Digital Slide Scanner System
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) National Center for Toxicological Research (NCTR) is soliciting proposals for a Digital Slide Scanner System to replace aging equipment in its Pathology Lab in Jefferson, AR. This acquisition includes the scanner, warranty, installation, and training, with optional post-warranty service. Proposals are due February 2, 2026.
Purpose & Scope
The FDA NCTR requires a new Digital Slide Scanner to replace an existing instrument that is no longer supported by its manufacturer and uses out-of-date software, limiting its network access. The new scanner will be used for all pathology studies requiring digital copies of slides or digital image analysis for data collection.
Key Requirements
The required Digital Slide Scanner must:
- Scan at 20X and 40X magnifications.
- Accommodate 1X3 and 2X3 slides.
- Provide specific image resolution.
- Have brightfield and fluorescent capabilities.
- Scan slide label bar codes.
- Focus on single cells to whole tissue with z-stack capability.
- Include image analysis software for quantifying stained cell numbers and area, and open .svs images.
- Feature a slide autoloader with at least fifty slide capacity.
- Include a dedicated workstation.
- Fit within a 9'x9' footprint and connect to a network server.
- Warranty: Minimum one (1) year OEM warranty from acceptance date.
- Delivery & Installation: Includes delivery, installation, and testing at the NCTR facility in Jefferson, AR.
- Training: Training for FDA personnel.
- Post-Warranty Service: Optional annual on-site service agreements covering preventative maintenance, corrective maintenance, technical support, and software/firmware updates.
Contract Details
- Contract Type: Commercial Item-Firm Fixed Price.
- Period of Performance:
- Delivery: Within 90 calendar days after award.
- Base Period (including 1-year warranty): September 1, 2026 – August 31, 2027.
- Option Years 1-4: September 1, 2027 – August 31, 2031.
- Estimated Value: Not explicitly stated, but the schedule includes unit and extended prices for the scanner and four years of optional service.
Submission & Evaluation
- Submission Deadline: February 2, 2026, by 1:00 PM Central Time.
- Submission Method: Email to david.kramer@fda.hhs.gov.
- Evaluation Criteria: Offers will be evaluated based on Technical Capability and Price, with Technical Capability being more important.
- Quote Validity: Minimum through September 30, 2026.
Eligibility & Set-Aside
- Set-Aside: This acquisition is not set-aside for small business concerns.
- NAICS Code: 334516 - Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing (Small Business Size Standard: 1000 employees).
- Other Requirements: Offerors must submit an Accessibility Conformance Report (ACR) for Section 508 compliance. Proposals must not contain macros. Buy American Act and Executive Order 14005 requirements apply.
Additional Notes
Funds are not presently available, and no award will be made until adequate funds are secured. The government reserves the right to cancel the solicitation.