Notice of Intent to Sole Source – Leica Microsystems, Inc. - Leica HistoCore Pearl Maintenance Agreementview on SAM.gov

Title: Notice of Intent to Sole Source – Leica Microsystems, Inc. - Leica HistoCore Pearl Maintenance Agreement Reference Number: 75N98026Q01081 Description THIS IS A NOTICE OF INTENT TO AWARD A SOLE SOURCE PURCHASE ORDER WITHOUT PROVIDING FOR FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION. THIS IS NOT A SOLICITATION OR A REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE PROPOSALS. The purpose of this announcement is for a maintenance agreement for the Leica HistoCore Pearl automated tissue processor for the Reproductive Developmental Biology Group at the National Institute of Environmental Health Services (NIEHS), National Institutes of Health (NIH), to issue a Purchase Order award on a sole source basis, under the authority of FAR Subpart 13.106-1 (b) Soliciting from a single source. (1) For purchases not exceeding the simplified acquisition threshold, contracting officers may solicit from one source if the contracting officer determines that the circumstances of the contract action deem only one source reasonably available (e.g., urgency, exclusive licensing agreements, brand name or industrial mobilization). The objective is to procure a maintenance agreement for NIEHS's Leica HistoCore Pearl automated tissue processor. This equipment is critical to NIEHS's day-to-day research operations and must be kept in proper working order. Any equipment downtime will result in unacceptable delays in tissue processing. This acquisition is sole source due to the fact that Leica is the sole manufacturer of the HistoCore Pearl tissue processor and only Leica-trained service engineers are authorized to service this essential equipment. Disease and dysfunction of reproduction and reproductive organs are of great public health concern. Most reproductive disorders have unknown etiologies, and environmental factors are likely contributors. To prevent or lessen the burden of environmentally associated disease or dysfunction, research directed at understanding the mechanisms underlying key processes and identifying key target molecules is a crucial first step. The Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory uses basic research to understand important toxicological principles in the context of reproductive and developmental health at a fundamental level. It is also translating information gained from these studies into applied toxicological testing systems and clinical studies and practice. The Government anticipates award of a firm fixed-price purchase order for this acquisition, and the anticipated period of performance is as follows: Base Period: 9/16/2026 – 9/15/2027 Option Period 1: 9/16/2027 – 9/15/2028 Option Period 2: 9/16/2028 – 9/15/2029 Services provided under this standard service agreement include: Emergency repair service as required during the hours of 08:00am - 05:00pm, Monday through Friday unless otherwise stated above or in applicable attachments. Labor, travel and replacement parts, as required, excluding consumable items, unless otherwise stated. One planned maintenance inspection(s…