Microarraying machine(UW-MAD)[20-0088]

The University of Wisconsin-Madison, specifically the Biomedical Engineering Department, is seeking bids for a microarraying machine through a Request for Bid (RFB) issued on April 16, 2020. The procurement is for a low-volume automated liquid handling system designed to generate and dispense liquid droplets on dedicated substrates with high spatial resolution and precision. The machine must feature a robotic arm with less than 5 micrometers resolution, a piezo-driven micro-dispenser capable of generating droplets as small as 100 picoliter volumes, automated imaging and inspection capabilities, and an isolated chamber with humidity control. Written questions were due by April 23, 2020, with final bids required by April 30, 2020, at 2:00 p.m. CDT via email to bids@bussvc.wisc.edu. Bidders must submit pricing on an F.O.B. Destination Installed basis, with all costs included except import/export expenses. Desired delivery is as soon as possible, not exceeding six months after order receipt, and the University requires a minimum one-year warranty covering parts, labor, and travel.

The RFB includes provisions encouraging participation from Wisconsin-certified Minority Business Enterprises (MBE), Woman-Owned Businesses (WBE), and Disabled Veteran-Owned Businesses (DVB), with specific goals of awarding at least 5% to MBE and 1% to DVB firms when bids are within 5% of the lowest bid. Bidders must be original manufacturers, authorized distributors, or authorized dealers with service and repair capabilities, and must have been in the microarray business for at least three years. The University qualifies for governmental and educational discounts, which must be reflected in unit pricing. Payment terms are Net 30 days following acceptance and testing of the equipment, with acceptance testing to occur within 60 days of installation. The contractor must maintain access to replacement parts within five days and provide unlimited callback maintenance service during normal business hours. While a specific award value is not explicitly stated, the procurement is for one microarraying machine, and the comprehensive requirements suggest a potentially significant investment in specialized scientific equipment.