FedOpsFedOps
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THIS IS A NOTICE OF INTENT AND NOT A REQUEST FOR QUOTATIONS. This notice is published in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 5.101(a)(1) requiring the dissemination of information regarding proposed contract actions. This is a Notice of Intent to award a sole source, firm-fixed price purchase order under the authority of 41 U.S.C. 3304(a)(1), as implemented by FAR 12.102 and 6.302-1 - Only One Responsible Source and No Other Supplies or Service Will Satisfy Agency Requirements and is not a request for competitive proposals. POP: 09/24/2026 to 09/23/2027 This acquisition is for a comprehensive annual service and maintenance agreement covering two (2) Operetta CLS high-content imaging systems , six (6) Opera Phenix confocal microscopy systems, and associated integrated equipment, including the Flex 750 plate handler/loader, and robot fixed cell integration system. The objective is to ensure uninterrupted operation, manufacturer-compliant servicing, and rapid repair of these mission-critical imaging and automation platforms. The NCATS Division of Pre-Clinical Innovation (DPI) relies on high-throughput, high-content imaging systems to support translational science initiatives across multiple branches and research programs. The Operetta CLS and Opera Phenix platforms are central to automated, microplate-based imaging and confocal analysis used in: Phenotypic and high-content screening Stem cell characterization and differentiation studies Drug response profiling in complex cellular systems Quantitative fluorescence and colorimetric analysis These systems operate in tightly integrated workflows with robotic handling systems (Flex 750 and fixed cell robotic arm), supporting continuous, high-throughput experimental pipelines. Due to the complexity, precision, and continuous utilization of these instruments, any downtime directly disrupts ongoing experiments, many of which involve biological samples cultivated over weeks or months. Instrument failure without immediate access to certified service would result in irretrievable data loss, wasted resources, and significant delays to federally funded research programs. A manufacturer-backed service agreement is therefore essential to ensure uptime, maintain calibration integrity, and protect the validity and reproducibility of scientific results. This requirement is for the renewal of a full-service maintenance agreement covering NCATS DPI imaging systems and associated automation equipment. The agreement shall include: One (1) annual preventative maintenance visit per instrument Unlimited repair service All labor, travel, and non-consumable replacement parts Access to manufacturer-certified service engineers Use of proprietary diagnostic tools, firmware updates, and OEM components These instruments are highly specialized and interdependent within automated workflows. Failure to maintain them under a comprehensive service agreement would expose the Government to: Extend…
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