Equipment: Cytek Aurora EVO 5 Laser
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 National Institutes of Health (NIH), Office of the Director (OD) is conducting a market survey to identify qualified small businesses capable of providing Cytek Aurora EVO 5 Laser and Cytek Aurora-CS 5 Laser spectral flow cytometry systems. This is a Total Small Business Set-Aside opportunity. Capability statements are due by June 23, 2026.
Scope of Work
The requirement is for a 5-laser spectral flow cytometry system, encompassing both a spectral analyzer and a 6-way spectral cell sorter, designed for high-plex and small particle studies. Key specifications include:
- Core System: Seamless software platform, spectral continuity between analyzer and sorter, 5-laser configuration (UV, Violet, Blue, Yellow-green, Red), fluorescence detection up to 825 nm, live spectral unmixing, autofluorescence calculation, FCS 3.1 compliance, compatibility with major analysis platforms (OMIQ, FlowJo, Cytobank, FCS Express), automated QC, and all required attachments.
- Analyzer: Must have an autoloader supporting 96-well standard/deep-well plates, 384-well plates, and individual/rack-based 12x75 mm tubes. Protocols developed on the analyzer must be transferable to the sorter.
- Sorter: Requires 6-way sorting capability, aseptic sorting into various tubes and plates (1.5–1.8 mL Eppendorf, 96-well/384-well cell culture, 96-well PCR), support for 70 µm, 100 µm, and 130 µm nozzle sizes, and a vendor-tested biosafety hood. Small particle detection is essential.
The system must provide integrated, high-plex spectral particle/cytometric analysis and sorting with seamless workflow, advanced unmixing, and compliance with current data standards. Both units must meet NIH workplace requirements and include a 5-year extended warranty and onsite field service support.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Sources Sought / Market Survey
- Set-Aside: Total Small Business Set-Aside (FAR 19.5)
- NAICS: 334516 (Size Standard: 1000 employees)
- Response Due: June 23, 2026, by 5:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time
- Published: June 16, 2026
Evaluation
Interested firms must submit a capability statement demonstrating their experience, skills, and ability to fulfill all requirements. Submissions should include the firm’s size and type of business, descriptive literature, delivery timeframe, and warranty information. Insufficient information will result in a non-responsive determination.
Additional Notes
This notice is for information and planning purposes only and does not constitute a commitment by the Government. The Government will not pay for information solicited. Capability statements and questions must be sent via email to robinsti@mail.nih.gov, Attn: Tina Robinson, referencing solicitation# 75N98026R00099 in both the email subject line and the capability statement.