ChemiDoc Go Imaging System with Image Lab Touch Software

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document outlines the evaluation criteria for the procurement of a ChemiDoc Go Imaging System with Image Lab Touch Software for the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). The evaluation will focus on the demonstrated capabilities of the prospective Offeror in relation to the project's needs as defined in the Statement of Work (SOW).

• Equipment Specifications:

  • Detector type and sensitivity
  • Bit depth (minimum 16-bit imaging)
  • Dynamic range
  • Maximum field of view
  • Light source type
  • Integrated touchscreen capability
  • Standalone operation capability
  • Compatibility with existing validated workflows
  • Physical footprint constraints

• High-Resolution Back-Illuminated Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor Detector: Required for small-format gel imaging, accurate band densitometry, stain-free normalization workflows, and continuity with existing datasets.

• Integrated Standalone Touchscreen Operation: Essential for avoiding NIH IT cybersecurity requirements, eliminating additional workstation procurement, reducing validation burden, and simplifying training.

• Compatibility with Validated Smart Tray and Stain-Free Workflows: Must be compatible with existing Bio-Rad stain-free reagents and Smart Tray imaging accessories.

• Compact Benchtop Footprint: Must meet laboratory space constraints.

• Not explicitly detailed in this document, but the evaluation is based on the SOW.

• Evaluation Method: Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA).

• Evaluation Factors:

  • Technical: The equipment/supply/services proposed must meet the requirements in the SOW.
  • Summary: Overall Rating (Overall Risk).
  • Cost/Price: Offeror(s) will be evaluated based upon LPTA.

• Rating Definitions:

  • Acceptable: Proposal meets requirements, indicates adequate approach and understanding, and risk of unsuccessful performance is no worse than moderate.
  • Unacceptable: Proposal does not meet requirements, contains deficiencies, and/or risk of unsuccessful performance is unacceptable.

• Proposal Submission: Must document the feasibility of successful implementation of SOW requirements.

• Not specified in this document.

• The evaluation criteria are listed in order of importance.

• Transitioning to a different vendor would require revalidation of SOPs, re-optimization of exposure parameters, re-establishment of normalization baselines, and could interrupt ongoing studies.

Sole Source Justification

This document justifies a sole-source procurement for the ChemiDoc Go Imaging System with Image Lab Touch Software, estimated to be below the Simplified Acquisition Threshold ($15,000 - $350,000). The system is needed to meet specific National Institutes of Health (NIH) laboratory requirements for gel and blot imaging.

• The system must provide high pixel density and signal-to-noise performance for:

  • Small-format gel imaging
  • Accurate band densitometry
  • Stain-free normalization workflows
  • Continuity with previously generated datasets

• The system must include a built-in 9.7-inch touchscreen color interface for standalone operation, eliminating the need for an external computer.

• This capability is essential to avoid NIH IT cybersecurity configuration requirements, eliminate additional workstation procurement, reduce validation burden, and simplify training and workflow integration.

• The procurement is for the ChemiDoc Go Imaging System and associated software.

• The contractor is Bio-RAD, located at 2000 Alfred Nobel Drive, Hercules, CA 94547.

• Not applicable, as this is a sole-source justification.

• Not applicable, as this is a sole-source justification.

• Alternative systems were evaluated but do not meet the specific imaging parameters used in validated laboratory standard operating procedures.

• Failure to procure this system could result in mandatory revalidation of imaging assays, delays in research studies, increased costs, disruption of data continuity, and additional IT compliance burdens.

• Bio-Rad provides integrated service, consumables, and accessories calibrated for the platform, ensuring reproducibility and operational stability.