RFI - Bond RX Stainer

Request for Information (RFI)

Leica Biosystems BOND RX Stainer

General Information:

This is an RFI as defined in FAR 15.201(e) to ascertain whether a commercial item exists that provides the capabilities described herein.   

This RFI is issued solely for information and planning purposes and does not constitute a solicitation.  All information received in response to this RFI will be treated as business confidential information.  Nonetheless, submitters should properly mark their responses if the information is confidential.  Response to the RFI will not be returned.  Responses to this notice are not offers and cannot be accepted by the Government to form a binding contract.  Responders are solely responsible for all expense associated with responding to this RFI.

Background/Overview:  The U.S. Army Medical Research Institute for Infectious Disease (USAMRIID), Pathology Division at Fort Detrick, MD is  in need for an automation system to detect viral and bacterial antigens in a variety of different samples (including tissue and cell culture). The Pathology Division within USAMRIID is responsible for providing pathological support to multiple divisions within USAMRIID requiring immediate diagnostic analysis of animal tissue to evaluate the pathology of infectious agents or efficacy of medical countermeasure candidates. Pathology division has been manually performing staining. It usually takes minimal 8 hours to complete the staining, while the requested Leica Biosystems BOND RX stainer will reduce processing time 2.5 hours allowing greater and more timely support to meet the needs of the Institute.

This system will assist in the pathological evaluation of viruses, bacteria, vaccines, and therapeutics, as well as their interactions, which will facilitate the development of countermeasures against viral and bacterial bio-threat agents. USAMRIID is seeking to purchase Leica Biosystems BOND RX stainer.  Leica Biosystem’s an exclusive patent, is the only stainer combining staining automation and customization options, which addresses the Pathology Division’s need for an automation system. This instrument is particularly useful in the pathology evaluation of viruses, bacteria, vaccines, and therapeutics, as well as their interactions in GLP animal studies, which will facilitate the development of countermeasures against viral and bacterial bio-threat agents

In order to make use of this technology, USAMRIID intends to purchase Leica Biosystems BOND RX stainer processing module, analysis software and the training that is needed to optimally use the equipment. 

RFI Response and due date: 07 May 2021, by 8:00 A.M. EST.