Small Animal 7T MRI Instrument 2025-UWMSN-00869-RFB

The University of Wisconsin-Madison is seeking bids for a Small Animal 7T MRI Instrument through a competitive Request for Bid (RFB) process, with solicitation number 2025-UWMSN-00869-RFB. The procurement is located in Dane County, Wisconsin, and targets a comprehensive imaging system for research purposes, specifically designed for anatomical, functional, and molecular imaging of small animal models including mice, rats, and marmosets. The system must include a 7-Tesla superconducting MRI instrument with specific technical requirements, transmitter and receiver coils, two workstations with specialized software packages, animal handling and monitoring systems, and quality control phantoms. Bidders must submit proposals online through https://bids.sciquest.com/apps/Router/PublicEvent by December 19, 2024, with any questions directed to David J. Whooley at dwhooley@wisc.edu. The desired delivery timeline is within 4 weeks after purchase order issuance, with installation required in room 1330 of the Wisconsin Institutes of Medical Research. Evaluation criteria will focus on lowest net line-item prices, delivery timeliness, and compliance with comprehensive technical specifications for research imaging equipment.

The solicitation includes potential preferences for Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) or Disabled Veteran-Owned Business (DVB) firms, with a possible 5% preference consideration. Only new equipment will be accepted, with strict prohibitions on demonstration or refurbished units. The contract includes a mandatory 5-year warranty covering parts, labor, travel, two annual preventive maintenance visits, unlimited remote support, and system failure repairs. Payment terms are set at Net 30 days following acceptance testing and confirmation that all specifications are met. While no specific purchase quantity is guaranteed, the university seeks a comprehensive imaging solution supporting research across multiple medical disciplines including cancer, cardiovascular disease, neurological conditions, musculoskeletal diseases, metabolic diseases, and infectious diseases. The procurement allows for potential future expansion, with amended specifications for an optional PET insert purchase that have been modified to increase vendor competition. No specific budget range was disclosed, with the university instructing vendors to provide competitive pricing.