Growth media and automated broth instrumentation system (UW-MAD) [20-5805]

The University of Wisconsin-Madison is seeking bids for a Growth Media and Automated Broth Instrumentation System for the Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene (WSLH), specifically targeting mycobacteria testing capabilities. The procurement requires a sophisticated system capable of culturing and reading clinical specimens including respiratory secretions, tissues, lysed blood, spinal fluid, pleural fluid, and ascites, using liquid culture medium without needle and syringe inoculation. The system must be FDA cleared for antibiotic susceptibility testing of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex against specific drugs, with precise physical dimension requirements not exceeding 36 inches in width, 32 inches in depth, or 53 inches in height, and a minimum specimen capacity of 960. Bidders must be original manufacturers, authorized distributors, or authorized dealers with three years of demonstrated experience, and must provide three client references from comparable-sized institutions. Key deliverables include instrumentation, software, ongoing support, media, drug kits, on-site training, equipment manuals, and annual preventative maintenance. The bid was originally issued on April 24, 2019, with written questions due by May 3, 2019, and final bids due on May 17, 2019, at 2:00 p.m. CDT, with a contract term beginning July 1, 2019, through June 30, 2020, and potential automatic renewal for four additional one-year terms.

The procurement allows participation from all UW System campuses, Wisconsin state agencies, and Wisconsin municipalities, with no minimum order quantities or dollar amounts specified. The University qualifies for governmental and educational discounts and requires bidders to provide certifications regarding debarment status, non-collusion, and compliance with Wisconsin Executive Order 261 regarding boycotts of Israel. Bidders must submit detailed documentation including a signed Request for Bid Form, Bidder Response Sheet, specifications, descriptive brochures, an Itemized Bid List, Vendor Information Sheet, and Client Reference List. The procurement is structured in two lots: Lot 1 includes media and drug kits with vendor-provided instrumentation, software, and support, while Lot 2 involves media and drug kits with WSLH purchasing instrumentation separately. The University reserves the right to require oral presentations, product demonstrations, vendor site visits, and an on-site trial period of up to 45 days before final contract award. While specific budget ranges are not explicitly stated, the estimated annual usage includes 5,500 growth media tubes, supplements, and approximately 140 tests for various drug kits. Contractors must provide on-site maintenance with replacement parts available within 24 hours and service completion within 72 hours of initial call.