Individually Ventilated Cages, Racks, and Associated Parts-Accessories for Mice

Oakland University is seeking to procure 8-10 new individually ventilated caging (IVC) systems for its mouse research facilities through a competitive Request for Proposals (RFP) process. The procurement, designated as RFP 00216, aims to maximize housing capacity and enhance biosecurity for mouse rooms, where the university currently maintains approximately 2,000 rodents across 500 cages. The required caging systems must comply with the 2011 Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals and include specific features such as multiple space configurations, ability to operate in negative and positive pressure modes, minimal vibration, external water bottles, and the capability to maintain a sealed environment. Proposals will be evaluated on a 100-point scale, with 30 points for experience and qualifications, 20 points for project approach and turn-around times, 20 points for references, and 30 points for cost. Key dates include questions being due by June 11, 2025, at 2:00 P.M., and proposals due by June 18, 2025, at 2:00 P.M. The anticipated contract will be a five-year Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity contract with fixed price delivery orders, utilizing NAICS code 339999 with a size standard of 500 employees.

The RFP does not specify any specific set-aside designations or restrictions on responding organizations. No incumbent vendor is mentioned in the documentation. The procurement appears to be a straightforward competitive bid open to businesses capable of providing advanced laboratory animal housing equipment. While no specific budget range is explicitly stated, the university reserves the right to reject any or all proposals and to negotiate with finalists, with the ultimate selection based on the best value to Oakland University, not necessarily the lowest price. The technical drawing files and pre-solicitation notices suggest this is a significant investment in research infrastructure, targeting vendors with specialized capabilities in designing and manufacturing advanced individually ventilated caging systems for scientific research environments. The procurement is structured to ensure that the selected vendor can provide comprehensive solutions that meet the university's specific research animal housing and biosecurity requirements.