Statement of Requirements_NB6440202102531.docx

Statement of Requirements Imaging System for Nucleic Acids and Protein Documentation Background The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) requires an Imaging System for Nucleic Acids and Protein Documentation. This equipment will be used for imaging and analysis of gels (nucleic acids- DNA, RNA) and Western Blots (protein) to produce publication quality data fast and for efficient workflow in the lab. This project is part of the NIST program in biomarker and genomics sciences.

Minimum Specifications [1] Imaging System should support Chemiluminescent blots; Bioluminescent samples; Chemiluminescent Protein Arrays; Nucleic acid and protein gels, and true color imaging of opaque and translucid samples.

[2] Unit must enable EPI blue LED based detection of SAFE dyes.

[3] Machine must have compact dimension (42 cm x 56 cm x 33 cm) with integrated touchscreen computer to save valuable bench space.

[4] Machine must be stand-alone unit with inbuilt computer without a need to plugin to a laptop or desktop computer for use and analysis.

[5] Imaging System Light Sources

• The imaging system must have EPI blue LEDs (472 nm) for excitation and emission detection of DNA gels stained with SAFE fluorescent dyes like SYBR Safe dye. (Trans-illumination is additionally optional, but cannot be accepted as primary means of blue detection due to high direct illumination of the detector producing high noise)

• The imaging system should have a pull-out dual wavelength UV trans-illuminator with 302 and 365 nm light source for excitation and emission detection of various fluorescent dyes in gel applications.

• The trans-illuminator should have safety override enabling band excision from gels.

• When activated the safety override switch must automatically turn off after 5 minutes to prevent any damage to the system, samples, user, or workplace.

• The trans-illuminator must be controlled by onboard image capture software and MUST automatically turn off after each image capture to extend the life of the light source and keep long term operational cost extremely low.

• The UV lamps 302/365 nm must have a lifetime exceeding 30,000 working hours to reduce any replacement and service costs.

• Must contain RGB LEDs for true color imaging of opaque samples (TLC, etc) and translucid samples (gels, Petri dishes, etc).

[6] Imaging System Camera and Detection

• The imaging system must have a 9.1MPx (megapixel) scientific grade CCD sensor (3360 x 2704 pixels) with 16-bit A/D. (Image resolution and image dynamic range CANNOT be used as equivalent to CCD sensor values since they can be arbitrarily set by imaging system manufacturers and are not a true representation of the actual detection)The light sources for EPI fluorescence detection must have field uniformity across the imaging area with CV of ± 5% measured in total intensity values across the illuminated imaging area.

• Imaging System’s onboard CCD sensor must use Peltier cooling, -50 °C regulated below ambient temperature (-20 °C absolute and regulated) to eliminate electronic noise in chemiluminescent images.

• Imaging system must have a maximum field of view of 20.5 x 16.5 cm to enable high throughput imaging of multiple chemiluminescent blots and gels simultaneously.

• Imaging system must have automatic image focusing for ease-of-use without user intervention.

• Imaging system must have a motorized 7 position filter wheel with 1 standard filter included by default.

• The choice of filter in the filter wheel must be controlled by image capture software through the selection of an application or dye for ease-of-use.

• The imaging system must detect samples with a spatial resolution of 40 um.

[7] Onboard Computer and Capture Software

• The imaging system must have a built-in touchscreen computer to control instrument for ease of use and maintenance. Onboard computer must be field-replaceable to reduce maintenance cost.

• The system must run Windows 10 Pro or Enterprise for maximum flexibility. This enables connecting to local domains, servers, printers; setting additional security with BitLocker to help protect data with encryption and security management; remote log-in; creating virtual machines; and more.

• The imaging system may be Wi-Fi compatible to remotely save data to external computers.

• The imaging system must have a minimum of 2 USB ports to for devices like networks, printers, and USB memory sticks.

• The system must be able to connect to a network via an ethernet port

• The imaging system must have the ability to easily connect to a desktop computer or laptop to control the system externally independently of the onboard computer.

• The imaging systems onboard capture software must be able to image and display single images and up to 4 channel image overlays.

• The imaging systems onboard capture software must allow displaying up to 4 channel images overlaid or separated as individual channels.

• The imaging systems onboard capture software must have the ability to see pixel intensity and coordinates by hovering the mouse over the image for real-time feedback for band intensity comparison.

• The imaging systems onboard capture software must have features for customizing imaging protocols combining excitation sources and filters.

• The imaging systems onboard capture software must have multiple binning modes including 1x1 (no binning), 2x2, 3x3, 4x4, 6X6 and 8X8 to reduce exposure times.

• The imaging systems must come standard with analysis software included.

[8] Quote shall include 1 year discounted warranty, shipping container and freight costs for delivery to NIST Gaithersburg campus (100 Bureau Drive, Gaithersburg, MD, 20899, USA).

Delivery and Installation Delivery shall be FOB destination. Delivery and installation must result in a fully functional imaging system that includes the unit with light source, camera, onboard computer, and associated capture software. Delivery and installation shall be completed within 12 weeks of the award. Delivery shall be made to the NIST campus at 100 Bureau Drive, Gaithersburg, MD, 20899, USA. Delivery and installation will occur during normal business hours defined as Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to 5:00 pm, except for federal holidays. Installation will be scheduled in coordination with the Technical Point of Contact (TPOC).

Training In-person or virtual training shall be provided and shall be completed within 90 days of the award. Training shall include operation of the instrument and all features including camera, optics, stage, environmental chamber, basic data analysis and file saving and exporting.

Testing and Acceptance Acceptance shall occur when the Imaging System is installed, staff have been trained and the tested using DNA FlashGel or EtBr based tradition agarose gel and Western Blot Sample, including operation of imaging, camera, chemiluminescence imaging, and associate software.

Warranty A 1-year warranty that includes parts, labor and travel can be purchased at a discounted price with a new imaging system. Warranty period shall commence upon NIST acceptance.