Automated Plant Transformation Project

Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), operating under the Department of Energy, is seeking a firm fixed-price subcontract for an Automated Plant Transformation Project involving the development of an advanced automation solution for plant genetic transformation. The solicitation targets firms in the Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing sector (NAICS 334516) and requires interested parties to sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement to obtain detailed technical specifications. Proposals will be evaluated using a best-value tradeoff approach, with primary criteria including technical capabilities, understanding of specifications, proposed schedule, and prior performance, with technical merit weighted more heavily than cost. The RFP requires a comprehensive proposal package, including a 10-page technical proposal, cost proposal, and supplementary documentation. The proposal submission deadline is April 11, 2025, at 10:00 AM EST, with an offer validity period of 120 days.

The contract opportunity is not set aside for small businesses and will be performed at Oak Ridge, TN 37831. The project has a one-year period of performance, with the automated system expected to process 100-200 routines per day and accommodate 100-500 SBS plates in its incubators. Factory testing is planned for mid-August 2025, with materials delivery in early September 2025 and final system commissioning targeted for mid-April 2026. The system must operate within a 16ft x 20ft x 6.8ft footprint and include specific technical capabilities such as RGB and hyperspectral imaging with 1024x1024 pixel resolution. Payment terms are net 30 days via electronic funds transfer, and the contractor will be responsible for developing communication protocols, integration software, and providing operator training. While a specific award value is not explicitly stated, the procurement indicates a complex technological development project with significant technical requirements.