SOURCES SOUGHT: Acquisition of a Synergy H1 Hybrid Multi-Mode Reader
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), specifically the Pediatric Oncology Branch (POB), is conducting a Sources Sought to identify qualified small businesses capable of providing an Agilent BioTek Synergy H1 Hybrid Multi-Mode Reader. This market research aims to replace an aging instrument and ensure continuity of critical research at Bethesda, MD. Responses are due by April 16, 2026, 9:00 AM Eastern Time.
Purpose & Background
The POB, NCI, NIH, is dedicated to improving outcomes for children and young adults with cancer through translational research. The Branch's 10 research programs rely on shared laboratory instrumentation. The current single plate reader (SpectraMax M3) is 12 years old, has limited manufacturer support, and represents a single point of failure. This notice seeks to procure a new multimode plate reader to ensure research continuity, support all programs, and provide a reliable, modern platform.
Required Product & Capabilities
The requirement is for one Agilent BioTek Synergy H1 Hybrid Multi-Mode Reader (Model: H1M Part# SH1M-SN). Key capabilities include:
- Core Detection: Must support absorbance, fluorescence, and luminescence detection in a single instrument, with monochromator-based wavelength selection and full spectral scanning.
- Performance: High sensitivity for low-signal applications and broad dynamic range.
- Assay Flexibility: Support for a wide range of assays (e.g., ELISA, colorimetric, fluorescent reporter, luminescent viability, gene expression, nucleic acid/protein quantification) and ability to adjust excitation/emission wavelengths.
- Operational Features: Temperature control, incubation capabilities, orbital shaking, and compatibility with automated workflows and laboratory software.
- Support: Ongoing manufacturer support, service availability, and access to software updates and technical support.
- Delivery: Item shall be delivered within 60 days of purchase order award.
Information Sought
Small businesses that believe they possess the capabilities to provide the required products should submit documentation addressing each project requirement. Capability statements must include:
- Total number of employees.
- Professional qualifications of personnel related to the requirements.
- Any GSA Schedule contracts or other government-wide acquisition contracts (GWACs) that can meet the requirements.
- Company Name, UEID number, Physical Address, and Point of Contact Information.
- Type of business (e.g., 8(a), HUBZone, SDVOSB, VOSB, WOSB, SDB) and applicable NAICS code with size standards.
Submission Details
Responses are limited to ten (10) pages (excluding cover page, executive summary, or references). Submissions must be in Microsoft Word or Adobe PDF format, using 11-point or 12-point font, 8-1/2" x 11" paper size, with 1" margins, and single or double spacing. Responses must be submitted electronically to Rashiid Cummins (rashiid.cummins@hhs.gov) by April 16, 2026, 9:00 AM Eastern Time.
Disclaimer
This is a Sources Sought notice for market research only and is NOT a solicitation for proposals or quotations. The Government will not pay for information provided and is not obligated to award a contract as a result of this notice.