McLane Research Labs Imaging Flow Cytobot (IFCB)
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 Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), specifically the National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS), intends to award a sole source purchase order to McLane Research Laboratories Inc. for an Imaging Flow Cytobot (IFCB) and associated accessories. This presolicitation notice is for market research purposes, as NOAA believes McLane Research Laboratories is the sole manufacturer and distributor of this critical equipment in the United States. The IFCB is essential for real-time monitoring of phytoplankton and harmful algal blooms (HABs) to support federal research and forecasting mandates. Responses from firms believing they can meet the requirements are due by April 29, 2026.
Scope of Requirement
The Imaging Flow Cytobot (IFCB) is a submersible, flow-through imaging system designed for automated, real-time collection of high-resolution images of phytoplankton and other particles in the water column. Its primary application is the continuous monitoring of coastal waters for Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) and detailed assessment of plankton community structure. This capability is crucial for supporting federal research and HAB forecasting and monitoring mandates. The IFCB offers unique near real-time data collection, which is significantly faster than traditional individual plankton sampling methods, making it indispensable for NCCOS HAB forecasting efforts. The system is robust, field-deployable, and capable of continuous operation in diverse marine environments.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Sole Source Purchase Order (under FAR 6.103-1)
- Set-Aside: None
- NAICS Code: 334516 (Laboratory Equipment And Supplies)
- Delivery: Within 12 months from the date of award
- Response Due: April 29, 2026 (15 days after publication)
- Published: April 14, 2026
Sole Source Justification
NOAA's determination for a sole source award is based on McLane Research Laboratories Inc. being identified as the exclusive manufacturer and only distributor of the Imaging Flow Cytobot (IFCB) in the United States. There are no authorized partners or resellers for this specialized equipment. The IFCB's unique ability to provide near real-time data for HABs is critical, and without it, NCCOS HAB forecasting would be severely limited and operate at a significantly slower pace, negating the effort of near real-time reporting.
Action for Interested Parties
This presolicitation notice is not a request for competitive proposals, and no solicitation package is available. However, firms that believe they can fully meet the Government's requirements for an Imaging Flow Cytobot may submit substantiating documentation or a request for additional information in writing. Such submissions must be sent to the identified point of contact within 15 days after publication (by April 29, 2026). These responses will be evaluated solely to determine if the procurement can be conducted on a competitive basis. The decision to proceed non-competitively remains at the Government's discretion. Oral communications are not accepted.