SSN_CVM-2026-133678.docx

SOURCES SOUGHT NOTICE

TITLE: Automated Liquid Handling Robot Notice Number: SSN_CVM-2026-133678 THIS IS A SOURCES SOUGHT ANNOUNCEMENT, A MARKET SURVEY FOR WRITTEN INFORMATION ONLY. THIS IS NOT A SOLICITATION ANNOUNCEMENT FOR PROPOSALS AND NO CONTRACT WILL BE AWARDED FROM THIS ANNOUNCEMENT. NO REIMBURSEMENT WILL BE MADE FOR ANY COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH PROVIDING INFORMATION IN RESPONSE TO THIS ANNOUNCEMENT OR ANY FOLLOW-UP INFORMATION REQUESTS. NO TELEPHONE CALLS WILL BE ACCEPTED REQUESTING A RFQ PACKAGE OR SOLICITATION. THERE IS NO RFQ PACKAGE OR SOLICITATION. TO PROTECT THE PROCUREMENT INTEGRITY OF ANY FUTURE PROCUREMENT, IF ANY, THAT MAY ARISE FROM THIS ANNOUNCEMENT, INFORMATION REGARDING THE TECHNICAL POINT OF CONTACT WILL NOT BE GIVEN AND NO APPOINTMENTS FOR PRESENTATIONS WILL BE MADE.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Office of Acquisitions and Grants Services (OAGS), is issuing this Sources Sought announcement on behalf of the Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM) to:

a) identify vendors capable of providing robotic liquid handling system, and

b) Determine availability of small business sources.

Responses from small businesses and other than small businesses are welcome.

NAICS Code: 334516 – Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing Small Business Size Standard: 1,000 Employees Background The National Antimicrobial Resistance Monitoring System (NARMS) monitors antimicrobial resistance in pathogens affecting humans and animals.

To support expanding genomic research under the One Health paradigm, CVM requires automation to improve efficiency in long-read sequencing library preparation.

This requirement is for the purchase of an Automated Robotic Liquid Handling System that will automate the labor-intensive bead purification and DNA shearing steps involved in long-read sequencing library preparation.

Existing laboratory equipment does not provide the required automation for DNA shearing and bead purification steps necessary for long-read sequencing library preparation. Current manual processing is labor-intensive, time-consuming, and increases the risk of variability and inefficiency. The required Automated Robotic Liquid Handling System will improve workflow consistency, throughput, and operational efficiency while supporting expanding genomic research requirements under the One Health initiative.

Objective The objective is to procure an Automated Robotic Liquid Handling System for Long-Read Sequencing Library Preparation capable of automating DNA shearing and bead purification steps used in long-read sequencing workflows.

References to Pacific Biosciences (PacBio) sequencing instrumentation, including the Government-owned PacBio Sequel lle platform, are provided solely to describe the required interoperability, workflow compatibility, and performance outcomes necessary to support existing laboratory operations. Equal products meeting all stated salient characteristics, inoperability requirements, and performance standards will be considered.

Scope of Requirement This requirement is for the purchase of a Automated Robotic Liquid Handling System that is capable of completing the bead washing steps involved in the library preparation for the sequencing of long reads. This requirement will be acquired using a Firm-Fixed-Price (FFP) contract for the purchase, delivery, installation, training, and warranty of the robotic liquid handling system.

The following salient characteristics represent the minimum functional, performance, and compatibility requirements necessary to meet FDA operational needs. Vendors may propose equal products provided all salient characteristics are met.

SALIENT CHARACTERISTICS (KEY REQUIREMENTS)

The system shall:

· Automate DNA shearing (~10,000 bp) and bead cleanup for up to 96 samples

· Be compatible with PacBio Sequel IIe sequencing workflows

· Support user-defined workflows (minimum two additional workflows)

· Provide pipetting range of 1–1000 µL with ≤5% error

· Support:

· 96-well plates

· 384-well plates

· Reagent reservoirs

· Magnetic separation systems

· Transfer liquids between plates and tube racks

· Include safety stop mechanisms (e.g., door open/error stop)

· Operate on standard 110V power

· Fit within footprint < 30” W x 25” D

· Include consumables for at least 96 samples Deliverables

· Robotic Liquid Handling System (complete unit)

· All required components and accessories

· Consumables sufficient for at least 96 samples

· Only new equipment shall be accepted; refurbished or previously used systems will not be considered.

Delivery: Post-Installation Deliverables After installation, the contractor must provide:

· The contractor shall provide a minimum 12-month manufacturer warranty covering parts, labor, software support, firmware updates (if applicable), and technical support beginning upon Government acceptance.

· Training

· System documentation

· Acceptance verification Government acceptance will be performed after successful installation, operational demonstration, completion of training, and verification that all required system functions operate as specified.

Inspection and acceptance shall be performed by the COR/Program Office within five (5) business days after successful installation, operational demonstration, training completion, and verification that all required functions operate as specified.

These must be delivered within 30 days after installation completion.

Training Deliverables The contractor must provide:

· On-site training (1–2 days)

· Minimum of two users

· Covers operation, maintenance, and workflow programming Delivery and Installation:

· Delivery shall occur within sixty (6) calendar days after contract award. Installation shall be completed within thirty (30) calendar days following delivery of all required components. Vendors shall identify any exceptions to these timelines in their capability statement.

Delivery location:

FDA CVM Laboratory Facility Bldg. MOD2 8401 Muirkirk Rd Laurel, MD 20708

· Note: Loading dock delivery is acceptable. Installation shall be performed by a manufacturer-certified technician.

Government-Furnished Property No Government-Furnished Property will be provided.

CAPABILITY STATEMENT REQUEST

Interested vendors shall submit:

1. Company name, address, and UEI

2. Business size and socio-economic status

3. Relevant experience with similar systems

4. Description of proposed system meeting requirements

5. Ability to meet delivery timeline

6. GSA Schedule contract information (if applicable)

7. Identification of any small business subcontracting opportunities

8. Identify whether the proposed solution is manufactured by the respondent, an authorized distributor/reseller, or another manufacturer. If the respondent s=is not the manufacturer, identify the manufacturer of the proposed system,

9. Identify the country of origin of the proposed system and major components, if known.

10. Small business respondents shall describe their ability to provide the required system as the prime contractor and identify the manufacturer of the proposed system.

Disclaimer and Important Notes This is not a Request for Quote (RFQ) and does not commit the Government to award a contract. Responses will be used solely for market research. The FDA will not provide feedback or evaluations of submitted capabilities. Proprietary information should not be submitted.

Submission Instructions Capability statements shall be submitted in PDF format and should not exceed 10 pages, excluding product literature and GSA Schedule documentation.

Responses are due by June 10 , 2026, 12:00pm Eastern Time (ET) and shall be submitted via email to:

Reagan Davis Contract Specialist Email: Reagan.Davis@fda.hhs.gov Subject: Sources Sought Notice Number: SSN_ CVM-2026-133678 Automated Liquid Handling Robot