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Notice Amended to add the following clause: 52.204–27, Prohibition on a ByteDance Covered Application. There are not other changes to this notice.

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items prepared in accordance with the format in FAR 12.6 as supplemented with additional information included in this notice. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation and a separate written solicitation will not be issued. This solicitation number is NICHD-23-172 and is issued as a Request for Quotation (RFQ). The solicitation/contract will include all applicable provisions and clauses in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular 2023-03. The North American Industry Classification (NAICS) Code is 811210 with a size standard of $34m. However, this solicitation is not set aside for small business. This acquisition is being conducted using Simplified Acquisition Procedures in accordance with FAR Part 13. Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) intend to procure on a sole source basis from Leica Microsystems – 10 ParkwayNorth, Suite 300 – Deerfield, IL 60015 to provide a Fixed Priced PremiumCare Service Agreement for Period of Performance: July 1, 2023, through June 30, 2024, for the following instruments:

1. Leica SP8WLL2 STED3x Microscope – SN: 8110001993

2. Leica EM UC7 Ultramicrotome -SN: 601156 - PremiumCare Agreement for UC7 Premium Care Service Plan coverage: Unlimited on-site service visits/repairs by Leica-Microsystems trained and qualified field service engineer-Unlimited Replacement service parts, components, or modules necessary for repairs-1 Annual on-site Planned Maintenance visit, to ensure the system is performing to factory specifications.-Unlimited access to expert Applications and Technology Support Center (M-F 8am-5pm) , Remote Proactive Monitoring, Software Updates-discount on non-contract related services, Prioritized on-site response time for remedial services (critical repairs), 2-hour telephone call back from Leica OneCall.

3. Leica EM ACE900 Freeze Fracture Machine – SN: 605600

4. Leica EM GP2 Plunge Freezer – SN: 609808 - PremiumCare Agreement for GP Premium Care Service Plan coverage: Unlimited on-site service visits/repairs by Leica-Microsystems trained and qualified field service engineer-Unlimited Replacement service parts, components, or modules necessary for repairs-1 Annual on-site Planned Maintenance visit, to ensure the system is performing to factory specifications.-Unlimited access to expert Applications and Technology Support Center (M-F 8am-5pm) , Remote Proactive Monitoring, Software Updates-discount on non-contract related services, Prioritized on-site response time for remedial services (critical repairs), 2-hour telephone call back from Leica OneCall.

These instruments by their complex nature containing multiple individual components require regular maintenance as well as alignment and calibrations which can only be carried out by dedicated knowledgeable engineers trained specifically by the manufacturer Leica Microsystems. These microscopes are mission critical for the scientific experiments undertaken in the individual laboratories where these devices are maintained in NICHD laboratories. The priority scheduling is especially important for the proper upkeep and functionality of these microscopes. Thus, timely service is crucial in the functioning of core facilities and stand-alone research microscopes that student and postdoctoral scientists rely on for their day-to-day work. NIH is a research organization where critical experiments require many weeks of tissue culture preparations and in animal breeding programs, thus such delays will impose an exceptionally large financial burden on research laboratories which are hurting for research funds in the first place. Waste of experimental reagents, animals and human resources are the biggest problem in addition to reduction in research productivities.

Leica Microsystems Inc. is a manufacturer and distributor of Leica Confocal Microscopes. Authorized Service on these microscopes is only available directly through Leica's service organization. Leica's highly trained service engineers are factory certified to repair and provide unmatched knowledge of Leica Confocal Microscopes Systems. Leica considers themselves as the Sole Source for parts and service on these devices. As the equipment

manufacturer, Leica employees have the requisite training to provide specialized service on these instruments. Leica also own the proprietary software that enables them to provide the required support on these devices. All these Leica instruments require expert service engineers and proprietary knowledge. Due to the complexity and specialization of the components and consumables used during operation of the Leica equipment, there are not alternative sources for replacement parts, should one cease to function. All services are performed by Leica employed factory-trained and certified Field Service Engineers with genuine Leica Microsystems parts to meet original equipment manufacturer (OEM) specifications.

The proposed contract action is for supplies or services for which the Government intends to solicit and negotiate with only one source under authority of the 41 U.S.C. 253(c) (1), FAR 6.302. This notice of intent is not a request for competitive quotations. The offeror must include a completed copy of the provision of FAR Clause 52.212-3, Offeror Representations and Certifications – Commercial Items with its offer. The provisions of FAR Clause 52.212-1 Instructions to Offerors – Commercial Items; FAR Clause 52.212-2, Evaluation – Commercial Items; FAR Clause 52.212-4, Contract Terms and Conditions – Commercial Items; and FAR 52.212-5, Contract Terms and Conditions Required to Implement Statutes or Executive Orders – Commercial Items – Deviation for Simplified Acquisitions applies to this acquisition. Note: The contractor/offeror must provide a completed copy of FAR 52.204-24, "Representation Regarding Certain Telecommunications and Video Surveillance Services or Equipment" with their quote in response to this solicitation. The offeror must include their Unique Entity Number, the Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN), and the certification of business size. The clauses are available in full text at http://www.acquisition.gov/far/. Responses to this notice shall contain sufficient information to establish the interested parties’ bona-fide capabilities for fulfilling the requirements. Any 3rd party offers must include a signed agreement with Leica Microsystems authorizing that you can/are authorized to provide the needed services, parts/consumables for the above listed instruments/equipment, use original manufacture parts, use current Leica Microsystems employed OEM certified trained technicians, and maintain existing warranties, etc. Quotations due ten calendar days from the publication date of this synopsis NLT June 14, 2023, by 1:00 pm EDT. via email. The quotation must reference “Solicitation# NICHD-23-172. Any questions must be sent via email to robinsti@mail.nih.gov (Attn: Tina Robinson) and must include solicitation# NICHD-23-172 in the subject line of email.

Note: In order to receive an award, contractor must be registered and have a valid certification for all awards in the SAM database @www.sam.gov.