ESBD_522410_1780511599195_CLD202605260340_Compact High-Throughput Automated Liquid Handling Systems.pdf

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TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

Request for Information CLD202605260340

COMPACT HIGH-THROUGHPUT AUTOMATED LIQUID HANDLING SYSTEMS

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1. INTRODUCTION/OBJECTIVE/PURPOSE

The purpose of this RFI is to identify space-efficient automated liquid handling solutions that could be used for the Texas Department of Public Safety (TXDPS) Crime Lab Division’s (CLD) CODIS laboratory. The objective of this RFI is to explore market alternatives that offer comparable throughput, accuracy, and processing capabilities to the existing instrumentation, but with a substantially reduced physical footprint to optimize laboratory workflow and maximize countertop space.

1.1 Agency Liability and Confidential Information

This RFI is only a request for information and no contractual obligation on behalf of the TXDPS whatsoever shall arise from the RFI process. It does not constitute a Request for Proposal (RFP), Request for Offer (RFO), Invitation for Bid (IFB), or other solicitation, nor does it constitute the commitment to issue any solicitation in the future. Therefore, those choosing to respond to this RFI will, merely by virtue of submitting such a response, NOT be deemed to be “bidders” in any sense, and no such respondent will have any preference, special designation, advantage or disadvantage whatsoever in any subsequent procurement process related to this RFI.

This RFI does not commit the TXDPS to pay costs incurred in the preparation or submission of any response to the RFI. It is the responsibility of the potential respondent to monitor the Electronic State Business Daily (ESBD) for additional information pertaining to this RFI.

Pursuant to §552.301(c) of the Public Information Act (PIA), the Director has designated the following portal for public information requests: Public Information Center | Texas Department of Public Safety (govqa.us) or by emailing publicrecords@dps.texas.gov . Respondents are advised that materials contained in their response are subject to the aforementioned section of the PIA. Note: A request must be sent directly to that address or through the Department’s Public Information Request Page on our public website, found at Public Information Requests | Department of Public Safety (texas.gov). A request emailed to any other Department email address does not trigger the requirements of the PIA.

If Respondent asserts that any material in the response is confidential or proprietary information, Respondent must clearly mark the applicable pages of respondent’s submission in boldface type to indicate each claim of confidentiality and include the words “confidential” at the top of the page.

Additionally, Respondent must include statement on company letterhead identifying all Response section(s) and specific pages(s) that have been marked as confidential and explain why the information is marked as confidential and excepted from public disclosure under the provisions of the Texas Public Information Act (the Act). Merely making a blanket claim that the entire Response is protected from disclosure because it contains some proprietary information is not acceptable and will make the entire Response subject to release under the Act.

1.2 BACKGROUND INFORMATION/HISTORY

The CODIS laboratory currently utilizes large-scale automated liquid handling workstations to manage sample preparation and processing plate configuration. While these existing platforms deliver the required analytical throughput and capabilities, their substantial physical dimensions consume a disproportionate amount of critical laboratory bench space.

To optimize spatial efficiency without compromising operational capacity, the laboratory is seeking to identify and implement a compact, next-generation liquid handling solution. This new system must maintain identical processing capabilities and throughput while operating within a significantly reduced physical footprint.

https://txdps.govqa.us/WEBAPP/_rs/(S(azq2qqquvzbenphwksx2ufsd))/supporthome.aspx https://txdps.govqa.us/WEBAPP/_rs/(S(azq2qqquvzbenphwksx2ufsd))/supporthome.aspx mailto:publicrecords@dps.texas.gov https://www.dps.texas.gov/section/general-counsel/public-information-requests

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2. SCHEDULE OF EVENTS AND TIMELINES

RFI issue date: 06/03/2026 Deadline for questions/clarifications to the RFI (Close of Business)

06/25/2026

Deadline for responses to questions/clarifications (Close of Business)

07/07/2026

Deadline for submission of RFI: 07/21/2026

To maintain the integrity of the RFI process, all communications with respondents pertaining to this RFI must be referred to and/or coordinated with the TXDPS point of contact referenced below.

Instructions to Recipients

1. You are requested to complete the enclosed questionnaire and return by 07/24/2026, by 5:00

P.M.

2. All respondents responding to this RFI may be required to make a demonstration/presentation of products/services following the deadline for submission upon request by TXDPS. TXDPS shall not be responsible for expenses incurred by a respondent in the preparation and submission of Information. This provision also includes any costs involved in providing an oral presentation/demonstration of product/services.

3. Please list the question (included in the enclosed questionnaire) before each response.

4. All questions/clarifications must be submitted via the Online Bid room Portal on or before

06/30/2026.

Responses for this RFI are to be submitted electronically using the TXDPS Online Bid Room.

Submitting a response in the TXDPS Online Bid Room is a two-step process Step 1: Register as a vendor for the Online Bid Room at TXDPS Vendor Management *NOTE: It can take up to two business days to receive a username and password

Step 2: Log in to your account. Select the Opportunities tab, enter the RFI number in "Search Opportunities," and click "Search." Select the "Mark As Interested" button, and under the Proposals tab, upload and tag the documents for your submission of the RFI to the Online Bid Room.

TXDPS Point of Contact for RFI:

Relationship Manager: Lori Melcher, CTCD, CTCM Email: Lori.Melcher@dps.texas.gov

3. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

The automated liquid handling solutions should meet or exceed the following operational and technical specifications:

• Physical Footprint: The complete system must feature a compact design optimized for countertop utilization, with maximum physical dimensions strictly less than 52”L x 31”W x 39”H.

• Pipetting Volume Range: The system must be capable of high-precision pipetting, specifically supporting accurate liquid transfers down to 20 ul or less.

• Deck Configuration: The instrument deck layout should be optimized for simple, low-complexity workflows, requiring only a minimal number of deck spaces to accommodate sample processing.

https://texasdps.appianportalsgov.com/vendor-management mailto:Lori.Melcher@dps.texas.gov

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• Format Flexibility & Transfer: Thy system must support the fluid transfer from single 2 mL source tubes directly into standard 96-well PCR target plates.

• Multichannel Capability: The pipetting architecture must offer the capability or potential configuration to pipette up to 8 rows simultaneously to facilitate rapid plate setup.

• Throughput & Efficiency: The system must be engineered for high-throughput sample processing, functioning quickly and efficiently to maintain optimal laboratory workflows.

3.1 RFI QUESTIONS

TXDPS is requesting responses to the following questions. Additional explanation and/or capabilities can also be provided:

1. What are the dimensions of the instrument?

2. Does the deck layout allow for tubes, plates and troughs, if needed?

3. Are the required pipette tips disposable only or can fixed/reusable tips be used?

4. Are branded pipette tips required by the instrumentation?

5. What is the volume range of the pipettor(s)?

6. Does the instrument have the capability to pipette 8 rows at a time when reagent is in a 2mL tube?

7. Will the deck/layout be customizable for laboratory workflow, to include Z-axis/Y-axis/X-axis modifications?

8. Does the instrument allow multiplate set-up?

9. What kind of maintenance does the instrument require? Monthly? Annually?

10. What is the typical processing time for a 96-well PCR plate set-up?

11. What is the user interface or software for running the instrument?

12. Is the software compatible with Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) environments, specifically STaCs?

13. Do you have a GSA contract for the equipment?

4. TIMETABLE

The respondent’s response shall include a timetable that will include product configuration deployment, testing, and acceptance.

5. LIMITATIONS

Changes may occur between the publishing of this RFI and any subsequent RFIs. There also may be differences between this RFI and other relevant documents.

Respondent’s staff must be able to pass requisite background checks in order to gain access to: DPS Data for either server or cloud-based installation and maintenance.

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6. INDUSTRY DISCUSSIONS

TXDPS representatives may or may not choose to meet with potential respondents. Such discussions would only be intended to get further clarification of potential capability to meet the requirements, especially any development and certification risks. Oral presentations and product demonstrations may be requested from the Respondents.

7. SUMMARY

THIS IS AN REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI) ONLY to identify sources that can provide space-efficient automated liquid handling solutions for the TXDPS Crime Lab Division’s (CLD) CODIS laboratory.

The information provided in this RFI is subject to change and is not binding by the TXDPS. The TXDPS has not made a commitment to procure any of the items discussed, and release of this RFI should not be construed as such a commitment or as authorization to incur cost for which reimbursement would be required or sought. All submissions become TXDPS property and will not be returned.

8. RESPONDENT INFORMATION

Respondents must provide the following:

Company Name:

Street Address:

City/State/Zip:

RFI Point of Contact:

Title:

Phone:

Email:

Company Web Page Address:

NOTE: The respondent acknowledges that they have read all instructions carefully. Complete all requirements as outlined in this RFI, sign and submit in accordance with Section 2 Schedule of Events and Timelines.

RESPONDENT SIGNATURE(S)

Signature of Authorized Representative Name - Printed Date