Notice of Intent: Maintenance for STELLARIS 8 confocal microscope

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is seeking to award a Firm-Fixed-Price Purchase Order for maintenance services for a Leica STELLARIS 8 confocal microscope located at the Porter Neuroscience Research Center, NIH Bethesda Campus. The microscope is a shared, high-resolution imaging platform supporting multiple intramural research laboratories engaged in neuroscience, developmental biology, and cellular imaging studies. • The STELLARIS 8 system includes advanced laser configurations (White Light Laser, 405 nm laser, and 775 nm STED module) that enable confocal and super-resolution imaging applications. • The NIH is currently intending to award the contract to Leica Microsystems Inc., but is open to capability statements from small businesses that can demonstrate their ability to perform the requirement. • The contract is expected to be awarded approximately ten days after the date of the notice, unless the Government determines that another vendor has the capability to meet this requirement.