Expansion of HighRes Automated Plate Handling System for NCATS
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), National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS), has issued a Notice of Intent to Sole Source for the Expansion of a HighRes Automated Plate Handling System. NCATS intends to award a Firm-Fixed-Price contract, valued at an estimated $660,655.85, to HighRes Biosolutions. This expansion is crucial for increasing screening capacity and improving the management of specialized compound libraries. Capability statements from interested parties are due by June 24, 2026, at 11:00 AM EST.
Opportunity Details
This is an informational Notice of Intent to Sole Source, not a request for competitive quotations. The statutory authority for this acquisition is 41 U.S.C. 3304(a)(1), as implemented by FAR 6.302-1, citing "Only One Responsible Source and No Other Supplies or Services Will Satisfy Agency Requirements." Market research determined that HighRes Biosolutions, as the original manufacturer and integrator, is the only source capable of providing a fully compatible expansion without substantial risks of incompatibility, system disruption, redesign, schedule delays, increased cost, or warranty invalidation.
Scope of Work
The requirement is to expand NCATS' existing proprietary HighRes automated laboratory plate handling system. This includes integrating additional capacity into the current platform. Key components and services include:
- HighRes Custom Table System with ACell Robot
- SteriStore D automated incubator
- Plate stackers, lid handling components, and plate orientation devices
- Cellario software/device drivers
- Installation, commissioning, and user acceptance testing
Contract & Timeline
- Contract Type: Firm-Fixed-Price
- Estimated Value: $660,655.85
- Period of Performance: 12 months from date of award
- Estimated Award Date: August 14, 2026
- Set-Aside: No set-aside
- Place of Performance: NCATS, Bethesda, MD
- Response Due: June 24, 2026, 11:00 AM EST
Submission Requirements
Any responsible source believing it can meet this requirement may submit a capability statement. Statements must demonstrate the ability to provide all required proprietary hardware, software, integration, installation, testing, and validation services necessary to expand the existing HighRes system without compromising compatibility, performance, or warranty coverage. Submissions should include:
- Company name, address, UEI number, and point of contact information
- Business size and socioeconomic status
- Technical capability statement
- Evidence of authorization to provide and integrate proprietary HighRes hardware/software
- Relevant past performance for similar proprietary laboratory automation system expansions
Responses are limited to 5 pages and must be submitted electronically to Linda Smith (linda.smith2@nih.gov) or Danielle Tines (danielle.tines@nih.gov). This notice does not guarantee a competitive procurement or contract award.