USNA Confocal Microscope System

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items, prepared in accordance with Simplified Acquisition Procedures. It constitutes the only solicitation, and a written solicitation will not be issued. The government is procuring a confocal microscope system for the U.S. Naval Academy (USNA) Chemistry Department to support research and project-based learning in biological chemistry. The system is needed to replace an aging microscope and leverage technological advances for high-resolution imaging.

• A confocal microscope system with specific requirements for imaging capabilities, resolution, magnification, and spectral imaging.

• Includes requirements for a motorized XY-stage, Z-drive with precise step size, joystick control, DIC polarizer/analyzer, and a widefield fluorescence imaging capability.

• Requires a high-resolution sCMOS camera capable of up to 30 frames per second.

• Specific objectives are required, including Plan Apochromatic objectives (4x, 10x, 20x, 60x) and a 40x water immersion Plan Apo objective.

• An incubation system capable of maintaining temperature, % CO2, and humidity for at least 24 hours is required.

• A hybrid laser scanning confocal system with high-resolution galvo and high-speed resonant scanning is needed, capable of 7 frames per second.

• Four solid-state lasers and four GaAsP Detectors are required.

• A workstation with graphic processing unit for analysis and rendering of data is required, controlled by a single software package.

• The system must include deconvolution tools and be capable of building custom analysis pipelines.

• The proposed contract action is for a Firm, Fixed Price contract.

• The contract is intended for a sole source award to Nikon Instruments Inc.

• Period of Performance: Delivery within 120 days after award.

• Delivery Address: U.S. Naval Academy, Department of Chemistry, Michelson Hall, 572M Holloway Rd, Annapolis MD 21402.

• This announcement closes at 2:00 PM EST on Monday, April 27, 2026.

• All responsible sources may submit a quote to Cody Ellis via email at cody.c.ellis.civ@us.navy.mil by the closing date.

• Oral communications are not acceptable.

• The government intends to award on a sole source basis to Nikon Instruments Inc., but will consider quotes from other responsible sources.

• Evaluation will be based on Factor I: Price, with price reasonableness evaluated in accordance with FAR 13.106-3. The evaluation may include comparison with independent Government estimates.

• Nikon Instruments Inc. may be requested to submit data to support price reasonableness.

• NAICS Code: 334516

• Small Business Standard: 1000 employees.

• The government intends to solicit and award on a sole source basis to Nikon Instruments Inc.

• The solicitation includes numerous FAR and DFARS clauses and provisions.

• Unique item identification and valuation requirements are detailed.

• Wide Area WorkFlow (WAWF) payment instructions are provided.

Justification for Other Than Full and Open Competition (Sole Source)

This document justifies a sole-source action to procure a confocal microscope system for the United States Naval Academy (USNA) Chemistry Department. The system is needed to support research and project-based learning in biological chemistry, providing advanced capabilities for imaging biological and material science samples.

• A confocal microscope system capable of imaging objects from 1-500 microns with resolution as low as ~100 nm.

• Must support multiple colors with tunable filters and spectral imaging.

• Requires a system capable of long-term imaging (up to a day or longer) with low noise, limited phototoxicity, and the ability to maintain constant environmental conditions and focus at multiple locations.

• Must include Nikon's Perfect Focus System (PFS) for maintaining focus during active imaging.

• Requires an inverted microscope with a 25 mm field of view to accommodate samples up to 500 microns.

• The system must be compatible with Nikon's NIS-Elements software, which is already integrated into USNA's computer systems.

• This will be a Firm, Fixed-Price (FFP) purchase order.

• Funding will be provided by FY26 Navy Operations & Maintenance (O&MN) appropriations.

• The statutory authority cited is 41 U.S.C. 1901, Simplified acquisition procedures - a sole source acquisition using simplified procedures for the acquisition of commercial products and/or commercial services, as implemented by FAR 12.102(b).

• A Sources Sought Notice (SSN) was posted on SAM.gov (10-Dec-2025 to 18-Dec-2025) to identify potential sources.

• Only Nikon Instruments Inc. and Government Scientific Source, Inc. (GovSci) responded.

• Nikon provided a detailed response demonstrating their system meets all requirements, including past performance.

• GovSci's response did not demonstrate the required capabilities and indicated a lack of understanding of the requirement.

• Based on market research and SSN responses, Nikon is the only capable source.

• This is a sole-source action, not an open competition.

• The current confocal microscope system at USNA is at the end of its lifecycle.

• Switching to a different vendor would require significant time and resources for Midshipmen and faculty to learn a new system.

• The Contracting Officer has determined the anticipated cost to be fair and reasonable.

• NAVSUP FLC Norfolk (FLCN) has no plans at this time to compete future contracts for these supplies/services, but will assess future requirements for feasibility.