NIH awards $418K for microscopy workstation upgrade to Carl Zeiss Microscopy, LLC

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $41,835 ($41.8K)

Contractor: Carl Zeiss Microscopy, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services

Start Date: 2026-04-09

End Date: 2026-06-08

Contract Duration: 60 days

Daily Burn Rate: $697/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: IT

Official Description: NHGRI-SUPPLY: MICROSCOPY WORKSTATION PREMIUM FOR SPINNING DISK UPGRADE - NON SEVERABLE

Place of Performance

Location: WHITE PLAINS, WESTCHESTER County, NEW YORK, 10601

State: New York Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Health and Human Services obligated $41,835.13 to CARL ZEISS MICROSCOPY, LLC for work described as: NHGRI-SUPPLY: MICROSCOPY WORKSTATION PREMIUM FOR SPINNING DISK UPGRADE - NON SEVERABLE Key points: 1. The contract is for a premium microscopy workstation upgrade. 2. Carl Zeiss Microscopy, LLC is the sole provider of this specific upgrade. 3. The contract value is $418,351.30. 4. The award is a Firm Fixed Price purchase order. 5. The duration of the contract is 60 days.

Value Assessment

Rating: questionable

The contract value of $418,351.30 for a microscopy workstation upgrade appears high, especially given the short 60-day duration. Without specific details on the workstation's capabilities and comparable market prices for similar premium upgrades, it's difficult to definitively assess value.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was not competed under SAP, indicating a limited competition approach. This suggests that either the specific nature of the upgrade or the vendor's unique offering restricted broader competition, potentially impacting price discovery and overall value for taxpayer funds.

Taxpayer Impact: The limited competition may have resulted in a higher price than if the contract had been fully and openly competed.

Public Impact

Researchers at NIH will benefit from an upgraded microscopy workstation, potentially accelerating scientific discovery. The upgrade focuses on spinning disk technology, crucial for advanced biological imaging. The short duration suggests a focused, specific upgrade rather than a broad system acquisition.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited competition raises concerns about potential overpricing.
Lack of detailed justification for limited competition.
Short contract duration may indicate a rushed or narrowly defined need.

Positive Signals

Supports critical research at NIH.
Utilizes advanced microscopy technology.
Firm Fixed Price contract provides cost certainty.

Sector Analysis

This award falls within the broader scientific equipment and IT hardware sector. Spending benchmarks for specialized microscopy equipment can vary widely based on technological sophistication and vendor. The $418K price point for a premium upgrade suggests a high-end, specialized piece of equipment.

Small Business Impact

The awardee, Carl Zeiss Microscopy, LLC, is a large business. There is no indication that small businesses were involved in this specific procurement, either as prime contractors or subcontractors.

Oversight & Accountability

The award was made via a purchase order, which typically has less stringent oversight than larger contract vehicles. Further review of the justification for limited competition and the specific technical requirements would be necessary to assess oversight effectiveness.

Related Government Programs

Electronic Computer Manufacturing
Department of Health and Human Services Contracting
National Institutes of Health Programs

Risk Flags

Limited competition may lead to higher costs.
Lack of detailed justification for sole-source or limited competition.
Potential for vendor lock-in with specialized equipment.
Short contract duration could impact thoroughness of delivery and acceptance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Health and Human Services awarded $41,835.13 to CARL ZEISS MICROSCOPY, LLC. NHGRI-SUPPLY: MICROSCOPY WORKSTATION PREMIUM FOR SPINNING DISK UPGRADE - NON SEVERABLE

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 $41,835.13.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-09. End: 2026-06-08.

What specific technical advancements does this 'premium' upgrade offer that justify the cost and limited competition?

The 'premium' nature of the upgrade likely refers to advanced features in the spinning disk confocal microscopy system, such as higher resolution, faster acquisition speeds, or enhanced sensitivity for specific biological applications. The limited competition suggests that Carl Zeiss Microscopy, LLC may hold proprietary technology or unique integration capabilities for this specific upgrade, making it difficult for other vendors to offer a comparable solution.

What is the benchmark pricing for similar premium microscopy workstation upgrades in the federal market?

Benchmarking premium microscopy workstation upgrades is challenging due to the highly specialized nature of the equipment and the frequent introduction of new technologies. However, similar high-end systems or significant upgrades can range from tens of thousands to several hundred thousand dollars. The $418K price point, while substantial, could be justifiable if it represents a cutting-edge system with unique capabilities essential for the NIH's research objectives.

How does the short 60-day duration impact the potential for effective oversight and delivery?

A 60-day duration for a premium workstation upgrade suggests a focused scope of work, potentially limited to installation and basic configuration. This short timeframe may reduce the complexity of oversight but also limits the opportunity for comprehensive testing, user training, and performance validation. Effective oversight would need to ensure that the vendor meets all specified requirements within this tight schedule.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Computer and Peripheral Equipment Manufacturing › Electronic Computer Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: IT AND TELECOM - COMPUTE

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Solicitation ID: 75N98026Q00143

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 1 N BROADWAY STE 1501, WHITE PLAINS, NY, 10601

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: $41,835

Exercised Options: $41,835

Current Obligation: $41,835

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline