Laboratory Supplies and Equipment

The University of Connecticut is requesting proposals for Laboratory Supplies and Equipment distribution services under RFP #DS092426-RES, with proposals due November 12, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. ET and a pre-proposal conference on October 14, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. ET. The University actively encourages participation from Connecticut-certified Small Business Enterprises (SBE), Minority-Owned Businesses (MBE), Women-Owned Businesses (WBE), and Disability-Owned Businesses (DisBE), as well as Connecticut-based vendors, though no set-aside or preference program is stated as mandatory.

The scope encompasses chemicals, labware, basic laboratory equipment, and related services supporting teaching and research laboratories across the main campus in Storrs and all regional campuses and extension offices throughout Connecticut. The market basket includes over 400 line items spanning consumables (pipette tips, gloves, petri dishes, lab coats), instruments (ultra-low freezers, centrifuges, spectrophotometers, incubators, fume hoods), and equipment from vendors such as Thermo Scientific, Corning Life Sciences, Fisher Scientific, and Millipore Corporation. Awardees must integrate with UConn's Jaeggar (HuskyBuy) e-commerce platform with Level-2 punchout catalog capability, real-time pricing, cXML ordering and invoicing, and next-day delivery capability when available. The University prefers FOB destination pricing with freight included and no additional charges for inside delivery. Payment terms are Net 45 days.

Annual spend on laboratory supplies across all suppliers is approximately $3 million. The initial contract term is five years with an option to extend up to five additional years for a total potential term of ten years. UConn reserves the right to make single or multiple awards based on best value.

Evaluation criteria are weighted as follows: Overall Depth & Breadth of Offering (20%), Customer & Technical Support (20%), Logistics, Ordering & Fulfillment Capabilities (20%), Additional Economic & Value Add Considerations (15%), and Pricing and Discounts (25%). Questions are due October 27, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. ET. Optional proposal presentations or demonstrations may be scheduled between December 15–18, 2026. Proposers must demonstrate compliance with all federal agency lists (OFAC, SAM, ITAR, DDTC, BIS, OIG, GSA, FAR) and provide three comparable references, preferably from higher education institutions.