Answers_to_Questions.pdf

Questions regarding HHS-NIH-NIDA-SSSA-CSS-15-687—Fully Automated Enclosed Robotic Platform

1. There are several references to timing in the requirements:

o “…the ability to retrieve and store plates in 12 seconds…” o “…the ability to quickly inventory all plate types within 60 seconds…” o “…must have quick delidding and lidding capabilities…” o “…the ability to easily reconfigure the system in less than 60 seconds.”

Can these requirements be qualified against a specific process (or set of processes) and throughput? In other words is there an application/assay that we can review for further clarification?

There is no specific application/assay; there will be a variety of functions run on this system. An example of one is a hit-picking application where multiple destination plates will be processed from potentially hundreds of source plates. The speeds specified are non-negotiable; the retrieval and storage time needs to be within 12 seconds to prevent large chunks of time being taken by plate handling functions.

The inventory process must complete for the entire contents of the storage system within 60 seconds.

A plate with a lid should have the lid removed within 5 seconds.

2. Per the following requirement:

o “Modular system design: the ability to easily reconfigure the system in less than 60 seconds.”

What components of the system must be reconfigured? Does this imply service access (e.g. for the installation of different Echo nest adapters), or does this imply swapping/docking equipment on the platform?

It implies swapping/docking equipment on the platform.

3. Per the following requirement:

o “Fully enclosed to prevent contamination of cells and siRNA samples.”

Are there specific environmental or biosafety requirements/standards that need to be in place?

It must utilize HEPA filters and provide an air safety to a BSL2 level

4. Per the “Description of Requirements” we understand that the selected vendor is to provide the following: an enclosure, platform, robot, ambient storage, software, and final integrations.

o For clarification purposes are there any other devices that the vendor is to provide?

All peripheral devices as listed in the requirement.

5. Does the 90 day delivery requirement include completion and sign-off of the Factory Acceptance Test (FAT)?

o If it does when will the vendor receive the 3rd party devices that are to be integrated?

The 90 day delivery includes sign-off and the FAT. There will be no 3rd party devices supplied by NIH, the vendor will be responsible for all devices.