Statement_of_Requirements.docx

STATEMENT OF REQUIREMENTS

Microbial Flow Cytometer

I. BACKGROUND INFORMATION

The Biomaterials Group of the Material Measurement Laboratory contributes to the NIST Microbial Metrology program to address challenges in microbial cell measurements via development of new methodologies, protocols, and reference materials, and to investigate fundamental biological process pertinent to engineering biology and other microbial applications. To address current questions involving microbial measurements, traditional methods are no longer adequate.

The Biomaterials Group requires a flow cytometer designed for detecting small particles, as bacterial cells are too small for conventional flow cytometers. The instrument shall have five excitation lasers to cover the necessary fluorescence excitation wavelengths. The instrument shall operate using a peristaltic pump to support measurements of relatively small sample volumes and volumetric cell counting. The instrument shall have a photodiode detector instead of a photomultiplier tube (PMT) detector. Photodiodes have higher and equivalent quantum efficiency across the UV-visible wavelength range. The instrument shall allow sample acquisition in two formats: from a tube for single measurements and from 96-well plates to allow higher throughput interrogations. The instrument must also be amenable to automation and allow for physical add-on features.

II. SCOPE OF WORK

The Contractor shall deliver one (1) flow cytometer with the option for up to two (2) additional units within 12 months. The flow cytometer shall meet the specifications below:

· Contain 375 nm (near-UV), 405 nm (violet), 488 nm (blue), 561 nm (yellow) and 638 nm (red) solid diode lasers/LEDs. With this configuration, the instrument must be able to acquire at least 21 parameters on a single sample, including 19 color fluorescence parameters distributed as follows: near-UV (3), violet (5), blue (3), yellow (5) and red (3), and two scattering channels: forward (FSC) and side (SSC).

· Be upgradable to include an infra-red laser (IR) to allow for future expansion of the instrument’s capabilities.

· Contain a peristaltic pump to move the sheath fluid through the flow cell.

· Be compatible with automation and automated sample processing.

· Include photodiode detector arrays for fluorescence and side scatter light detection.

· Include a complete compensation matrix that will allow the end user to compensate the signal from every channel out of every other channel.

· Include a daily quality control and performance tracking system.

· Permit adjustment of the optical configuration by the end user without the need for a service engineer.

· Provide at least 6- to 7- decade log scale of resolution enabling high data accuracy.

· Be able to capture up to 30,000 events/second allowing high data collection rates.

· Process samples at sample flow rates between (10 and 240) μL per minute in 1 μL increments and enable absolute cell counting with proper software.

· Include at least two sample formats, tube and plate loader.

· Operate with 110 V.

· Have a footprint (H x W x D) no larger than: 24 in x 30 in x 20 in, to allow the instrument to be placed either on a benchtop or in a biosafety cabinet.

· Include acquisition software supporting data acquisition, data analysis, data exporting, and functional control of the instrument making the overall operation of the instrument simple and convenient.

· Be equipped with a computer running Windows 10 professional operating system and a monitor allowing visualization of data acquisition and data analysis modules. The computer must have TPM 2.0 and secure boot.

· Include a software license for data analysis. The data should be generated in standard FCS 3.0 format.

· Vendor shall supply the necessary consumables to perform instrument performance tracking, daily operation, maintenance, and warranty repairs during the warranty period.

· Vendor must provide Telephone Technical Support and Field Applications/Sales/Service Support during business hours Monday through Friday to answer technical questions, help review data, and make recommendations on how to troubleshoot results encountered with flow cytometry experiments.

· The contractor shall provide a manufacturers specification manual via hard and electronic copy.

III. WARRANTY

The Contractor shall provide one-year of warranty to include parts, labor, software updates, consumables, and travel costs which shall begin after acceptance of the instrument.

IV. INSTALLATION

Installation of the Flow Cytometer shall include, at minimum, uncrating/unpacking of all equipment, set-up and hook-up of all equipment, start-up, demonstration of specifications, and removal of all trash.

V. TRAINING

The Contractor shall provide training on-site NIST campus, Gaithersburg, MD. Training shall be for two (2) days for up to two (2) employees, and shall include operation of the flow cytometer, instrument software, and troubleshooting.

VI. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE

All work shall be accomplished at the Contractor’s facility except installation, training and warranty service.

VII. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE/DELIVERY

Delivery, installation and training shall be completed within 90 days after award. The option to procure two (2) additional units shall be within one-year of award.

VIII. DELIVERABLES

IX. ACCEPTANCE CRITERIA

The CytoFlex LX Flow Cytometer System will be completely installed and must function according to manufacturer’s specifications. The operation manual will describe procedures for operating and maintaining the Cytometer. The NIST Contracting Officers Representative (COR) will review deliverables and determine if these criteria are met.

X. TRAVEL

Travel to the NIST, Gaithersburg is required. All travel expenses will be included in the firm fixed price of this contract.

XI. GENERAL INFORMATION

Safety: The Contractor employee shall be responsible for knowing and complying with all installation safety prevention regulations. Such regulations include, but are not limited to, general safety, fire prevention, and waste disposal.

Security: NIST is a restricted campus. An identification badge is required for access for entry into buildings and also is shown to the armed Security Police when entering the campus.

Regular Business Hours. Regular business hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to 5:00 pm Eastern Time.

Identification Badges: Contractor employees shall comply with NIST identification and access requirements. Each Contractor employee shall wear a visible identification badge provided by the NIST Security Office.

Vehicle Registration: All Contractor employees must register their vehicles with the NIST Security Office to gain access to the campus. A valid driver’s license, Government-furnished civilian ID, proof of insurance and current registration must be presented to the NIST Security Office, at which time a NIST vehicle pass will be issued. The pass shall be displayed on the vehicle in accordance with NIST Security Office instructions.