Acquisition of Jess Automated Western Blot System

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items, issued as a Request for Quotation (RFQ) under FAR Part 12. The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), Molecular Imaging Branch (MIB), requires a Jess Automated Western Blot System. This system is an automated capillary-based immunoassay system that includes a required warranty upgrade and operator training package. The system is needed to support reproducible, high-throughput protein characterization within MIB workflows.

• Automated capillary-based separation, chemiluminescent and dual-color fluorescence detection, RePlex™™ sequential probing, and quantitative analysis through Compass software.

• Attachment 1 – Purchase Description provides further details.

• The procurement includes the system, warranty service upgrade, operator training package, and freight and handling.

• A single award, firm fixed-price purchase order is contemplated.

• The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) Code is 334516 – Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing, with a small business size standard of 1000 employees.

• Quotes are requested and a separate written solicitation will not be issued.

• Offerors must submit a technical quote and a price quote in searchable PDF format.

• Quotes must include the Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) number and verification of System for Award Management (SAM) Registration.

• The government reserves the right to award without discussions if initial prices are fair and reasonable.

• Key deadlines:

  • Questions and requests for clarification due: April 27, 2026, 4:00 P.M. EST.
  • Response due date: April 30, 2026, 4:00 P.M. EST.

• This is a competitive acquisition.

• Offerors must have an active registration in SAM.gov.

• The solicitation number is PCA-NIMH-02243.

• Applicable FAR provisions include: FAR 52.212-1, FAR 52.212-3, FAR 52.204-7, FAR 52.203-18, FAR 52.204-26, FAR 52.211-6, FAR 52-212-4, FAR 52.212.5, FAR 52.217-6, FAR 52.225-1, FAR 52.232-33, FAR 52.232-40, FAR 52.204-13, FAR 52.204-25, HHSAR 352.222-70, and FAR 52.252-2.

• This is not a rated order under DPAS.

Purchase Description

This document describes the requirement for an automated, capillary-based size-separation nano-immunoassay platform for quantitative characterization of protein molecular weights from denatured lysates. The system is needed to increase laboratory throughput, reduce operator variability, and ensure consistent data output for reproducible, standardized, and efficient protein analysis.

• One automated capillary-based nano-immunoassay system with associated computer hardware and software.

• System must be capable of chemiluminescent and dual-color fluorescence detection, including RePlex™ sequential probing.

• Integrated Compass analysis software (v6.0 or later) with a multi-seat license.

• One-year standard warranty providing depot-level service, with an upgrade option for on-site field service.

• Comprehensive operator training package, including virtual instruction, self-learning resources, training kit, and hands-on training for up to three personnel.

• Freight and handling for safe delivery.

• Automated capillary-based separation and immunodetection.

• Quantitative performance meeting required CV thresholds.

• Chemiluminescent and fluorescence sensitivity in the picogram range.

• 3-4 log dynamic range.

• Runtime under 3 hours with 25-sample throughput.

• Low-volume sample processing (3 µL per well).

• MW sizing range of at least 2–440 kDa.

• Benchtop footprint and standard laboratory environmental requirements.

• Delivery: 30 days after receipt of award.

• Delivery Location: NIH Campus in Bethesda, MD 20892.

• Evaluation will be conducted using the Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA) method.

• Technical acceptability will be determined based on the salient characteristics listed in the Purchase Description.

• The requirement specifies a brand-name item (Jess Automated Western Blot System by ProteinSimple).

• Competition among authorized resellers will be sought to the maximum extent practicable.

• The acquisition includes the instrument, computer, software, warranty, training, and freight/handling.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document, FAR 52.212-5, outlines the contract terms and conditions required to implement statutes or executive orders applicable to acquisitions of commercial products and commercial services. It is a standard clause that incorporates by reference numerous other FAR clauses.

This document does not detail specific deliverables or technical requirements. Instead, it mandates compliance with a comprehensive list of FAR clauses that cover a wide range of legal, ethical, and operational requirements. These include, but are not limited to:

• Prohibitions on certain agreements and contracting practices (e.g., Kaspersky Lab products, telecommunications equipment, inverted domestic corporations).
• Requirements related to payments, protests, and applicable law.
• Restrictions on subcontracting, including those related to small businesses, HUBZone concerns, and service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses.
• Mandates concerning ethics, whistleblower protections, and employee rights.
• Requirements related to supply chain security, trade agreements, and foreign purchases.
• Environmental and sustainability requirements.
• Labor standards, including minimum wages, equal opportunity, and veteran/disability employment.

This document itself does not specify contract type, period of performance, or estimated value. It serves as a foundational clause that would be included in a larger contract.

This document does not contain instructions for proposal submission or evaluation criteria. It focuses solely on the terms and conditions that will govern the contract.

Numerous clauses related to small business set-asides (HUBZone, SDVOSB, WOSB, etc.) and other eligibility requirements are incorporated by reference, indicating that the specific opportunity this clause is attached to may have such considerations.

Bidders must carefully review all incorporated FAR clauses to understand their full impact on contract performance. The "Contracting Officer check as appropriate" notations indicate which clauses are actively being applied to a specific contract. This document is critical for understanding the regulatory and legal framework of any contract for commercial products and services.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document outlines "Invoice and Payment Provisions" for vendors who have transitioned to the Invoice Processing Platform (IPP). It details the requirements for submitting proper invoices and the subsequent payment procedures, including information on prompt payment and interest penalties.

• Invoice Requirements: Specifies 12 mandatory items for a proper invoice, including vendor information, remit-to address, invoice date, unique invoice number, NBS document numbers, Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) or TIN/VIN, three-way match identification, detailed description of supplies/services matching the award, and itemized freight/delivery charges if applicable.
• Submission: Invoices must be submitted electronically via the Department of Treasury's Invoice Processing Platform (IPP) at https://www.ipp.gov, with a copy to the Approving Official (Contracting Officer) and Contracting Officer's Representative.
• Payment Due Date: Generally, payment is due 30 days after the designated billing office receives a proper invoice or 30 days after Government acceptance of supplies/services, whichever is later. Specific rules apply for perishable goods.
• Interest Penalties: Applicable if payment is not made by the due date under specific conditions, including receipt of a proper invoice and no disagreement over quality or quantity.
• Accelerated Payments to Small Business Subcontractors: Outlines requirements for contractors to make accelerated payments to their small business subcontractors.

This document is critical for bidders to understand how to correctly invoice the government for delivered goods or services to ensure timely payment. It highlights specific data requirements for invoices and the submission process through IPP, which is essential for financial operations under this contract.