Statement_of_Requirements.docx

STATEMENT OF REQUIREMENTS

Automated Liquid Handler for Microbial Culture

I. BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE:

The National Institute for Standards and Technology (NIST) Biosystems and Biomaterials Division has a requirement for an automated liquid handler laboratory instrument for preparing microbial cultures, culturing microbes with integrated population measurements, and routinely ongoing sampling cultures.

II. SCOPE OF WORK:

The Contractor shall deliver an automated liquid handler instrument, operational software, and provide basic system training, meeting the specifications cited below. Method programming for bacterial culture preparation and sampling, and training for programming of instrument control software, shall be provided if options are exercised.

III. SPECIFICATIONS:

The Contractor shall provide a liquid handler instrument with the following requirements, components, and software:

· LINE ITEM 0001 – BASE LINE ITEM: One Automated Liquid Handler Instrument

1. The instrument shall include an eight-channel air displacement pipetting tool with the following specifications:

a. For use with disposable tips with filters

b. Pipetting volume spanning at least the range from 0.5 uL to 1000 uL

c. Independent pipetting volume for each channel

d. Pipetting precision (with optimal tip size) of better than:

i. 6% at 0.5 uL

ii. 5% at 1 uL

iii. 1% at 10 uL

iv. 1% at 50 uL

v. 1% at 1000 uL

e. Pipetting accuracy (with optimal tip size) of better than:

i. 10% at 1 uL

ii. 6% at 1 uL

iii. 2% at 10 uL

iv. 2% at 50 uL

v. 1% at 1000 uL

f. Variable spacing and height (i.e. independent ‘Y’ and ‘Z’) for each channel

g. Pressure-based liquid level detection for each channel to detect the level of liquid in SBS plates, tubes, or other labware used with the system

h. Capacitance-based liquid level detection for each channel to detect the level of liquid in SBS plates, tubes, or other labware used with the system

i. Transfer volatile solvents (e.g. ethanol; methanol) without dripping

j. Zero force insertion on tip loading/ejection or other means to assure no aerosol dispersion

k. Pipetting channels positional accuracy of 0.1 mm or better in all 3 directions (X, Y, and Z)

2. Shall include capabilities for automated movement of SBS-format microplates between the different liquid handler deck positions and a plate reader

a. The system shall be capable of moving SBS plates and pipette tip racks/boxes between positions on the liquid handler deck

b. The system shall be capable of automatically transferring SBS plates between the liquid handler deck and a plate reader

3. Shall include a barcode scanner capable of automatically reading labware IDs as they are loaded into the system

4. Shall include at least two on-deck SPS plate position with temperature control

a. The system shall include at least two on-deck SBS plate positions with cooling capability to 4°C or colder

b. The system shall include at least two on-deck SBS plate positions with heating capability to 50°C or warmer

5. Shall include carriers/holders for reagent tubes appropriate for the microbial culture

a. Shall include carriers/holders for 14 mL round bottom tubes (e.g., Corning # 352006)

b. Shall include carriers/holders for 15 mL centrifuge tubes (e.g., Corning # 352096)

c. Shall include carriers/holders for 5 mL round bottom tubes (e.g., Corning # 352002)

· LINE ITEM 0002 – BASE LINE ITEM: Quantity One (1) Software for Control of Instrument The Contractor shall deliver software for the control liquid handler. The control software must meet all the following specifications.

1. The software must allow control of a microplate reader, BioTek Synergy Neo2 to execute prewritten methods;

2. The software must allow for flexible programming of new automation methods;

3. The software shall be compatible with either Microsoft Windows 7 or Windows 10 operating systems;

4. The software must be compatible with existing automation methods written in the VENUS software language.

a. Software must be able to import existing methods;

b. Software must be able to export compatible methods with existing instrumentation.

IV. DELIVERY AND INSTALLATION

The Contractor shall deliver the instrument to the NIST campus in Gaithersburg, MD, and install the instrument in Building 227, at NIST Gaithersburg, MD. Installation will occur during normal business hours defined as Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. except for federal holidays. Installation will be scheduled in coordination with the TPOC. Installation shall include integration of a NIST-owned BioTek Synergy Neo 2 plate reader

a. The installed system shall be able to transfer SBS plates to and from the plate reader using the liquid handler;

b. The installed system shall be able to control the plate reader using the software listed in Line Item 0002.

TRAINING

· The Contractor shall provide training for up to two NIST personnel in the use of the instrument, including plate reader control. Training shall include importing and executing methods from existing automation workflows (existing methods are written in Venus Software).

· System Training shall take place at NIST, Gaithersburg, MD. The training may be completed immediately after completion of installation.

V. OPTION ITEM: Solid Phase Extraction The Contractor shall provide additional hardware to enable solid phase extraction capability utilizing positive pressure to move liquid across 96-well filter plates and catch the eluent from each well. The hardware shall be installed and integrated with the automation system and software so that plates can be transferred to and from the Solid Phases Extraction station and solid phase extraction can be incorporated into automated methods.

VI. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE:

Installation of the instrument and system training shall be accomplished at NIST, Gaithersburg, Maryland. Normal duty hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. except for Federal holidays.

The Software Programming Training shall take place at NIST in Gaithersburg, MD

VII. DELIVERY:

Line Items 0001 and 0002 – shall be delivered within 90 calendar days after award.

Option Line Item – Shall be delivered within 90 days of award or within 60 days after exercise of option

VIII. WARRANTY:

The Contractor shall include, at minimum, a one (1) year warranty on all parts, labor, and software upgrades to the liquid handler instrument, which shall commence upon acceptance of the instrument.

IX. DELIVERABLES

COMPLIANCE WITH NIST RULES AND REGULATIONS

While on the NIST campus, the Contractor’s representative(s) shall abide by all NIST rules and regulations. The Contractor shall provide all information necessary for the TPOC to authorize entrance to the NIST campus in accordance with NIST Security Policy and Procedures