Modular Bioreactor System

NC State University's Procurement & Business Services is seeking a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for a comprehensive modular bioreactor system for the Bezos Center for Sustainable Protein, targeting parallel processing and testing of growth conditions for bacterial and mammalian cell species. The procurement involves acquiring four microbial bioreactor modules with integrated features including gas inputs, mixing systems, temperature and agitation controls, peristaltic pumps, off-gas analysis, and camera monitoring. Additionally, the system requires four microbial reusable stainless steel bioreactor tanks, four cell culture reusable stainless steel bioreactor tanks, and four host computers with associated peripherals for system operation. The bioreactor system must be compact, self-contained, capable of aerobic and anaerobic operation, and accommodate working volumes up to 250 milliliters with integrated software for continuous data delivery during parallel processing runs. Key procurement dates include questions being due by January 14, 2026, at 12:00 PM, with final quotes due January 21, 2026, at 5:00 PM, and all submissions must be uploaded as PDFs to the Bonfire Public Portal. While Caladan Bioreactor Products models are referenced as examples, functional equivalents will be considered.

The procurement does not explicitly outline specific set-aside designations for disadvantaged enterprises, though it does provide a preference for North Carolina resident bidders under the state's General Statute 143-59 and Executive Order No. 50, which allows price-matching within five percent or $10,000 of the lowest nonresident bidder's price. The University is tax-exempt and will not pay sales, personal property, or employee wage taxes. Bidders must provide comprehensive information, descriptive literature, certify debarment status, and comply with the University's General Contract Terms and Conditions, including insurance, safety standards, and intellectual property indemnity requirements. All manufactured items must meet safety standards from recognized organizations like ASME, UL, or NEMA. The bid offer must remain valid for forty-five days, with the University reserving the right to reject any or all bids, waive informalities, and make partial or multiple awards. While no specific budget range is detailed, the comprehensive nature of the system suggests a significant procurement investment for advanced research infrastructure.