NOI - Equipment Service Agreement
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 Institute of Health - Hospital Laboratory Support Service (NIH/HLSS) has issued a Notice of Intent (NOI) to award a sole-source contract for Equipment Service Agreement for nine essential Leica laboratory instruments. This action is taken under FAR 6.302-1, Only One Responsible Source, as Leica Microsystems, Inc. is deemed the only vendor capable of meeting the requirements. Responses from interested parties are due April 30, 2026, at 4:00 PM EST.
Purpose & Scope
The Infectious Disease-Pathogenesis Section (IDPS) relies heavily on Leica equipment for critical histopathology operations supporting National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease (NIAID) research. The purpose of this agreement is to ensure uninterrupted operations and reliable data quality by providing comprehensive maintenance and repair services for these proprietary instruments. The services include:
- Maintenance and Repairs: All labor, OEM-standard replacement parts, unlimited emergency repair visits, and qualified, factory-trained field service engineers with 24-hour response.
- Replacement Parts: All non-consumable replacement parts, components, and modules (new or OEM-spec remanufactured).
- Software Support: Updates, revisions, troubleshooting, unlimited phone/email support, and WebEx training.
- Personnel Requirements: Service engineers must be factory-trained with a minimum of two years of experience servicing Leica equipment.
Covered Equipment
Nine Leica instruments located at the IDPS laboratory in Twinbrook III, Rockville, MD, including Bond RX automated stainer, Aperio AT2, Leica CV5030 coverslipper, HistoCore Arcadia H embedding station, and others.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Notice of Intent to Sole Source (Solicitation Number: PCA-NIAID-00724)
- NAICS Code: 811210 – Electronic and Precision Equipment Repair and Maintenance
- Set-Aside: Not set aside for small businesses.
- Period of Performance: Base Year (May 18, 2026 – May 17, 2027) with three option years, extending through May 17, 2030.
- Response Due: April 30, 2026, at 4:00 PM EST
- Published: April 15, 2026
Sole-Source Determination
Market research confirmed Leica Microsystems, Inc. as the sole provider of qualified maintenance, parts, and software updates for their proprietary equipment.
Response Instructions
This is not a request for competitive proposals. However, interested parties may submit capability statements demonstrating the ability to meet all requirements. Responses must include pricing, delivery timeframe, DUNS, TIN, business size certification, FOB point, and confirmation of active SAM registration. All responses must reference PCA-NIAID-00724 and be emailed to elaine.estrella@nih.gov and brian.lind@nih.gov.
Place of Performance
Twinbrook III Facility, 12735 Twinbrook Parkway, Room 2W-03, Rockville, MD 20852-1770.