Leica Microsystems Stellaris Microscope System with Confocal
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
Timeline
Qualification Details
Fit reasons
- NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
- Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
- Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
- Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps
Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.
Quick Summary
The National Institutes of Health (NIH), Office of the Director (OD) is conducting a market survey (Sources Sought) to identify qualified small businesses capable of providing a Leica Microsystems Stellaris Microscope System (or equal). This system must include Confocal, 3DSTED, FLIM, and Spectral Multiplexing imaging capabilities to support modern cellular and subcellular research. Responses are due by June 22, 2026, 5:00 pm EDT.
Scope of Work
The NIH requires a new microscope system to replace an existing Leica SP8, which will be offered as a trade-in. The new Stellaris platform (or equivalent) must provide substantially improved sensitivity, resolution, and advanced imaging modalities. Key required specifications include:
- Confocal Excitation: White light laser (440–790 nm) with AOBS system.
- Fluorescence Detection: Prism-based spectral detection with variable emission windows up to 850 nm.
- Detectors: Five (5) Hybrid (HyD) detectors optimized for spectral detection (400–850 nm).
- 3D STED Super-resolution: Pulsed depletion at 775 nm and 589 nm.
- FLIM: Integrated fluorescence lifetime imaging module.
- Pulse Picker: Capability to adjust white light laser repetition rate.
- Scanning Modes: Fast-switching between galvo and resonant scanning.
- Objective Support: Motorized correction collar hardware and software support for existing Leica 100x oil and 93x glycerol objectives.
- New Objective: Leica 86x water-immersion objective, chromatically corrected (440–790 nm) and optimized for 589 nm and 775 nm STED depletion.
- High-plex Spectral Multiplexing: Capability to image 15 or more fluorescent colors per sample, with planning and unmixing tools.
Trade-In Equipment
The Government intends to offer a Leica Microscope, MDL: TCSSP8, SN: 8100000924 (acquired 2015) as a trade-in. Interested vendors should indicate in their capability statements if they accept trade-ins and provide an estimated value or credit structure.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Sources Sought / Market Survey
- NAICS: 334516 (Laboratory Analytical Instrument Manufacturing) with a 1000-employee size standard.
- Set-Aside: Total Small Business Set-Aside (FAR 19.5). The market survey aims to determine the availability of various small business types (8(a), SDB, WOSB, SDVOSB, HUBZone).
- Response Due: June 22, 2026, 5:00 pm Eastern Daylight Time.
- Published: June 15, 2026.
- Place of Performance: Bethesda, MD 20892, United States.
Submission Requirements
Interested firms must submit a capability statement demonstrating their experience, skills, and ability to fulfill all requirements. This statement should include descriptive literature, delivery timeframe, warranties, and contact information. Capability statements must reference solicitation# 75N98026R00098 in the document and email subject line. Submissions should be sent via email to robinsti@mail.nih.gov (Attn: Tina Robinson).
Additional Notes
This synopsis is for information and planning purposes only and does not constitute a commitment by the Government. The Government will not pay for information solicited.