FDA Automated vitrification instrument 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 U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), specifically the Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research (CBER), Office of Vaccine Research and Review (OVRR), Division of Viral Products (DVP), requires a fully automated laboratory vitrification system. This system is crucial for preparing cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) specimens by rapidly freezing biological samples. This is a Combined Synopsis/Solicitation issued as a Request for Quote (RFQ).
Scope of Work
The requirement is for one (1) newly manufactured, stand-alone, fully automated laboratory vitrification system with dual-sided blotting capability. Key features include:
- Programmable parameters for blotting time, blot force, wait time, and drain time.
- Environmental controls: +4°C to +60°C temperature range; 0% to 100% RH humidity with real-time monitoring.
- Compatibility with standard 3mm cryo-EM grids and inclusion of a tweezers/grid handling system.
- Liquid ethane capability with temperature monitoring, control, and user safety features.
- Touchscreen interface with programmable protocols and parameter storage.
- Enclosed working chamber, gas detection, ventilation compatibility, and emergency stop functionality.
- Seamless integration with an existing Tundra Cryo-Transmission Electron Microscope (Cryo-TEM).
- Minimum one-year full manufacturer's warranty.
- Delivery, installation, and services are FOB Destination to Silver Spring, MD.
Contract & Timeline
- Contract Type: Firm Fixed-Price.
- Period of Acceptance: Prices must be held firm through September 30, 2026.
- Set-Aside: Not set aside for small businesses; open to all business sizes.
- Response Due: TBD, 2026, 2:00 pm CDT.
- Published: June 4, 2026.
Evaluation & Submission
Offers will be evaluated on Technical Acceptability and Price. The award will be made to the lowest-priced technically acceptable and responsible offeror. Offerors must provide sufficient descriptive material to demonstrate compliance with all technical requirements. Quotes and supporting documents must be submitted via email to Tim Walbert (timothy.walbert@fda.hhs.gov). All electronic documents must be submitted without the use of macros.
Additional Notes
Offerors must be registered and active in SAM.gov by the due date. Section 508 accessibility standards apply, requiring an Accessibility Conformance Report (ACR) based on the Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (VPAT). Payment terms are Net 30 days after government acceptance of a proper invoice, submitted electronically through the U.S. Department of Treasury's Invoice Processing Platform (IPP).