MALDI Biotyper Sirius CA
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 Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), specifically the Puget Sound VA Medical Center in Seattle, WA, is conducting a Sources Sought market research effort to identify businesses capable of providing a MALDI (Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization) Mass Spectrometry Microbial Identification System. This is not a solicitation, but aims to inform future acquisition decisions. Responses are due May 13, 2026, at 10:00 AM Pacific Time.
Scope of Work
The VA requires an FDA-approved automated testing system for identifying microorganisms using MALDI Mass Spectrometry. The system must identify common microorganisms from Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria, yeast, and fungi, meeting CLIA and CLSI performance standards for accuracy and precision. Key components and capabilities include:
- MALDI Biotyper sirius CA System with MBT Compass HT, MBT HT Filamentous Fungi Module, MBT Filamentous Fungi Library Extension, MBT HT Sepsityper Module, and MBT Sepsityper Kit US IVD.
- An FDA-cleared reference library with at least 488 microbial species, plus a non-clinically validated/research-use only library.
- MBT Sepsityper® Kit US IVD for identification from positive blood cultures (15-20 minutes).
- Filamentous Fungi module supporting at least 220 species, including Coccidioides.
- Desired optional expansion libraries for Mycobacteria, Strain typing, and Beta-lactamase activity.
- Machine-learning capability for building in-house databases.
- Instrument specifications: Benchtop solution (<75kg), integrated pumping system, 110V power (<400W), laser lifetime of 500 million shots or seven years, quiet operation (<50 db), operating temperature 16-30°C, plate loading to data acquisition <4 minutes, throughput up to 600 samples per hour, self-cleaning ion source, slides with at least 45 target spots, single organism identification <2 minutes, and slide loading to identification start <15 minutes.
Contract & Timeline
- Opportunity Type: Sources Sought
- NAICS Code: 334516 (Laboratory Analytical Instrument Manufacturing)
- Product Service Code: 6640 (Laboratory Equipment And Supplies)
- Place of Performance: Puget Sound VAMC, Seattle, WA
- Response Due: May 13, 2026, 10:00 AM Pacific Time
- Published: May 5, 2026
Eligibility & Submission
- Set-Aside: The VA is mandated to consider a total set-aside for Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSBs). If insufficient SDVOSB responses are received, alternate set-asides or full and open competition may be considered.
- Prospective bidders must be authorized resellers and registered in SAM.gov.
- SDVOSBs/VOSBs must be listed in the SBA Dynamic Small Business Search under NAICS code 334516.
- Responses must be in writing and submitted via email to Nicholas.Heintz@VA.gov with the subject line "MALDI Biotyper".
- Required information includes company name, contact, phone, email, UEI, business size (under NAICS 334516), FSS/GSA contract details (if applicable), information on other owned companies, brand name/model offered, general pricing, and country of origin.
Additional Notes
This is for market research only; the government is not obligated to pay for response costs or award a contract. A solicitation may be published after review of responses.