NOTICE OF INTENT TO SOLE SOURCE This notice is being published in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Subpart 5.101 requiring dissemination of information for proposed contract actions. This is a notice of intent to award a sole source contract and is not a request for competitive quotes/proposals. The statutory authority for this sole source procurement is prescribed by FAR 13.501(a).

The National Institutes of Health, National Eye Institute intends to award a sole source, firm-fixed priced purchase order to MELLING LLC, the contractor will provide new OCULUS Keratograph 5M, advanced corneal topographer with a built-in real keratometer and a color camera optimized for external imaging. This equipment is essential that will be used on our current NEI study patient population and is the only approved testing device for our current studies and standard of care corneal topography measurement, the OCULUS Keratograph® 5M is an advanced corneal topographer with a built-in real keratometer and a color camera optimized for external imaging. Unique features include examining the meibomian glands, non-invasive tear film break-up time and the tear meniscus height measurement and evaluating the lipid layer tear film break-up time is measured non-invasively and fully automatically. The new infrared illumination is not visible to the human eye. This prevents glare during the examination. The TF-scan presents the results in a way that is easy for you and your customers to understand. Only the manufacturer can provide the follow-on service or maintenance because of proprietary data, parts, and service.

All responsible sources may submit a capability statement demonstrating the ability to provide the requested services and/or products which shall be considered by the agency before the intended award date. Interested sources who submit data are responsible for appropriately marking information if it is proprietary in nature. The Government shall not reimburse interested sources for any information provided. No requests for capability briefings will be honored. A determination by the Government not to compete this proposed contract based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. Interested vendors must respond to this notice on or before May 10, 2023 at 10:00 am Eastern Time by sending an email to holleyv@od.nih.gov .