UNSPSC 41102916: Microtomes

UNSPSC 41102916 Microtomes is a Commodity code covering laboratory histology services — tissue embedding, cutting, staining, analysis, and examination of biological specimens — rather than the instrument itself. State and local governments procure these services primarily through medical examiner's offices and forensic investigation agencies. Recent solicitations show demand for full-service histology laboratories capable of performing routine and special staining, generating histological reports within defined turnaround windows, maintaining chain of custody, and providing expert consultation and courtroom testimony. Issuing bodies include county medical examiner's offices and state law enforcement agencies. Required qualifications typically include Florida state certification or equivalent, College of American Pathologists accreditation, active participation in proficiency testing programs, and personnel holding certifications such as HT(ASCP) or HTL(ASCP). Contractors must maintain substantial insurance coverage — general liability and professional liability at $1,000,000 minimum, auto liability at $2,000,000, and cyber liability at $5,000,000 — along with workers' compensation as required by state law.

Activity concentrates in Florida and Georgia. Brevard County Medical Examiner's Office, Florida, issued two recent solicitations: an RFQ (RFQ72607, due April 7, 2026) for histology laboratory services with a five-year contract term and a sole-source notice (5050708, posted October 19, 2026) for Professional Pathology Laboratory, LLC, though the response deadline had passed at posting. The State of Georgia, through the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, posted two eRFQs (47100GBI0000203 posted April 29, 2026, and 47100GBI0000204 posted May 12, 2026) with compressed response windows of nine and three days respectively. A California RFB (RFB-IS-26200981, due June 4, 2026) included a CBE certification requirement. Brevard County's RFQ specified four-working-day turnaround from specimen receipt, examination beginning within forty-eight hours, courier delivery of stained slides, and Monday–Friday 8:00 AM–5:00 PM availability. Pricing adjustments are permitted only after twelve months with written justification; contracts typically span multiyear terms with firm pricing for ninety days from proposal opening.