Retrofit to Glatt GCG-70 Inline Continuous Screw Blender-Mixer for Signal Exchange
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 Office of Pharmaceutical Quality Research (OPQR), is conducting market research through a Sources Sought Notice to identify qualified vendors for a retrofit of a Glatt GCG-70 Inline Continuous Screw Blender-Mixer. The purpose is to enable signal exchange with third-party equipment for continuous manufacturing processes at their Beltsville, MD facility. This notice is open to both small and large businesses. Responses are due by March 27, 2026.
Purpose & Background
OPQR supports the modernization of pharmaceutical manufacturing by researching emerging technologies like continuous manufacturing (CM). The existing Glatt GCG-70 blender lacks communication capabilities with other systems, hindering its integration into a continuous manufacturing line. This retrofit is crucial to enable communication with a supervisory control system, improving integration and process control.
Scope of Work
The required retrofit solution must:
- Enable electronic communication with the SIMATIC PCS 7 distributed control system.
- Allow remote control of blender speed, including start/stop functionality.
- Provide feedback signals for operational status and actual blender speed.
- Not restrict or inhibit existing local control capabilities of the GCG-70.
- Include a minimum one (1) year warranty covering parts and labor.
- Provide updated qualification documents, instruction manuals, drawings, and related equipment documentation.
Hardware delivery is to Suite G, and installation/site services are to Suite D, both at 5901 Ammendale Road, Beltsville, MD 20705.
Submission Requirements
Interested businesses must respond ONLY by completing and submitting the provided Vendor Questionnaire in XLSX format. No capability statements, brochures, or other marketing materials are requested or will be evaluated. The questionnaire requires information on:
- Company name, UEI, business size, and socioeconomic category.
- Experience with retrofitting/integrating pharmaceutical processing or similar laboratory equipment.
- Experience integrating with Distributed Control Systems (DCS) like SIMATIC PCS 7.
- Experience in equipment installation, commissioning, and qualification in laboratory/pharmaceutical environments.
- Confirmation of meeting the salient characteristics outlined in the scope.
- Identification as the OEM, authorized service provider, or systems integrator.
- Up to three relevant past performance references.
Incomplete questionnaires may not be considered.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Sources Sought / Market Research (not a solicitation)
- Set-Aside: None specified (open to small and large businesses)
- Response Due: March 27, 2026, 4:00 PM ET
- Published: March 13, 2026
Additional Notes
This is for information and planning purposes only and does not constitute a commitment by the Government to issue a solicitation or award a contract. The Government will not pay for any information submitted. Responses will inform acquisition planning.