P-Line Water Bottle Automation: HMI Touch Screen Controller and Installation
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) is seeking proposals for the installation of a second P-Line HMI Touch Screen Controller for their water bottle automation machine in the Building 35/35A vivarium in Bethesda, MD. This Presolicitation is a Total Small Business Set-Aside and aims to improve efficiency and operational control of the Tecniplast P-Line system. Responses are due by June 9, 2026.
Purpose & Background
The current P-Line water bottle automation machine, installed in 2024, has its main HMI controller on the "dirty side" of the cagewash. This setup creates operational inefficiencies, making it difficult for staff to manipulate the recapper and refiller from the "clean side." The objective is to install a second controller on the clean side to enable efficient management and troubleshooting, thereby minimizing downtime, reducing staff time and PPE waste, and maximizing the machine's return on investment. This directly supports animal care functions by ensuring a consistent supply of clean, bacteria-free water bottles for rodents.
Scope of Work
The requirement involves the installation of a second P-Line HMI controller on the clean side of the cagewash area. This controller will allow cagewash staff to effectively monitor, control, manage, and troubleshoot the Tecniplast P-Line water bottle automation machine from the clean side. The solution must directly support the animal-care function by improving operational efficiency and maintaining efficient cagewash operations.
Contract & Timeline
- Opportunity Type: Presolicitation
- Product Service Code: 6640 (Laboratory Equipment And Supplies)
- Set-Aside: Total Small Business Set-Aside (FAR 19.5)
- Place of Performance: Bethesda, MD 20892, United States
- Response Due: June 9, 2026, 1:00 PM ET
- Published Date: May 29, 2026
Contact Information
For inquiries, contact John Burton at burtonjo@mail.nih.gov.