NIH Spends $227,865 on Carl Zeiss Slide Scanner for NIH

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $227,865 ($227.9K)

Contractor: Carl Zeiss Microscopy, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services

Start Date: 2018-07-18

End Date: 2023-10-11

Contract Duration: 1,911 days

Daily Burn Rate: $119/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: TO ACQUIRE A CARL ZEISS SLIDE SCANNER AXIO SCAN.Z1 MICROSCOPE SYSTEM AND THE MAINTENANCE SERVICE AGREEMENT.

Place of Performance

Location: THORNWOOD, WESTCHESTER County, NEW YORK, 10594

State: New York Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Health and Human Services obligated $227,865.06 to CARL ZEISS MICROSCOPY, LLC for work described as: TO ACQUIRE A CARL ZEISS SLIDE SCANNER AXIO SCAN.Z1 MICROSCOPE SYSTEM AND THE MAINTENANCE SERVICE AGREEMENT. Key points: 1. The acquisition of a Carl Zeiss Axio Scan.Z1 microscope system and maintenance agreement represents a significant investment in advanced laboratory instrumentation. 2. Competition for this specific, high-end analytical instrument may be limited due to specialized manufacturing. 3. Potential risks include vendor lock-in for maintenance and consumables, and the need for specialized training. 4. The sector is Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing, a niche but critical area for research and development.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The price of $227,865.06 for the Carl Zeiss Axio Scan.Z1 microscope system and maintenance appears reasonable given the specialized nature and advanced capabilities of the equipment. Benchmarking against similar high-resolution slide scanners from other premium manufacturers would provide a more precise assessment.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was competed under SAP (Simplified Acquisition Procedures), suggesting a competitive process was utilized for this purchase. This method aims to ensure fair pricing and value for the government, though the specific competition details are not fully elaborated.

Taxpayer Impact: The use of competitive procedures, even under SAP, aims to secure a fair price, thus optimizing taxpayer investment in critical research infrastructure.

Public Impact

Enhances NIH's research capabilities in microscopy and slide scanning. Supports advancements in biomedical research and diagnostics. Provides researchers with cutting-edge technology for detailed analysis. Potential for improved accuracy and efficiency in laboratory workflows.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for high maintenance costs over the system's lifecycle.
Dependence on a single vendor for critical parts and service.
Need for specialized user training and technical support.

Positive Signals

Acquisition of advanced, high-performance scientific equipment.
Competitive procurement process utilized.
Supports critical research missions of the NIH.

Sector Analysis

The Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing sector is characterized by high R&D investment and specialized production. Spending in this sector is driven by the need for precise and advanced tools in scientific research, healthcare, and quality control.

Small Business Impact

The data does not indicate whether small businesses were involved in this procurement. Given the specialized nature of the equipment, it is possible that larger, established manufacturers dominated the bidding process.

Oversight & Accountability

The procurement was conducted under SAP, which has its own set of oversight requirements. Further review of the specific SAP procedures followed would be necessary to assess the adequacy of oversight and accountability for this purchase.

Related Government Programs

Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing
Department of Health and Human Services Contracting
National Institutes of Health Programs

Risk Flags

Potential for high lifecycle costs (maintenance, consumables).
Vendor lock-in risk for service and parts.
Need for specialized training and technical expertise.
Obsolescence risk due to rapid technological advancements in imaging.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Health and Human Services awarded $227,865.06 to CARL ZEISS MICROSCOPY, LLC. TO ACQUIRE A CARL ZEISS SLIDE SCANNER AXIO SCAN.Z1 MICROSCOPE SYSTEM AND THE MAINTENANCE SERVICE AGREEMENT.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is CARL ZEISS MICROSCOPY, LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Health and Human Services (National Institutes of Health).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $227,865.06.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2018-07-18. End: 2023-10-11.

What is the long-term cost of ownership for this microscope system, including maintenance, consumables, and potential upgrades?

The long-term cost of ownership is a critical consideration beyond the initial purchase price. It includes annual maintenance contracts, replacement parts, specialized consumables (e.g., slides, reagents), and potential software/hardware upgrades. Without specific contract details for maintenance and consumables, estimating this accurately is difficult, but it could significantly increase the total expenditure over the system's lifespan, potentially exceeding the initial acquisition cost.

How does the performance and feature set of the Carl Zeiss Axio Scan.Z1 compare to alternative slide scanners available on the market?

The Axio Scan.Z1 is a high-throughput slide scanner known for its speed, resolution, and automation capabilities, suitable for demanding research applications. Benchmarking against competitors like Leica, Hamamatsu, or Hamamatsu would reveal differences in scanning speed, image quality (resolution, color fidelity), Z-stacking capabilities, software integration, and overall workflow efficiency. A detailed comparative analysis would confirm if its specific features justify the investment compared to potentially lower-cost alternatives.

What is the expected lifespan and obsolescence risk of this specific microscope system?

The expected lifespan of advanced laboratory equipment like the Axio Scan.Z1 is typically 7-10 years, but can be extended with proper maintenance. Obsolescence risk is moderate; while the core optical and mechanical components may remain functional, software and digital imaging technology evolve rapidly. Future compatibility with new analysis software or data formats could become a concern, potentially requiring upgrades or replacement sooner than anticipated.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Navigational, Measuring, Electromedical, and Control Instruments Manufacturing › Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: INSTRUMENTS AND LABORATORY EQPT

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Solicitation ID: 75N92018Q0177

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 1 ZEISS DR, THORNWOOD, NY, 10594

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Foreign Owned, Foreign-Owned and U.S.-Incorporated Business, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $227,865

Exercised Options: $227,865

Current Obligation: $227,865

Actual Outlays: $22,172

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline