Automated aerosol nebulization system and computer-controlled piston ventilator system (UW-MAD) [19-0067]

The University of Wisconsin-Madison's Purchasing Services Department is seeking bids for specialized laboratory equipment, specifically an Automated Aerosol Nebulization System and a Computer-Controlled Piston Ventilator System for the Department of Medicine. The ventilator system must be capable of simultaneously administering pressure-controlled ventilation to two rodents up to 85 grams, with the ability to deliver room air or various gas mixtures, and automatically record volumes and pressures to calculate lung physiology metrics. The aerosol nebulization system is required to generate 2-5 micron particles for simultaneous exposure of 8-20 conscious, spontaneously breathing mice, with removable filters for analysis. All necessary cables, supplies, and accessories must be included with the systems. The Request for Bid (RFB) was issued on June 5, 2019, with written questions due by June 10, 2019, and final bids due on June 18, 2019, at 2:00 p.m. Central Daylight Time. Bid prices must remain firm for 60 days, and the University reserves the right to require oral presentations, product demonstrations, and vendor site visits before making an award.

The procurement includes provisions for minority business enterprises, woman-owned businesses, and disabled veteran-owned businesses, which may receive preference if their qualified bids are within 5 percent of the lowest bid under Wisconsin's supplier diversity programs. The contractor must provide on-site installation, system validation, and staff training at no additional cost, and include a minimum two-year warranty or combination of warranty and extended service contract. Insurance requirements mandate the contractor maintain one million dollars in commercial general liability and automobile liability insurance, with the University added as an additional insured. While no specific budget range is detailed, the procurement emphasizes value-based selection, with award made to the lowest extended net total bid that best serves the University's interests. The contractor must also comply with federal, state, and local laws, including nondiscrimination, debarment, and affirmative action requirements. All bids must be submitted on an FOB Destination and Installed basis, with all associated charges included in the bid price, excluding import costs.