B01 - RFI.docx

Subject: Analytical Sample Processing Systems

Requiring Activity Name: Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR), Diagnostics and Countermeasures Branch (DCB)

THIS IS NOT A REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP) OR A REQUEST FOR QUOTATIONS (RFQ); IT IS STRICTLY A REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI). NEITHER UNSOLICITED PROPOSALS NOR ANY OTHER KINDS OF OFFERS WILL BE CONSIDERED IN RESPONSE

TO THIS RFI. NO CONTRACT WILL BE AWARDED PURSUANT TO THIS ANNOUNCEMENT.

1.0 DISCLAIMER: This RFI is issued solely for information and planning purposes and does not constitute a solicitation. Neither unsolicited proposals nor any other kind of offers will be considered in response to this RFI. Responses to this notice are not offers and will not be accepted by the Government to form a binding contract. Responders are solely responsible for all expenses associated with responding to this RFI. All information received in response to this RFI that is marked Proprietary will be handled accordingly. Responses to the RFI will not be returned. At this time, questions concerning the composition and requirements for a future RFP will not be entertained.

2.0 SUBJECT: This is a summary of the Minimum Essential Characteristics (MEC) for this requirement.

Analytical Specimen Processing Instrumentation Systems:

A. Modular, not fixed line.

B. Within the total space estimation of 350 sq. /ft., taking into consideration the required "dead space" around the instruments for installation and ventilation.

C. Supported on a cart capable of holding system weight that allows for ease of access to system.

D. Includes the capacity to increase workload without the need for additional instrumentation.

E. Includes an inspection unit, which will identify sample integrity (i.e. volume, hemolysis, lipemia, etc.) and flag samples that do not meet established specimen guidelines for follow-up by personnel.

F. Includes capability to interface directly with DCB’s Laboratory Information System to create aliquot label(s) that have all information that is included on the parent tube label.

G. Includes capability to accommodate DCB primary tube size of 16 x 100mm.

H. Does not include continuous workflow that would require continuous manual loading by personnel.

Pre-Analytical Specimen Processing Instrumentation System:

A. Includes ability to utilize racks specific to HIV Diagnostics and Reference Laboratory (HDRL) screening instrumentation.

B. Includes ability to uncap the parent tube without creating aerosols; the cap shall be a conventional closure (rubber stopper).

C. Includes capability to uncap 1,600 samples within two hours.

Post-Analytical Specimen Processing Instrumentation System:

A. Includes capability to accept specimen racks that are utilized by DCB’s analytical instrumentation, directly with no manual intervention.

B. Includes ability to aliquot residual sample for storage, with a maximum of 5 mL and minimum 500 uL, utilizing a single pipette tip.

C. Includes capability to initially create one aliquot from the primary tube and make subsequent aliquots from that tube in a customizable amount. This shall include the option to create additional aliquots from a 12 x 75 mm aliquot tube.

D. Utilizes labels for aliquots that are acceptable for storage up to -80 Degrees Celsius.

E. Includes a mechanism to affix an externally threaded screw cap to a 5 mL aliquot tube on the same instrument that performs the aliquoting and labeling, with no manual intervention.

F. Include processes that allow DCB to perform the post-analytical processing functions within 9 hours for at least 1,600 specimens between the two instruments.

G. Allow for batch loading.

3.0 RESPONSE INSTRUCTIONS: Respondents should address the Offeror's capabilities to provide the system to meet the requirements detailed in section 2.0 above.

4.0 CAPABAILITY STATEMENT FORMAT: Contractor’s capability statements are limited to 15 pages. The response shall be single spaced. Each paragraph shall be separated by at least one blank line. A standard, 12-point minimum font size applies. Times New Roman font is required. Tables and illustrations may use a reduced font size no less than 8-point and may be landscape. The cover page does not count in the page count.

5.0 ESTIMATED PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: August 2025 – August 2030

6.0 CONTACT INFORMATION: No questions will be addressed. All information regarding Capabilities Statements or any other proprietary information relative to this RFI shall be submitted via email to joshua.r.dean2.civ@health.mil no later than 11:00am EST on Monday, 23 December 2024.