Amendment__1_(15Q0220)_-_Microplate_Readers.pdf

REQUEST FOR QUOTES: HU0001-15-Q0220

MICROPLATE READERS

AMENDMENT #1

This amendment #1 is provided to extend the deadline for quotes, update the request for quotes and answer questions received from interested vendors. Please acknowledge this amendment #1 in your response.

All other terms and conditions remain the same.

Deadline Extension:

The deadline for quotes is being extended to 10:00PM Eastern Local Time on May 22, 2015.

Request for Quotes:

• A specification was added to Unit 3 – Vendors are able to quote refurbished units. If a refurbished unit is quoted, it must be clearly identified as such.

• The required Buy American provision was updated to DFARS 252.225-7035

Questions:

• Are vendors allowed to quote on each item separately and provide a quote for the units bundled together? Essentially, can we submit a fourth quote that would effectively have lower pricing if all three units are purchased together, but this lower pricing would only be valid if all units are included?

Answer: Since each item will be separately evaluated, we strongly encourage you to include individual pricing, but we welcome the opportunity for reduced pricing. Please clearly identify the different quotes.

• Is there a preferred vendor (manufacturer)?

Answer: We do not require or prefer a particular manufacturer. The specifications provided are characteristics that the users value. Unless an item specifically says “must”, it is a desired specification that is not required. It is not our intent to restrict this requirement and we welcome any opportunity to receive a better value.

Unit One

• What is the maximum allowable height? Is there a reason a unit with a height of 16” is unacceptable?

Answer: Yes, 16” height is acceptable

• Does excitation for absorbance from 230-1000 and fluorescence from 230-850 meet the minimum requirement?

Answers: The excitation for absorbance from 230-1000 will meet the minimum requirement

• Is 220-1000nm acceptable?

Answer: Yes

• Will you need reagent injectors?

Answer: No

• For the spectrum, do you want to capture incremental wavelengths to add up over time to create a spectrum or do you want to instantly capture the full spectrum? There are two different readers which are differentiated based on this answer. The instant scan with our TRUE spectrometer is critical for assays which are sensitive to time or evaporation.

Answer: We want to have the ability to instantly capture the full spectrum

• For the multi-functional readers, is automated Z height adjustment needed in .01mm increments?

This is critical for good sensitivity with adherent cell based assays.

Answer: Yes, we do want it.

• For the fluorescent polarization assays, are your assays time sensitive?

Answer: We do not need fluorescent feature for this particular reader

• For the fluorescent polarization assays, is simultaneous dual emission needed? We have two different models that handle this differently.

Answer: N/A

• What is the wavelength range of the fluorophores you want to be able to scan for excitation and emission?

Answer: N/A

Unit Two

• Is a single or dual PMT model required to increase throughput?

Answer: We are not opposed to a dual PMT however this is not required and a single one would work for us. A photon counting PMT is however required.

• Will you need reagent injectors?

Answer: No, we do not need reagent injectors (we might use them, if present)

• For the spectrum, do you want to capture incremental wavelengths to add up over time to create a spectrum or do you want to instantly capture the full spectrum? There are two different readers which are differentiated based on this answer. The instant scan with our TRUE spectrometer is critical for assays which are sensitive to time or evaporation.

Answer: We are mostly interested in read speed, and sensitivity and thus we opt for a filter-based system. We could be interested in a hybrid system that includes a monochromator only if this hybrid system is not cost prohibitive.

• For the multi-functional readers, is automated Z height adjustment needed in .01mm increments?

This is critical for good sensitivity with adherent cell based assays.

Answer: Z height adjustment in .01mm increments is not required. However, Z height adjustment in at least .1mm increment is required

• For the fluorescent polarization assays, are your assays time sensitive?

Answer: Yes, the assays are time sensitive

• For the fluorescent polarization assays, is simultaneous dual emission needed? We have two different models that handle this differently.

Answer: We could go both ways on this.

• What is the wavelength range of the fluorophores you want to be able to scan for excitation and

Answer: Excitation: 491nm and emission: 518nm

Unit Three

• Is fluorescence polarization a required specification?

Answer: Yes

• Is cuvettes and test tubes a definite requirement?

Answer: Yes

• Will you need reagent injectors?

Answer:

• For the spectrum, do you want to capture incremental wavelengths to add up over time to create a spectrum or do you want to instantly capture the full spectrum? There are two different readers which are differentiated based on this answer. The instant scan with our TRUE spectrometer is critical for assays which are sensitive to time or evaporation.

Answer: Full wavelength scanning capabilities in as small as 1nm increments

• For the multi-functional readers, is automated Z height adjustment needed in .01mm increments?

This is critical for good sensitivity with adherent cell based assays.

Answer: We do not currently have the capability, but I believe the bottom read optics capability can address the sensitivity issue when using cell based fluorescence assays

• For the fluorescent polarization assays, are your assays time sensitive?

Answer: Yes

• For the fluorescent polarization assays, is simultaneous dual emission needed? We have two different models that handle this differently.

Answer: It is required

• What is the wavelength range of the fluorophores you want to be able to scan for excitation and

Answer: Optimal 400nm to 750nm; Best 250nm to 850nm