The requested instrument is a new ventana discovery ultra automated slide staining system, an advanced automated platform for immunohistochemistry (IHC), in situ hybridization (ISH), multiplex immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence staining of TIS

The University of New Mexico is soliciting a sole-source purchase of a Ventana Discovery Ultra Automated Slide Staining System from Ventana Medical Systems, Inc. (Roche), with a proposal due date of August 26, 2026. This is a single-source procurement justified by protocol compatibility and continuity requirements.

The scope is a capital equipment purchase of an advanced automated platform for immunohistochemistry, in situ hybridization, multiplex immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence staining of tissue specimens. The instrument is requested by Dr. Nancy Joste, MD, MS, from the Pathology/Human Tissue Repository department. The Human Tissue Repository has developed and validated over 125 IHC protocols, produced more than 8,000 slides, and supported over 40 investigators across the UNM Health Sciences Center since acquiring the current instrument in 2014. The existing platform is over ten years old and approaching the end of its expected service life.

The procurement justification rests on the impracticality of platform substitution. The validated protocols are optimized specifically for the Ventana Discovery Ultra hardware, software, reagents, and workflow. Replacement with alternative manufacturers' platforms such as Leica Biosystems or Agilent/Dako systems would require extensive redevelopment and revalidation of all existing protocols and would compromise data comparability for ongoing longitudinal research studies. The evaluation determined that no other commercially available platform can provide an equivalent replacement while maintaining compatibility with the HTR's validated methods.

The total proposed purchase amount is $249,794 for a one-time capital equipment purchase with an expected term including a one-year warranty and a five-year service agreement. Per New Mexico procurement law, the completed sole-source form will be posted on the UNM Sunshine Portal and the State of New Mexico Procurement website for 30 days prior to purchase. The purchase was requested on July 21, 2026.