Cytation 9 multimode reader or equal instrument
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
Timeline
Qualification Details
Fit reasons
- NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
- Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
- Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
- Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps
Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.
Quick Summary
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA), under the Department of Health and Human Services, is soliciting quotes for a Cytation 9 multimode reader or an equivalent instrument. This Combined Synopsis/Solicitation (RFQ) aims to replace an end-of-life plate reader for the Laboratory of Mucosal Pathogens and Cellular Immunology (LMPCI) in Silver Spring, MD. This is an unrestricted full and open competition.
Scope of Work
The requirement is for one new multimode microtiter plate reader that meets specific technical requirements. Key specifications include: variable bandwidth monochromator-based detection (UV-Vis absorbance, fluorescence, luminescence), direct nucleic acid quantification in microvolume (2 µL), reading speed less than 30 seconds per plate, a reagent injector, compatibility with 6- to 384-well plates, endpoint and kinetic assay capabilities, orbital shaking, and temperature control up to 65°C. The instrument must be compatible with Gen5 software and upgradeable for automated microscopic imaging. All components must be newly manufactured.
Contract Details
- Contract Type: Commercial Item - Firm Fixed Price.
- NAICS Code: 334516 (Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing), with a small business size standard of 1,000 employees.
- Delivery: Expected within 60 calendar days of contract award.
- Warranty: A minimum of one (1) year from FDA acceptance, including on-site training and technical support.
- Payment Terms: Net 30 days after government acceptance; no advance payments.
- Period for Acceptance: Offer prices must remain firm through September 30, 2026.
Submission & Evaluation
- Offers Due: June 18, 2026, by 1:00 P.M. (Central Time).
- Submission Method: Via email to nick.sartain@fda.hhs.gov.
- Evaluation Criteria: Award will be made to the Lowest Priced Technically Acceptable (LPTA) responsible quoter/offeror. The lowest priced quote will be evaluated first for technical acceptability.
- Submission Requirements: Offerors must include their SAM Unique Entity ID (UEI) and submit a written Accessibility Conformance Report (ACR) for any items not in compliance with Section 508 standards. Electronic documents must be submitted without macros.
Contact Information
- Primary Contact: Nick Sartain
- Email: nick.sartain@fda.hhs.gov
- Phone: (301) 796-1988