Multitron Incubator

Subject:    Multitron Incubator for the Entomology Branch at the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR)

THIS IS NOT A REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP) OR A REQUEST FOR QUOTATIONS (RFQ); IT IS STRICTLY A REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI). NEITHER UNSOLICITED PROPOSALS NOR ANY OTHER KINDS OF OFFERS WILL BE CONSIDERED IN RESPONSE TO THIS RFI. NO CONTRACT WILL BE AWARDED PURSUANT TO THIS ANNOUNCEMENT.
 

1.0  DISCLAIMER: This RFI is issued solely for information and planning purposes and does not constitute a solicitation. Neither unsolicited proposals nor any other kind of offers will be considered in response to this RFI. Responses to this notice are not offers and will not be accepted by the Government to form a binding contract. Responders are solely responsible for all expenses associated with responding to this RFI. All information received in response to this RFI that is marked Proprietary will be handled accordingly. Responses to the RFI will not be returned. At this time, questions concerning the composition and requirements for a future RFP will not be entertained.
 

2.0 SUBJECT:  The Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR) is the largest and most diverse biomedical research laboratory in the Department of Defense (DoD). The main facility, the Daniel K. Inouye building, is located in Silver Spring, Maryland. Other laboratory and clinical facilities also carry out research studies in Asia, Africa, and Europe through cooperative partnerships with a host of other governments and militaries through the U.S. State Department. WRAIR’s greatest resources are the dedicated scientists, clinicians, and support personnel who make up the core of WRAIR today. By integrating basic research and advanced technology for the primary goal of protecting the Warfighter, WRAIR serves as the premier biomedical research organization within the DoD.

3.0 BACKGROUND:  The mission of the WRAIR Entomology Branch (ENTO) is to work to mitigate the threat of insect borne diseases, including malaria, leishmaniasis, dengue and Zika virus that are pressing threats to the medical readiness of the warfighter.  Entomology works to mitigate that threat by developing new means of bite protection and pest management in addition to supporting WRAIR's product development efforts by performing basic and applied research on the interactions between disease vectors and pathogens.

3.0.1  The Entomology Branch is in need of a Multitron Incubator that allows for the expression of proteins from small to large batches in the quantities of 2mL to 5L. Must provide efficient screening at small batches that will save money and man hours; must ensure accuracy, uniformity as part of the pipeline to process and develop vaccines and pharmaceuticals. It must also have a 2 in 1 cell incubator. This allows the cells to be suspended and static inside the same incubator without compromising the quality and accuracy of the resulting data.  This must be able to be done with one incubator, not 2 different incubators.

4.0 RESPONSE INSTRUCTIONS:   Respondents should address in their product information statement the capability to provide a Multitron Incubator with the following Minimum Essential Characteristics:   

Meet the description in 3.0.1 and the Minimum Essential Characteristics listed below:

Specifications for One Unit:

Dimensions (W x D x H)        1070 mm x 880 mm x 695 mm

Maximum load                        55 kg, 17.5 L or 7680 parallel batches

Maximum working height      565 mm 1400 mm

Shaking throw                         3 mm / 25 mm / 50 mm / adjustable

Rotation speed range              20 min–1 to 400 min–1 (3 mm: 1000 min–1)

Temperature range                  without cooling max. 10 °C above AT to 65 °C; Minimum temperature from 4 °C depending on cooling system

Standard parameters               Temperature, rotation speed, timer

Optional parameters                Humidity, CO2 control, light intensity

Batch Capability                     Expression of Small and Large Batches (2mL-5L)

Screening                                Capable of Small Batch Screening

Cell Incubator                         2 in 1 Cell Incubator

Interface                                  Ethernet

Ambient humidity (rH)           Up to 85 % non-condensing

Installation                              Cost of purchase shall include installation                            

Warrant                                   One year parts and labor warranty

5.0 CONTACT INFORMATION:   All information regarding Product Information Statement or any other proprietary information relative to this RFI shall be submitted via email to brenda.i.mena.civ@mail.mil no later than 10:00 a.m. E.S.T. on  Monday, 16 May 2022.