SERVICE MAINTENANCE CONTRACT FOR AN EXISTING GATAN EDAX APEX PEGASUS MICROANALYSIS SYSTEM ON AN EXISTING THERMO FISHER SCIENTIFIC (TFS) FEI HELIOS 660 MICROSCOPE

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) intends to negotiate, on a sole source basis, under the authority of FAR 13.106-1(b) (1), with Gatan Inc.,5794 W Las Positas BLVD, Pleasanton, California 94588, for the purchase a service maintenance agreement for an  an existing Gatan EDAX Apex Pegasus microanalysis system on an existing Thermo Fisher Scientific (TFS) FEI Helios 660 microscope

needed by the Materials Measurement Science Division (MMSD) of the Material Measurement Laboratory (MML) at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).

The general mission of the Materials Measurement Science Division (MMSD) of the Material Measurement Laboratory (MML) at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is to provide research, reference materials, and data to support accurate and selective analysis of microscopic particles and surfaces including the spatial distribution of chemical species relevant to industrial, environmental, and biological processes.  Nanoscale imaging and microanalysis of materials is one of the main research topics.  The proposed purchase is for annual service contract (base plus two  option years) for the Gatan EDAX Apex Pegasus integrated microanalysis system (S/N 10929) with Octane Plus X-ray detector (S/N 4047) and Hikari Pro electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) detector (S/N 3218) currently installed on the existing Thermo Fisher Scientific (TFS) FEI Helios 660 focused ion beam scanning electron microscope (FIB SEM) (NIST Property # 637285).  Helios 660 is a critical component of several NIST and other agency support projects such as nanometrology and high resolution microanalysis method development projects.  EDAX microanalysis system is a critical component for the analytical work performed using the Helios 660 FIB SEM.  

Sole source determination is based on the need to purchase an annual service contract (base plus four option years) for the Gatan EDAX Apex Pegasus integrated microanalysis system (S/N 10929) with Octane Plus X-ray detector (S/N 4047) and Hikari Pro electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) detector (S/N 3218) currently installed on the existing Thermo Fisher Scientific (TFS) FEI Helios 660 focused ion beam scanning electron microscope (FIB SEM) (NIST Property # 637285).  Helios 660 is a critical component of several NIST and other agency support projects such as nanometrology and high resolution microanalysis method development projects.  Gatan EDAX microanalysis system is a critical component for the analytical work performed using the Helios 660 FIB SEM.

 Gatan EDAX microanalysis system (X-ray detector, EBSD detector, analyzer and software) is a complex and proprietary piece of equipment that must be maintained and tested according to the manufacturer (EDAX)'s specifications by the manufacturer's service engineers.  All service level functions including the calibration and performance testing utilities are only accessible to Gatan EDAX service engineers and the users or 3rd party vendors do not have access to these tools.  Since Gatan EDAX does not have authorized service partners or resellers, troubleshooting, calibration, and testing as well as technical details for the detector and software are only available to Gatan EDAX service engineers.   

Gatan Inc.,is the only known vendor who can provide the required maintenance support for the existing Gatan EDAX Apex Pegasus microanalysis system on an existing Thermo Fisher Scientific (TFS) FEI Helios 660 microscope.

 The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code for this acquisition is 811210, Electronic and Precision Equipment Repair and Maintenance with a size standard of $34.0M. 

A determination by the Government not to compete with the proposed acquisition based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government.  Information received will normally be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement.

No solicitation package will be issued.  This notice of intent is not a request for competitive quotations.  However, responses received by June 18, 2026, 8:00 am, ET will be considered by the Government.