Automated Liquid Handling System

The Arkansas Department of Transformation and Shared Services, Office of State Procurement, is seeking bids for an Automated Liquid Handling System for the Arkansas State Crime Laboratory's Toxicology section. The procurement is specifically an Invitation for Bid (IFB) numbered S000000417, targeted at acquiring a sophisticated scientific instrument capable of processing various biological specimens including whole blood, post-mortem blood, urine, and oral fluid. The system must feature an 8-channel liquid handling arm, bar-code reader, and pipetting capabilities ranging from 0.5 mL to 100 mL, with compatibility across multiple plate and tube formats. The solicitation requires a comprehensive solution that includes the initial system purchase, installation, on-site training, a minimum one-year manufacturer's warranty, and preventative maintenance. The bid was posted on March 11, 2025, with proposals due on April 11, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. Central Time, to be submitted through ARBuy, the state's eProcurement system. The initial contract term will be one year, with potential renewals for up to six additional one-year terms, not exceeding a total of seven consecutive years.

The procurement does not explicitly highlight specific set-aside designations for disadvantaged enterprises, though the bid response packet includes provisions for minority/women-owned business designation. Potential bidders must complete several mandatory certifications, including commitments not to boycott Israel, employ illegal immigrants, boycott energy/fossil fuel industries, or engage with scrutinized companies. The bid price sheet is structured to allow vendors to quote costs for the base system, installation, training, and six years of maintenance support, with pricing to be submitted in U.S. dollars. While no incumbent vendors are mentioned, the contract emphasizes a focus on awarding to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder. The comprehensive pricing approach suggests a total solution budget that will cover equipment acquisition, installation, training, and long-term maintenance, with specific financial terms to be determined based on the submitted bids. Contractors must also complete a Contract and Grant Disclosure form, ensuring transparency about potential conflicts of interest and connections to state government positions.