LI-COR Biotech: Odyssey M Chemi/Fluor Imaging Bundle Standard
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 Cancer Institute (NCI) is seeking to acquire a LI-COR Biotech Odyssey M Chemi/Fluor Imaging Bundle Standard through a non-competitive, sole-source procurement. This imaging system is required to replace an outdated unit at the Laboratory of Human Carcinogenesis in Bethesda, MD, supporting critical intramural research projects. Proposals are due by June 9, 2026, at 1:00 PM EST.
Purpose and Background
The NCI's Center for Cancer Research/Laboratory of Human Carcinogenesis requires a new, versatile imaging system to support ongoing and future intramural research. The current protein imager is outdated and failing. The LI-COR Odyssey M system is needed to perform various assays and expand capabilities in biochemical and molecular biology techniques, including fluorescent and colorimetric Western blots, immunocytochemistry, ELISA, protein/nucleic acid arrays, and tissue section analysis.
Scope of Work and Key Requirements
The requirement is for one (1) new, commercially available LI-COR Biosciences Odyssey M (Chemi/Fluor) – Data Integrity Bundle Plus (Imager). Key technical specifications include:
- Hardware: Four solid-state laser diodes, RGB LEDs for illumination, sCMOS for fluorescence detection, minimum 20,000-hour laser lifetime, and a dynamic range of at least 6 orders of magnitude.
- Application Capabilities: 4-color quantitative Western blot analysis, In-Gel-Western assays, detection of various protein/nucleic acid stains, EMSA detection, and quantitative analysis in cell culture.
- Reagents: Must include fluorescent IRDye infrared dyes and VRDye visible dyes.
- Service & Support: Includes installation, a one-year warranty, and access to PhD Field Application Scientists and Technical Support personnel. Onsite and remote training are also required.
Contract Details
- Contract Type: Firm Fixed Price Purchase Order.
- Set-Aside: This is a non-competitive, sole-source acquisition, as LI-COR Biotech, LLC is identified as the only source capable of meeting the NCI's technical, compatibility, and research requirements.
- NAICS Code: 334516 (Laboratory Equipment And Supplies) with a 1,000-employee size standard.
- Period of Performance: Delivery and installation are required within 30-45 days after receipt of order, with training within two weeks of installation.
- Place of Performance: Bethesda, MD, United States.
Submission and Evaluation
Proposals must be submitted electronically to Shayna.simpson@hhs.gov by June 9, 2026, at 1:00 PM Eastern Standard Time. Late submissions will not be accepted. Responses must clearly demonstrate the offeror's capability related to technical evaluation criteria and include required documentation such as UEI, DUNS, TIN, and business size certification. Offerors must have an active registration in SAM. Questions are due via email to Shayna.simpson@hhs.gov by June 5, 2026, at 10:00 AM EST.
Important Compliance Documents
Bidders must review several attachments:
- Attachment 1 - Purchase Description: Details exact product specifications, functionalities, and performance standards.
- Attachment 2 - Additional Terms and Conditions: Outlines mandatory and optional contractual terms, conditions, representations, and certifications.
- Attachment 3 - Security Prohibitions and Exclusions: Addresses compliance requirements related to covered telecommunications equipment, FASCSA orders, and business operations in Sudan/Iran.
- Attachment 4 - NIH Invoicing Instructions: Provides detailed procedures for invoicing and payment via the Invoice Processing Platform (IPP).