B1 Biological Safety Cabinet (BSC) Replacements SS Final (003).pdf

Sources Sought (SS)

Title: B1 Biological Safety Cabinet (BSC) Replacements

ID: SS-NIAID-24-2227248

Post Date: August 16, 2024 Response Date: August 23, 2024 Classification Code: 6640 – Laboratory Equipment and Supplies NAICS: 334516 Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing

Introduction This is a Sources Sought notice. This is NOT a solicitation for proposals, proposal abstracts, or quotations. The purpose of this notice is to obtain information regarding the availability and capability of all qualified sources to perform a potential requirement.

Project Summary The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), Division of Intramural Research (DIR) is seeking aid in the procurement of replacement B1 Biological Safety Cabinets (BSCs) to support NIAID, DIR research programs in accordance with regulations and requirements established by NIH Department of Occupational Health and Safety (DOHS), NIH Division of Technical Resources (DTR), Center for Disease Control (CDC), and CDC/NIH Biosafety in Microbiological Biomedical Laboratories (BMBL). As part of equipment lifecycle replacement, NIAID, DIR is seeking to acquire thirty-five (35) NSF/ANSI 49 certified Class II, Type B1 Biological Safety Cabinets (BSCs) capable of providing primary barrier containment with associated supplies, services and delivery to NIAID, DIR laboratories in Bethesda and Rockville, Maryland, Hamilton, Montana, and in NIAID contract/leased spaces in the Washington, DC, metropolitan area. The BSCs are a critical component and act as a primary containment barrier for researchers working with infectious microorganisms, viruses, and prions.

The thirty-five (35) Biological Safety Cabinet (BSC) units with associated supplies and services must meet all required minimum characteristics listed below:

4.1 6ft Standard Base model

• BSC net weight shall not exceed 740 lbs

• Exterior dimensions must be: 74 ½” w x 33 ¼” d x 61 3/8” h

• Interior dimensions must be: 70 3/8” w x 22 7/8” d x 26 ¼” h

• Cabinet shall provide biological containment protection for both operator and product proven by an actual test, (e.g. test conducted by NSF) and routinely validated

• Cabinet shall be 30% recirculation through HEPA filtered work zone and 70% exhaust through cabinet's internal exhaust HEPA filter and exhaust duct work to a remotely located roof exhaust blower

• Cabinet shall be easily fumigated employing an established procedure such as that recommended by NSF

• Direct connection exhaust, 12” diameter duct connection, 410 CFM

• Exhaust placement requirements must include flexibility to move the exhaust cabinet connection to a new fixed point on the cabinet while maintaining NSF certification within the stated nominal base and following flexible ranges:

o Base placement: Exhaust nominal base placement on top right; 12” from back, 22 1/8” from right side o Horizontal (left to right) flexibility: Horizontally from center of exhaust nominal base placement value by -10” or +10” o Vertical flexibility (back to front): Vertically from center of exhaust nominal base placement value by -1 ½ or +5”

• Shall provide a manual 12” airtight stainless steel butterfly damper and stainless steel hardware to create a sealed permanently fixed connection between the cabinet exhaust connection, the butterfly damper, and the local building exhaust duct.

• Cabinet interior shall be composed of 16 GA, Type 304 stainless steel with all welded monolithic leak-free construction

• Shall have one-piece removable dished stainless steel work surface, 16 GA stainless steel reinforced with stainless steel U channels to minimize vibration.

• Shall have an 8” work access opening

• Shall have a supply HEPA filter protected by perforated metal diffuser covering the entire top of work zone

• Air velocity from the supply filter shall average 65 to 75 fpm with no single point outside the

20% of average range measured in a horizontal plane defined by 4 inches above the bottom edge of window

• Average inflow velocity shall nominally be 105 fpm

• Digital pressure sensors and controls to notify users of any adverse functionality of the unit

• Electrical power shall be supplied with 12 foot 3-wire cord with molded plug. Electrical supply shall be 115V, 60Hz protected with thermal circuit breaker from distribution panel

• Cabinet shall come standard with one duplex outlet with drip proof covers on left inside wall with option of additional duplex outlet on right inside wall. One gas valve / one service coupling on right side wall.

• The cabinet shall be ergonomically designed for maximum user comfort and adjustability to meet the requirements of the American Disabilities Act (ADA.)

o Standard non-metallic armrest/airfoil incorporating large 1-1/2 inch (38mm) forearm support area with 1/2 inch (12mm) recessed front grill designed for armrest comfort while maintaining containment performance.

o Maximum visibility into cabinet workzone shall be at least 20-1/2 inches (521mm) from front access airfoil to exterior light housing.

o Cabinet shall have a centrally located instrument panel within the control center that is easily serviced with quick disconnects.

o Cabinet shall have the capability of incorporating a user-adjustable basestand or base storage cabinet as an option.

o The cabinet shall have a smooth operating sliding window from 1 inches (25 mm) closed to full opening at 18-1/2 inches (470mm).

o Cabinet shall have a large worktray (17.875 inch (454mm) depth) removable with coved corners for easy cleaning

• The cabinet shall have all positive pressure plenums surrounded by a vacuum relative to the room

• Cabinet shall contain a control system which is a self-contained electronic module that will perform the following functions:

o Easy use interface with color LCD o Control blower DC ECM motor via solid-state DC Motor Controller that provides automatic compensation (constant volume control) for both filter loading and line voltage variances o Fast, accurate, reliable dual thermistor, airflow sensors and digital differential velocity pressure flow grid powered by TSI to control and monitor cabinet airflows to setpoints o Control lights via solid state switch o Control outlets via solid state switch o Display date/time w/battery backup o Display blower and optional UV light run timers o Display alarm setpoints high/low for error conditions (downflow / inflow) o Display complete calibration, option menu and diagnostic functions

• The cabinet shall contain an exhaust interlock system that prevents operation of the internal supply blower unless the exhaust flow is sufficient to provide the correct air barrier inflow velocity at start up

• Motor/blower shall be positioned so as to create an even filter loading, thereby prolonging the life of the supply HEPA filter, and shall deliver over 250% of the initial HEPA filter static pressure with no more than a 10% decrease of CFM

• Cabinet shall be capable of front filter removal without disassembly of the control panel and sliding window tracks/hardware

• Fluorescent lighting shall be externally mounted and provide 90 to 120 foot-candles (968 to 1291 LUX) on work surface. The ballast is to be electronic containing thermal protection with automatic reset

• The cabinet shall be easily transportable through a standard 36 inch (914mm) wide door without disassembly

• Sound level shall be no more than 63 dbA measured 15 inches (381mm) above the work tray and 12 inches (305mm) in front of viewing window

• Heat rejection shall not exceed 774 BTU/hr

The following additional services are required:

• Shall deliver and set-up all components of new unit to specified campus location

• Shall provide service to transport, assemble and level new unit in laboratory location

• Shall provide a base year plus four years for the delivery of the new units

• Shall provide necessary documentation including warranty information

4.2 4ft Standard Base model

• BSC net weight shall not exceed 550 lbs

• Exterior dimensions must be: 50 ½” w x 33 ¼” d x 61 3/8” h

• Interior dimensions must be: 46 3/8” w x 22 7/8” d x 26 ¼” h

• Cabinet shall provide biological containment protection for both operator and product proven by an actual test, (e.g. test conducted by NSF) and routinely validated

• Cabinet shall be 30% recirculation through HEPA filtered work zone and 70% exhaust through cabinet's internal exhaust HEPA filter and exhaust duct work to a remotely located roof exhaust blower

• Cabinet shall be easily fumigated employing an established procedure such as that recommended by NSF

• Direct connection exhaust, 12” diameter duct connection, 270 CFM

• Exhaust placement requirements must include flexibility to move the exhaust cabinet connection to a new fixed point on the cabinet while maintaining NSF certification within the stated nominal base and following flexible ranges:

o Base placement: Exhaust nominal base placement on top right; 12” from back, 16 1/8” from right side o Horizontal flexibility (left to right) : Horizontally from center of exhaust nominal base placement value by -3” or +3” o Vertical flexibility (back to front): Vertically from center of exhaust nominal base placement value by -1 ½’ or +5”

• Shall provide a manual 12” airtight stainless steel butterfly damper and stainless steel hardware to create a sealed permanently fixed connection between the cabinet exhaust connection, the butterfly damper, and the local building exhaust duct.

• Cabinet interior shall be constructed of 16 GA, Type 304 stainless steel with all welded monolithic leak-free construction

• Shall have one-piece removable dished stainless steel work surface, 16 GA stainless steel reinforced with stainless steel U channels to minimize vibration.

• Shall have an 8” work access opening

• Shall have a supply HEPA filter protected by perforated metal diffuser covering the entire top of work zone

• Air velocity from the supply filter shall average 65 to 75 fpm with no single point outside the

20% of average range measured in a horizontal plane defined by 4 inches above the bottom edge of window

• Average inflow velocity shall nominally be 105 fpm

• Digital pressure sensors and controls to notify users of any adverse functionality of the unit

• Electrical power shall be supplied with 12 foot 3-wire cord with molded plug. Electrical supply shall be 115V, 60Hz protected with thermal circuit breaker from distribution panel

• Cabinet shall come standard with one duplex outlet with drip proof covers on left inside wall with option of additional duplex outlet on right inside wall. One gas valve / one service coupling on right side wall.

• The cabinet shall be ergonomically designed for maximum user comfort and adjustability to meet the requirements of the American Disabilities Act (ADA.)

o Standard non-metallic armrest/airfoil incorporating large 1-1/2 inch (38mm) forearm support area with 1/2 inch (12mm) recessed front grill designed for armrest comfort while maintaining containment performance.

o Maximum visibility into cabinet workzone shall be at least 20-1/2 inches (521mm) from front access airfoil to exterior light housing.

o Cabinet shall have a centrally located instrument panel within the control center that is easily serviced with quick disconnects.

o Cabinet shall have the capability of incorporating a user-adjustable basestand or base storage cabinet as an option.

o The cabinet shall have a smooth operating sliding window from 1 inches (25 mm) closed to full opening at 18-1/2 inches (470mm).

o Cabinet shall have a large worktray (17.875 inch (454mm) depth) removable with coved corners for easy cleaning

• The cabinet shall have all positive pressure plenums surrounded by a vacuum relative to the room

• Cabinet shall contain a control system which is a self-contained electronic module that will perform the following functions:

o Easy use interface with color LCD o Control blower DC ECM motor via solid-state DC Motor Controller that provides automatic compensation (constant volume control) for both filter loading and line voltage variances o Fast, accurate, reliable dual thermistor, airflow sensors and digital differential velocity pressure flow grid powered by TSI to control and monitor cabinet airflows to setpoints o Control lights via solid state switch o Control outlets via solid state switch o Display date/time w/battery backup o Display blower and optional UV light run timers o Display alarm setpoints high/low for error conditions (downflow / inflow) o Display complete calibration, option menu and diagnostic functions

• The cabinet shall contain an exhaust interlock system that prevents operation of the internal supply blower unless the exhaust flow is sufficient to provide the correct air barrier inflow velocity at start up

• Motor/blower shall be positioned so as to create an even filter loading, thereby prolonging the life of the supply HEPA filter, and shall deliver over 250% of the initial HEPA filter static pressure with no more than a 10% decrease of CFM

• Cabinet shall be capable of front filter removal without disassembly of the control panel and sliding window tracks/hardware

• Fluorescent lighting shall be externally mounted and provide 90 to 120 foot-candles (968 to 1291 LUX) on work surface. The ballast is to be electronic containing thermal protection with automatic reset

• The cabinet shall be easily transportable through a standard 36 inch (914mm) wide door without disassembly

• Sound level shall be no more than 63 dbA measured 15 inches (381mm) above the work tray and 12 inches (305mm) in front of viewing window

• Heat rejection shall not exceed 543 BTU/hr

The following additional services are required:

• Shall deliver and set-up all components of new unit to specified campus location

• Shall provide service to transport, assemble and level new unit in laboratory location

• Shall provide a base year plus four years for the delivery of the new units

• Shall provide necessary documentation including warranty information

The BSC equipment for the base period must be delivered and assembled within 8-10 weeks of receipt of the awarded Purchase Order. For subsequent option years, onsite storage at the vendor’s site is paramount as shipment delivery will be on demand and must be completed within 8-10 weeks of the request.

To ensure that NIAID has sufficient resources to support new research capabilities expected to become active in FY25, the purchase order must be awarded by September 30, 2024.

Consideration will be given to the urgency of need, industry practices, market conditions, transportation time, production time, capabilities of small business concerns, administrative time for obtaining and evaluating quotes, and for awarding an order.

Anticipated Period of Performance The anticipated period of performance will be for one (1) twelve (12) month base year with four

(4) option years. The option years may be exercised at the discretion of the Government. It is anticipated that an award will be made on or about September 25, 2024.

Please refer to attachment titled “Base + Options Chart” for additional Quantity Option details.

Capability Statement/Information Sought If your organization has the potential capacity to provide the BSC equipment and required specifications which meet the minimum requirements and performance capabilities listed above, please provide the following information:

1. Organization name, address, point of contact, email address, website address, telephone number, UEI number

2. Company location(s) and number of years company has been in business

3. Type of business (e.g., 8(a), HUBZone, Other than Small, etc.) pursuant to the applicable NAICS code

4. Type of ownership for the organization

5. Identification of any Best-In-Class contract vehicles including Government Wide

Acquisition Contracts (GWAC) (e.g., GSA schedule) they may possess or are aware of that would support this possible requirement. If your organization does not provide the products/services under a GWAC, please identify availability as OPEN MARKET

ONLY.

6. Tailored capability statement addressing the capability of Biological Safety Cabinet (BSC) models to meet NIAID’s minimum requirements. Capability document must be no more than six pages and should include the following:

a. A brief description of the company’s experience in providing B1 Biological Safety Cabinets.

b. Any relevant certifications or accreditations.

c. Past performance information for similar contracts, including contract numbers, points of contact, and contact information.

d. Any additional information that demonstrates the company’s capability to meet the Government’s requirements.

7. Country of Origin - place of manufacture for the BSC models and components.

8. Evidence that the organization is an authorized reseller or manufacturer of the equipment. Authorized resellers must identify the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) of the equipment proposed in their capability statement. Only Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) products are acceptable.

9. Please describe any customary commercial contract terms or conditions that you feel would make any resulting contract more effective if applicable.

10. Published price lists for your products. If commercially available list pricing is not available, provide a Rough Order of Magnitude.

Submission Instructions Interested businesses who consider themselves qualified to provide the above listed 35 Biological Safety Cabinets with the required specifications are invited to submit a response to this Sources Sought Notice by August 26, 2024, at 3:00 PM ET. All responses under this Sources Sought Notice must be emailed to caitlyn.o’connor@nih.gov.

Disclaimer and Important Notes This notice does not obligate the Government to award a contract or otherwise pay for the information provided in response. The Government reserves the right to use information provided by respondents for any purpose deemed necessary and legally appropriate. Any organization responding to this notice should ensure that its response is complete and sufficiently detailed to allow the Government to determine the organization’s qualifications to perform the work. Respondents are advised that the Government is under no obligation to acknowledge receipt of the information received or provide feedback to respondents with respect to any information submitted. After a review of the responses received, a pre-solicitation synopsis and solicitation may be published in SAM.gov. However, responses to this notice will not be considered adequate responses to a solicitation.

Confidentiality No proprietary, classified, confidential, or sensitive information should be included in your response. The Government reserves the right to use any non-proprietary technical information in any resultant solicitation(s).

mailto:caitlyn.o%E2%80%99connor@nih.gov