This is a sole source combined synopsis/solicitation for a Carl Zeiss LSM 990 microscope with Airyscan-2 detector, intended for the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD). The microscope is required for high-resolution live imaging of mouse cochlea explants, relying on proprietary Airyscan technology available only from Carl Zeiss. Performance of services includes delivery, installation, re-alignment, and recalibration at the NIH campus in Bethesda, Maryland (9000 Rockville Pike, Building 35A, Room 1F-143A). A firm-fixed-price purchase order is anticipated, but no specific budget amount is provided. This notice updates FAR clauses and the attachment, with no other changes to the requirement.

The NIH/NIDCD intends to award a sole source firm-fixed-price purchase order to Carl Zeiss Microscopy for an LSM 990 microscope with Airyscan-2 detector, needed for high-resolution live cell imaging of mouse cochlea explants. The system is critical for an ongoing project requiring faster acquisition and superior resolution compared to current equipment. Performance of services, including delivery, installation, and recalibration, will take place at the NIH facility in Bethesda, MD (Building 35A, Room 1F-143A). No budget amount is specified. No non-bid timelines are provided beyond the submission deadline, which is excluded per instructions.