CryoArc line of automated freezers maintenance service

FBO ANNOUNCEMENT:

PRESOLICITATION NOTICE, NOTICE OF INTENT ACTION CODE:

SPECIAL NOTICE SUBJECT: Sole source – CryoArc line of automated freezers maintenance service.

SOLICITATION NUMBER:

NB644020-25-01689 RESPONSE DATE:

6/19/25 DESCRIPTION: The National Institute for Standards and Technology (NIST) Biosystems and Biomaterials Division (BBD) utilizes an automated cryogenic storage system to support its mission in standard reference material production and regenerative medicine research. The system stores critical biological materials including pancreatic tumor and non-cancer cell lines (for the Genome in a Bottle Consortium) and CD19 CAR Jurkat cell lines (for the Regenerative Medicine Program).

A service contract is required to ensure continuous, reliable operation and to maintain the instrument’s warranty. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) intends to negotiate on a sole source basis, under the authority of FAR 13.106-1(b)(1), with Azenta Life Sciences, Inc located in Burlington, MA for maintenance of this equipment. Sole Source justification is based on the following:

Azenta Life Sciences has provided documentation stating that their service group is currently the only organization qualified and authorized to provide service and maintenance for the CryoArc line of automated freezers. This equipment requires specialized knowledge, proprietary tools, and training that is not currently available to any other service providers.

Due to the technical complexity and unique specifications of the CryoArc product family, any attempt at servicing by unauthorized personnel could result in equipment damage, operational downtime, and voiding of the warranty. NAICS code for this requirement will be 811210– Other Electronic and Precision Equipment Repair and Maintenance with a small business size of $34.0M. No solicitation package will be issued.

This notice of intent is not a request for competitive quotations; however, interested parties who regard themselves as capable of fulfilling these requirements are invited to submit responses to the Government for consideration. Responses received by 1:00AM EST on 6/13/25 will be considered by the Government. A determination by the Government not to compete the proposed acquisition based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government.

Information received will normally be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement. Inquiry POCs Erik.Fycklund@nist.gov Primary Donald.Graham@nist.gov Secondary National Institutes of Standards and Technologies NIST Acquisition Management Division (AMD) 100 Bureau Dr. Mail Stop 1640 Gaithersburg, MD. 20899-1640