certifications (FAR 52.212-3), acknowledgment of amendments, and past performance information.
• Offer Acceptance Period: Offerors must hold prices firm for 30 calendar days from the receipt date, unless otherwise specified.
• Product Samples: Requirements for submitting product samples, if requested.
• Multiple Offers: Offerors are encouraged to submit multiple offers with alternative terms or line items.
• Late Submissions: Guidelines for late submissions, modifications, revisions, and withdrawals, including conditions under which they may be considered.
• Contract Award: The Government intends to award without discussions but reserves the right to conduct them. The Government may reject offers, accept other than the lowest offer, and waive minor irregularities.
• Availability of Documents: Instructions on how to obtain referenced Federal specifications, standards, and commercial item descriptions from the ASSIST website or other specified sources.
• Unique Entity Identifier: Requirement to provide a unique entity identifier (e.g., for SAM.gov registration).
• Debriefing: Information that will be disclosed during a post-award debriefing, if applicable.

This document is critical for bidders as it details the specific requirements for preparing and submitting a compliant offer. It covers essential aspects such as proposal content, submission deadlines, evaluation considerations, and the process for handling late submissions. Understanding these instructions is crucial for ensuring an offer is not excluded from consideration.

Forms / Attachments / Pricing Sheets

This document lists various clauses and provisions that are incorporated by reference into the solicitation. It also indicates which of these clauses are applicable based on checkmarks, and which provisions require offeror completion or representation.

• Clauses Incorporated by Reference: Lists FAR clauses with their effective dates. Full text is available upon request or online.
• Applicable Clauses: Checkmarks indicate specific clauses that apply to this solicitation, such as "Restrictions on Subcontractor Sales to the Government," "Contractor Code of Business Ethics and Conduct," "System for Award Management—Maintenance," and various small business-related clauses.
• Solicitation Provisions Incorporated by Reference: Lists FAR provisions that may require offeror action, such as "Instructions to Offerors - Commercial Products and Commercial Services" and "Prohibition on Contracting with Entities that Require Certain Internal Confidentiality Agreements or Statements-Representation."
• Applicable Provisions: Checkmarks indicate specific provisions that apply, including "Certification and Disclosure Regarding Payments to Influence Certain Federal Transactions" and "System for Award Management—Registration."

Bidders must carefully review the listed clauses and provisions, paying close attention to those that are checked as applicable. These will form part of the contract and may impose specific requirements, representations, or certifications that must be addressed in the proposal or upon award. The document highlights areas where offerors need to provide specific information or representations.