Bid guide
How to bid on Hamilton Microlab STAR Liquid Handler Instrument Service Agreement with NIST
What the agency is buying and why it matters
The Department of Commerce, National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), needs a Premium Plus preventive maintenance and verification service agreement for a Hamilton Microlab STAR liquid handler instrument. This includes two option years for continued service. The work is for the Materials Measurement Laboratory, Chemical Sciences Division, at the Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research in Rockville, Maryland.
NIST intends to award this contract to Hamilton Company on a sole-source basis. This means they believe Hamilton Company is the only firm that can provide the required services, due to proprietary parts, software, and specialized service representatives. For vendors, this is an opportunity to demonstrate if they also possess the unique capabilities needed for this specific equipment.
Key dates and what happens at the deadline
This notice was published on July 30, 2026. If you are interested in this opportunity, you must submit your response by August 12, 2026, at 4:00 PM Eastern Time. This is not a request for quotes, but rather an opportunity for other firms to identify their interest and capability.
Responses received by the deadline will be considered by the government to determine if a competitive procurement should be conducted in the future. The government has discretion to decide whether to compete this requirement based on the responses.
Who this opportunity suits
This opportunity is primarily for firms that can provide specialized maintenance and verification services for Hamilton Microlab STAR liquid handler instruments. The North American Industrial Classification System (NAICS) code for this acquisition is 541990, which covers All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services, with a size standard of $19.5 million.
Given NIST's stated intent for a sole-source award to Hamilton Company, this opportunity specifically suits firms that can provide sufficient documentation to establish a bona fide capability to fulfill the exact requirement, including access to proprietary parts, software, and factory-trained personnel for Hamilton Microlab STAR platforms.
How to respond
No solicitation package will be issued for this notice. To respond, you must email [email protected]. Your email should clearly identify your interest and capability to meet the requirement.
Your written response must contain sufficient documentation to establish that your firm has a genuine capability to fulfill the specific service requirements for the Hamilton Microlab STAR liquid handler. This is not a request for competitive quotations.
Practical tips for preparing a competitive response
When responding to a sole-source intent notice, focus on clearly demonstrating your firm's unique qualifications. Provide specific details about your ability to service Hamilton Microlab STAR liquid handlers, including any certifications, access to proprietary parts, software, or factory-trained technicians.
Ensure your response directly addresses why your firm, and not just the intended sole-source provider, can meet all aspects of the requirement. Highlight any past experience with similar equipment or agencies. Submit your response well before the August 12, 2026, 4:00 PM ET deadline to ensure it is considered.
See the live bid — deadline, agency details, and how to respond
Dates and requirements can change via addenda; always verify on the bid page and at the original source before responding.
View this bid on BiddingSimpleThis guide was prepared by BiddingSimple from the solicitation’s public posting. It is not official guidance from Commerce, Department of; the original posting controls.