SON 26-005149.docx

STATEMENT OF NEED (SON)

1.0 TITLE

Acquisition of an Agilent-BioTek Multimode Plate Reader

2.0 BACKGROUND

The Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Obesity Branch of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases requires the acquisition of one microplate reader to replace an existing unit. The Branch conducts research on the biology of human fat cells, focusing on mechanisms that regulate blood sugar and contribute to metabolic diseases such as obesity and diabetes. This work includes evaluating cellular responses to pharmacologic agents and signaling molecules that influence metabolism and cell function.

Microplate-based measurement is a core method used to analyze biological samples in multi-well plates through detection of light absorption, emission, or fluorescence. These measurements support enzyme activity assays, protein quantification, detection of molecular interactions, immunoassays, and nucleic acid analysis. A microplate reader capable of supporting multiple detection modes, high sensitivity, and rapid read speeds is required to perform these studies efficiently and accurately.

The current microplate reader is outdated, produces inconsistent results, and is no longer supported under a service agreement, creating risk of failure and disruption to ongoing research. Replacement is necessary to restore data reliability, maintain continuity of laboratory workflows, and support experimental requirements that exceed the performance of the existing system.

The requested microplate reader will serve as a critical instrument supporting ongoing and future research within the Branch and collaborating laboratories.

3.0 TYPE OF ORDER

This is a Firm Fixed-Price Purchase Order.

4.0 SPECIAL ORDER REQUIREMENTS

4.1 PRODUCT FEATURES/SALIENT CHARACTERISTICS

The following product features and characteristics are required:

Detection Modes

· The instrument shall be capable of performing fluorescence intensity, fluorescence polarization, time-resolved fluorescence, luminescence, and ultraviolet-visible absorbance measurements.

· The instrument shall include both monochromator-based and filter-based optical systems within the same unit to support a broad range of assay types.

Optical System

· The instrument shall include independent monochromator-based and filter-based fluorescence optical systems operating within the same unit.

· The monochromator bandwidth shall be continuously variable.

· The instrument shall support both top and bottom optical reading positions for fluorescence detection.

Luminescence Sensitivity

· The instrument shall achieve a luminescence sensitivity of 5 attomoles of adenosine triphosphate or better in a 384-well low-volume plate format.

Read Speed

· The instrument shall achieve a read speed of no more than six seconds for a full 96-well plate and no more than eleven seconds for a full 384-well plate, including dual-measurement fluorescence polarization assays.

Temperature Control

· The instrument shall include a multi-zone incubation temperature control system capable of reaching at least 70 degrees Celsius.

· The temperature accuracy shall be within plus or minus 0.2 degrees Celsius at 37 degrees Celsius.

· The system shall include condensation control for use with plate lids during live-cell experiments.

Software Compatibility

· The instrument shall be compatible with the Gen5 data analysis software platform to ensure continuity of existing protocols, assay designs, and data analysis workflows.

Liquid Injection System Compatibility

· The instrument shall be compatible with the existing automated liquid injection system in all detection modes.

Low-Volume Microplate Accessory Compatibility

· The instrument shall be compatible with a 2 microliter low-volume microplate accessory with 16-sample microspots for nucleic acid quantification and fluorescence and luminescence measurements.

Microplate Format Compatibility

· The instrument shall accommodate standard laboratory microplate formats, including 96-well, 384-well, and 1,536-well plates.

· The instrument shall include automatic focus adjustment to accommodate varying microplate heights and fluid levels.

Absorbance Path Length Correction

· The instrument shall include well-by-well absorbance path length correction to compensate for variability across the microplate.

Shaking

· The instrument shall support linear, orbital, and double orbital shaking modes.

Warranty and Support

· The instrument shall include a standard manufacturer warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship.

· The manufacturer shall provide availability of ongoing service support and replacement parts following expiration of the warranty period.

· The instrument shall comply with standard laboratory electrical and safety requirements applicable to benchtop laboratory equipment.

4.2 DELIVERY / INSTALLATION

Delivery shall take place at 10 Center Drive, Building 10, CRC/5W-5888, Bethesda, MD 20892

POC: Jurgen Heymann Email: heymannj@nih.gov Phone: 240-505-5940

Delivery shall take place within 30 days after receipt of order.

4.3 TRAINING

Training is required as part of the system implementation and shall be provided following installation of the instrument to ensure proper operation and user proficiency.

5.0 PAYMENT

Payment shall be made in one lump sum 30 days after receipt of order.