PCA-NCI-09567_SOW-Microtome_1.docx

STATEMENT OF WORK

I. SCOPE: Statement of Objectives

1. Background – What Branch or Lab is involved? What research do you conduct? What is your research goal?

This work is to be performed for the Bladder Cancer Section/GMB/CCR in support of studies investigating mechanisms of resistance to ADCs in bladder tumors.

A. Purpose - What is the purpose of this project? How will it advance your lab’s research?

The purpose of this project is to acquire one laboratory microtome for preparation of thin, reproducible tissue sections from paraffin-embedded specimens used in the Bladder Cancer Section's research. The microtome will support histologic evaluation, immunohistochemistry, and other tissue-based analyses needed to study mechanisms of resistance to antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) in bladder tumors. A dedicated microtome is justified to enable timely, consistent in-house sectioning of valuable research specimens, reduce dependence on shared equipment or external sectioning, and improve experimental reproducibility and workflow efficiency.

B. Technical Considerations – What are the technical aspects of the project?

The microtome must provide precise and reproducible section thickness control suitable for routine histology and research applications using paraffin-embedded tissue. The unit should provide stable specimen orientation and controlled sectioning, a secure blade holder with appropriate safety features, and an ergonomic design suitable for repeated laboratory use. Reliable mechanical performance is essential to produce intact, uniform tissue sections for downstream staining, imaging, and quantitative analysis.

II. Requirements:

The Contractor shall …

1. Tasks – List each task.

Supply one laboratory microtome suitable for sectioning paraffin-embedded tissue specimens.

Deliver the equipment to the designated laboratory location.

Install, assemble as applicable, and verify proper operation of the microtome.

Provide all manufacturer documentation, operating instructions, and warranty information.

A. Reports – What documentation will you get? How will it be verified?

The contractor shall provide manufacturer specifications, operating instructions/manuals, warranty documentation, and any installation or setup records. Verification will be performed by laboratory staff upon receipt, setup, and operational testing of the microtome.

B. Deliverables – Be specific as to end product or result you expect to get.

One fully functional laboratory microtome suitable for reproducible sectioning of paraffin-embedded tissue, delivered and operational in the laboratory, including all supporting documentation and warranty information.

C. Schedule – Set milestones as well as a final due date.

Delivery and installation or setup, as applicable, should occur within the vendor's standard delivery timeframe after receipt of order, with final acceptance upon successful operational verification.

D. Period of Performance – How long will the project realistically take?

Approximately 30-45 days from order placement through delivery, setup, and acceptance, subject to the vendor's standard delivery timeframe.

E. Government Property – What Government property will be used, if any?

Existing laboratory bench space and supporting infrastructure required for setup and operation of the microtome. No other Government property is anticipated to be furnished to the contractor.

F. Level of Effort – If this is R&D, how can you quantify the effort the contractor should invest? What result do you expect?

The contractor's effort is limited to procurement, delivery, setup or installation as applicable, and provision of equipment documentation. The expected result is the successful deployment of one reliable microtome capable of supporting the Bladder Cancer Section's tissue-sectioning requirements.

III. Quality Assurance:

1. Contractor Quality Requirements

1. Tests The contractor shall provide a new microtome that meets the manufacturer's published specifications and is free from defects upon delivery. Any manufacturer-recommended operational or performance checks shall be completed before final acceptance, as applicable.

2. Supervision – This should be limited to avoid employee/employer relationships.

Contractor supervision shall be limited to activities necessary for delivery, setup or installation, and manufacturer-supported operational verification. No employee/employer relationship is anticipated.

3. Review Requirements Laboratory staff will review the delivered equipment and documentation and will verify basic operation and sectioning performance before acceptance.

B. Government Quality Assurance

1. Inspection Criteria – How should the products or services be delivered?

The microtome shall be delivered to the designated laboratory location in new, undamaged condition, with all ordered components, accessories, manuals, and warranty documentation.

2. Acceptance will be based on confirmation that the delivered microtome matches the ordered configuration, is free from shipping damage or defects, powers and operates as intended, and can produce reproducible tissue sections at selected thickness settings during laboratory verification.

Price reasonableness will be evaluated using the vendor's published pricing and/or available quotations in accordance with applicable procurement procedures.

IV. References (if any) None