Statement of Requirements.docx

STATEMENT OF REQUIREMENTS

Automated Liquid Handler Platform

I. BACKGROUND

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) operates a laboratory at the Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research (IBBR) in Rockville, MD that develops fundamental measurement science, standards, and reference data to enable more accurate and confident characterization of key attributes of biological materials. The group at IBBR has a requirement for an automated liquid handler platform to remove both person-to-person and day-to-day variability, as well as set up an integrated environment with current state-of-the-art mass spectrometer-based applications. The device will be used to automate enzymatic reactions, nucleic acid/protein purification, and LC-MS sample preparation.

II. SPECIFICATIONS

The Contractor shall deliver One (1) automated liquid handler platform meeting the specifications below

Minimum Requirements

1. Deck capacity for at least 40 American National Standards Institute (ANSI)/ Society for Laboratory Automation (SLAS)-format microplate positions for flexibility of method development

2. The instrument shall include an eight-channel air displacement pipetting tool with the following specifications:

1. For use with disposable tips

2. Pipetting volume spanning at least the range from 0.5 uL to 1000 uL

3. Independent pipetting volume for each channel

4. Pipetting precision (with optimal tip size) of better than:

a. 6% at 0.5 uL

b. 4% at 1 uL

c. 1% at 10 uL

d. 1% at 50 uL

e. 1% at 1000 uL

5. Pipetting accuracy (with optimal tip size) of better than:

a. 10% at 0.5 uL

b. 5% at 1 uL

c. 2% at 10 uL

d. 2% at 50 uL

e. 1% at 1000 uL

6. Variable spacing and height (i.e., independent ‘Y’ and ‘Z’) for each channel

7. Pressure-based liquid level detection for each channel to detect the level of liquid in SBS plates, tubes, or other labware used with the system

8. Capacitance-based liquid level detection for each channel to detect the level of liquid in SBS plates, tubes, or other labware used with the system

9. Ability to transfer volatile solvents (e.g. ethanol; methanol) without dripping

10. Zero force insertion on tip loading/ejection or other means to assure no aerosol dispersion

11. Pipetting channels positional accuracy of 0.1 mm or better in all 3 directions (X, Y, and Z)

3. Shall include a heater-shaker to accommodate the different labware formats and enzyme reactions with the following specifications:

1. Shaking orbit of 3 mm

2. Variable shaking speed from 100-1800 rpm

3. Variable temperature control from room temperature +5 °C to+105 °C

4. Can accommodate a 96 deep well plate

4. Shall include at least one low profile SBS position module capable of holding Alpaqua magnet for 96-well plates that is suitable for the magnetic bead-based purification and manipulation steps

5. Shall include an on-deck heat and cooling plate with cooling capability to +4°C or colder and heating capacity up to +110 °C

6. Shall include a plate module that allows for tilting of plates in the y-axis

7. Shall include capabilities for automated movement of SBS-format microplates between the different liquid handler deck positions

1. The system shall be capable of moving SBS plates and pipette tip racks/boxes between positions on the liquid handler deck

2. The system shall be capable of automatically transferring SBS plates between the liquid handler deck

8. Shall include a positive pressure module with the following specifications:

1. Hardware that can apply a controlled, positive pressure to the top of the wells of a SBS-format solid phase extraction plate or filter plate

2. A manifold for 96 well processing

3. Pressure control up to 100 psi

4. Ability to maintain equal pressure across the filter plate

5. Compatible with filter collection plates up to 110 mm in height.

III. WARRANTY

The contractor shall provide a one-year warranty for the system. The warranty shall:

1. Provide all labor, equipment, travel, and parts necessary for repairs for this equipment.

2. Provide on-site service for all required repairs not later than 48 hours from the date the repair call is placed with the Contractor.

3. Provide unlimited, on-site repair visits to repair instrumentation to an operating condition and minimize downtime.

4. Warranty period begins after NIST acceptance of the instrument.

IV. Preventative Maintenance Service (OPTION LINE ITEMS)

The contractor shall perform preventative maintenance service and repairs for the instrument at the expiration of the one-year warranty period for up to three (3) option years. During the preventative maintenance service, the contractor shall inspect the instrument for necessary repairs, replace hardware parts as necessary, clean, tune and calibrate the instrument. Preventative Maintenance/Repair Services shall:

1. Provide all labor, equipment, travel, and parts necessary for preventative maintenance /repairs for this equipment.

2. Provide on-site service for all required repairs not later than 48 hours from the date the repair call is placed with the Contractor.

3. Provide one (1) preventative maintenance service visit per year.

4. Provide unlimited, on-site repair visits to repair instrumentation to an operating condition and minimize downtime.

V. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE

The installation of the equipment, training, warranty services, and preventative maintenance services shall be performed at IBBR, 9600 Gudelsky Dr., Rockville, Maryland. Normal duty hours are Monday through Friday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm Eastern Time except for Federal holidays or other official closures.

VI. DELIVERY

The instrument shall be delivered within 60 days from the date of the award. However, due to current access restrictions, delivery shall not take place until the Contractor coordinates with the designated Technical Point of Contact (TPOC) and Contracting Officer (CO). Prior to shipment, the Contractor must ensure NISTs campus is open and accepting deliveries. If the restrictions of access to the campus impacts delivery schedules, a modification may be executed by the CO to establish an extended delivery timeframe.

VII. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

The period of performance for a base year and three one-year options shall be as follows:

· Option Year II: 9/29/2023 – 9/28/2024

· Option Year III: 9/29/2024 – 9/28/2025

VIII. INSTALLATION

The system shall be installed by the contractor. Installation, at a minimum, shall include uncrating/unpackaging of all equipment, setup and hook-up of the system, demonstration of all specifications, and removal of trash. Onsite installation shall be done at IBBR, Rockville, Maryland and shall be completed not later than 30 days after delivery.

IX. TRAINING

The contractor shall schedule and facilitate training for up to three (3) NIST personnel, on-site at IBBR in Rockville. Training shall provide a thorough demonstration of all equipment functions, equipment operation, and basic troubleshooting. Training may be completed on-site at IBBR immediately after installation and demonstration of specifications or within 30 days .

X. DELIVERABLES

Automated Liquid Handler Platform

Within 60 days after award

XI. ACCEPTANCE CRITERIA

The Contractor shall demonstrate that all performance specifications are met prior to acceptance of the instrument.

XII. GENERAL INFORMATION

Safety: The Contractor employee shall be responsible for knowing and complying with IBBR installation safety prevention regulations. Such regulations include, but are not limited to, general safety, fire prevention, and waste disposal.

Security: IBBR is a restricted campus. An identification badge is required for access for entry into buildings and also is shown to the Security Guard when entering the building. Contractors will be escorted at all times by TPOC.