Lab Equipment for Animal Disease Testing

The Pennsylvania Veterinary Laboratory, within the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, is soliciting bids for lab equipment for animal disease testing, with bids due August 17, 2026. The procurement is restricted to brand-new equipment manufactured by Bio-Rad Laboratories, with only the manufacturer and authorized representatives eligible to submit bids — a sole-source specification that is the primary competitive gate.

The scope centers on one NSP 2 System (Part# 90130), an automated sample preparation instrument for transmissible spongiform encephalopathy (TSE) screening in animal samples. The system includes operating software, database management, and performance quality-check packages. The equipment measures 780 x 1,200 x 430 mm, weighs approximately 90 kg, and features an 8-tip liquid handling system capable of sampling volumes of 250 microliters per nozzle with 1.0 percent precision and reproducibility, using 300 microliter polypropylene disposable tips.

Bidders must complete and submit four mandatory compliance forms: the Worker Protection and Investment Certification Form (BOP 2201), attesting to adherence with Pennsylvania labor laws and prevailing wage requirements; the Reciprocal Limitations Act Requirements form (GSPUR-89), disclosing manufacturer name and state or country of manufacture for each item (required for bids exceeding $10,000); the Domestic Workforce Utilization Certification Form, specifying the percentage and geographic location of direct labor to be performed, with maximum scoring for work performed entirely within the United States or WTO Government Procurement Agreement member countries; and supporting documentation of Pennsylvania residency or out-of-state supplier status if claiming preference. Failure to complete and return these forms will result in bid rejection.

No contract value, term, incumbent, evaluation weighting, pre-bid meeting, or question deadline is provided in available documentation.