Name | Type | Posted | Actions |
|---|---|---|---|
XCT Microscope Requirements.pdf | May 27, 2026 |
Versa 730 X-ray Computed Tomography Microscope
Contact and place of performance
Lauren P. Roller
USA
NOTICE OF INTENT TO SOLE SOURCE Zeiss Versa XRM 730 X-ray Computed Tomography Microscope Announcement Type : Special Notice Announcement Number: NIST-NOI-26-305-00006 Subject: X-ray Computed Tomography Microscope NAICS: 334516 - Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing PSC: 6650 - Optical Instruments, Test Equipment, Components, and Accessories Introduction This is a notice of intent, not a request for a quotat...
View moreSole Source Determination
The sole source determination is based on the following:
Use of the statutory authority 41 USC 3304(a)(1) requires that the supplies or services required by the agency are available from only one responsible source.
Carl Zeiss Microscopy, LLC is uniquely qualified to provide the required microscope system due to requirements for continuity of research and compatibility of equipment and existing data.
This acquisition will replace a no-longer-serviceable Zeiss Versa XRM 500 microscope owned and operated by NIST that has been in use over the past decade for several on-going NIST, Other Agency, and CHIPS Act research projects. This instrument, manufactured by Zeiss, operates using proprietary software called “Scout and Scan” which includes a proprietary method for collecting and reconstructing data. NIST requires that all data collected on a new instrument be compatible with data collected and analyzed by the “Scout and Scan” software on the Versa XRM 500 so that research projects may continue with scientific accuracy and integrity. Carl Zeiss is the only contractor which can guarantee data interoperability between the required new Zeiss Versa 730 and NIST’s older Zeiss Versa XRM 500. Data interoperability is critical so NIST can compare data collected a decade ago to data that is collected today.
Additionally, NIST intends to re-use hardware related to the current Versa XRM 500 on future research projects. The Versa XRM 500 has been deemed as End of Life (EOL) but some custom mechanical testing hardware that NIST has been utilizing for more than five years remains usable. Current projects and programs (especially the CHIPS Act) require that NIST uses identical mechanical testing hardware between a new microscope and the legacy (Versa XRM 500) microscope. Carl Zeiss Microscopy is the only contractor which can guarantee that the hardware installed on the Versa XRM 500 will be compatible with a new/updated system.
Further, NIST scientific and programmatic priorities require a microscope system which can provide data to current and future artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) applications. These applications require a high pixel count camera (greater than 40 MP, more is better) with the ability to change the magnification of the sample projected onto the camera. Most contractors use geometric magnification to solve this, but the Carl Zeiss Versa 730 has a proprietary lens-based magnification system which, along with stage translation, allows for continuous magnification adjustment over several magnification ranges while other contractor products are limited to simple geometric magnification. Zeiss is the only contractor which can provide a 60-megapixel camera with near-continuous magnification adjustment that does not rely solely on geometric factors. NIST requires the combination of the ultra-high resolution camera along with the ability to change magnification in order to feed data into ML/AI models, noting that AI Innovation is one of NIST’s critical and emerging technologies.
Carl Zeiss is the only contractor that can provide an XCT microscope system that meets these requirements, and the contractor does not authorize resellers. Therefore, only a Carl Zeiss Versa 730 microscope system can meet the Government’s needs.
Information for Interested Parties
Interested parties that believe they could satisfy the requirements listed above for NIST may clearly and unambiguously identify their capability to do so in writing by or before the response date for this notice. This notice of intent is not a solicitation.
Any questions regarding this notice must be submitted in writing via email to Ms. Lauren Roller, Contract Specialist, at [email protected]. All responses to this notice of intent must be submitted via email to [email protected] so that they are received no later than June 11, 2026 at 11:00 AM Eastern Time.
Each response should include the following Business Information:
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) intends to negotiate a firm-fixed-price purchase order on a sole-source basis with Carl Zeiss Microscopy, LLC for a Versa XRM 730 X-ray Computed Tomography (XCT) microscope. This acquisition, identified under solicitation number NIST-NOI-26-305-00006, includes options for additional features and extended warranties that may extend the total performance period up to five years. The microscope is required for micro-scale three-dimensional imaging of semiconductor materials and devices, replacing a no-longer-serviceable Zeiss Versa XRM 500. Delivery of the instrument to the United States place of performance is required within eight months of the order.
The procurement is classified under NAICS 334516, Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing, and PSC 6650, Optical Instruments, Test Equipment, Components and Accessories. NIST has determined that Carl Zeiss Microscopy, LLC is the only source capable of meeting the requirement due to the necessity for data interoperability with proprietary "Scout and Scan" software and compatibility with existing custom mechanical testing hardware. The required system must also feature a 60-megapixel camera with a proprietary lens-based magnification system to support current and future artificial intelligence and machine learning applications.
Responses to this special notice are due by June 11, 2026, at 11:00 AM Eastern Time. Although NIST does not intend to issue a formal solicitation or request quotations, interested parties may submit a capability statement to the point of contact, Lauren P. Roller, to demonstrate their ability to satisfy the requirements. One attachment, titled XCT Microscope Requirements.pdf, was provided with the notice on May 27, 2026. All offerors must maintain an active registration in the System for Award Management.
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