RFI for Peptide Synthesizers

1. Background:  The Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM) Soldier Center's (SC's) Chemical Biological Innovative Materials Ensemble Development (CBIMED) and BSTB Branch are in need of a benchtop peptide synthesizer. This peptide synthesizer is a new requirement that will act as an enabling technology to allow new materials and coatings to be designed, fabricated, and tested in-house. Current work carried out at DEVCOM SC uses peptides synthesized by an external company, which acts as a barrier due to high costs and long lead times. Previous efforts by the Soldier Effectiveness Directorate to purchase a peptide synthesizer in 2021 identified suitable models to support the work at DEVCOM SC.

2. General Requirements:  This instrument must not require any facility upgrades, must be able to be used on the lab bench, and must enable synthesis of researcher-designed peptides. The peptide synthesizer must include the overall instrument system, and any additional components required to run the system and meet needs of SC. This peptide synthesizer will provide automated peptide synthesis and screening, with at least 4 (four) peptides able to be synthesized at once or sequentially. It should be “modular” allowing for possible upgrades of the hardware at a later date. The system will enable more rapid screening and improve turnaround time for designing, fabricating, and testing peptide sequences.

3. Specific Specifications:  The system must not require any upgrades to facilities for use, such as electrical upgrades or specific environmental requirements; the system will be a benchtop system for use on a laboratory bench with appropriate footprint; the system must automate resin transfer and synthesis of at least 4 (four) peptides sequentially; the system must include a camera option to provide the ability to view reactions; delivery, installation, and training on the peptide synthesizer must be included with the system, including a 1-year warranty.

Disclosure: Interested parties are invited to submit a response to this Sources Sought Announcement. THIS IS A SOURCES SOUGHT ANNOUNCEMENT ONLY. It is issued solely for information and research purposes and to identify interested sources. This is not a solicitation.  Any information submitted will not be returned, and no payment will be made by the Government for such information. The Government reserves the right to use information provided by respondents for any purpose deemed necessary and legally appropriate. Any organization responding to this notice should ensure that its response is complete and sufficiently detailed. Information submitted will solely be used as research, as the Government is currently conducting market research on this requirement.

Interested parties may identify their interest and capability by emailing responses to this requirement via e-mail ONLY to lyndon.s.jagroop.civ@army.mil and kaylie.j.silva.civ@army.mil no later than 04 December, 2024 4:00PM EST.