Field-Flow Fractionation Multi-Angle LIght Scattering (FFF-MALS) System

The FDA's Office of Acquisition and Grant Services seeks to procure one Field-Flow Fractionation Multi-Angle Light Scattering (FFF-MALS) system capable of integrated FFF-MALS and Size Exclusion Chromatography analysis, with quotations due July 3, 2026, at 10:00 A.M. ET. This is a Firm Fixed-Price commercial item purchase order issued under Full and Open Competition; questions close June 24, 2026, at 10:00 A.M. ET.

Place of performance is the FDA's National Forensic Chemistry Center in Cincinnati, Ohio. The NAICS code is 334516 (Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing) with a small business size standard of 1,000 employees. Equipment delivery is required no later than 90 days after contract award.

The system must perform molecular characterization including molar mass, hydrodynamic radius, polydispersity, and concentration determination for proteins, peptides, monoclonal antibodies, vaccines, polymers, macromolecules, lipid nanoparticles, and aggregates. Minimum requirements are extensive and include the FFF system (5 mL/min flow rate, 0.03–5 mL/min cross-flow range, aqueous and organic solvent compatibility), a variable wavelength UV detector (190–700 nm, noise 5 AU), a Refractive Index detector (dynamic range 12,000,000:1), and a MALS detector (minimum 18 angles, molar mass 200 Da–1 GDa, field-upgradeable DLS module, ability to quantify 10 ng injections of 100 kDa polystyrene with 5% accuracy and 2% precision). The liquid chromatography system must include high-pressure pumps (0.001–5 mL/min, 400 bar, 1% flow accuracy), an autosampler (4–40°C), a thermostat-controlled column compartment (20–90°C), and a software-controlled fraction collector. The equipment must be newly manufactured with a minimum one-year warranty, include three days of installation and testing plus four days of onsite training for up to three personnel, and provide unlimited technical support for one year.

Evaluation uses Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA) methodology, with ability to fulfill minimum requirements weighted as significantly more important than price. Quotations must be submitted to Andrea Howard and Sephora Calderon at the addresses provided in the solicitation document.