SUPPLY: CFX OPUS 384 REAL-TIME PCR DETECTION SYSTEM

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items prepared in accordance with the format in FAR 12.6 as supplemented with additional information included in this notice.  This announcement constitutes the only solicitation, and a separate written solicitation will not be issued.  This solicitation number is 75N94025Q00236 and is issued as a Request for Quotation (RFQ).  The solicitation/contract will include all applicable provisions and clauses in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular 2025-05. The North American Industry Classification (NAICS) Code is 334516 and the business size standard is 1000e.  However, this solicitation is not set aside for total small business.  This acquisition is being conducted using Simplified Acquisition Procedures in accordance with FAR Part 13.  Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) is seeking a vendor who can provide the following  new Bio-Rad Laboratories CFX Opus 384 Real-Time PCR System  and new ChemiDoc Go Imaging System, accessories etc. as follows:

1. PN: 12011452  -  CFX Opus 384 Real-Time PCR System 384-well, 4-color plus FRET, network-connected real-time PCR detection system, includes CFX Opus 384 base unit, cables – Qty (1) EA
2. PN: HSP3805  -  Hard-Shell® 384-Well PCR Plates, thin wall, skirted, clear/white Pkg of 50, clear shell/white well PCR plate for higher fluorescent signals, rigid 2-component design – Qty (1) EA
3. PN: MSB1001B - Microseal 'B' PCR Plate Sealing Film, adhesive, optical Pkg of 100, optically clear seal for PCR plates – Qty (1) EA
4. PN: 1708840 - iScript™ Reverse Transcription Supermix, 25 x 20 µl rxns, 100 µl 25 x 20 µl reactions, 100 µl 5x supermix, contains reverse transcriptase, RNase inhibitor, dNTPs, primers, MgCl2, stabilizers; 50 reactions of no-RT control supermix – Qty (1) EA
5. PN: 1725270 -  SsoAdvanced Universal SYBR® Green Supermix, 200 x 20 µl rxns, 2 ml (2 x 1 ml) 2 ml (2 x 1 ml vials), 2x qPCR mix, contains dNTPs, Sso7d fusion polymerase, MgCl2, SYBR Green I, ROX normalization dyes, for 200 x 20 µl reactions – Qty (1) EA
6. PN: 12018025  -  ChemiDoc Go Imaging System with Image Lab Touch Software The ChemiDoc Go system features advanced chemiluminescence and StarBright fluorescence detection for western blotting in a compact design. – Qty (1) EA
7. PN: 12019748 - Blue Sample Tray for ChemiDoc Go Digital Imaging System System Pkg of 1, blue sample tray, for nucleic acid applications with GelGreen Stain or any SYBR Stain and StarBright 520, StarBright 700. Includes Gel Alignment Kit (12012190) and XcitaBlue goggles (1708185), for use with ChemiDoc Go Imaging System – Qty (1) EA
8. PN: 12019873 - White Sample Tray for ChemiDoc Go Imaging System Pkg of 1, white sample tray, for gels and blots stained with Coomassie Blue, copper, silver, or zinc stains, includes Gel Alignment Kit (12012190), for use with ChemiDoc Go Imaging System – Qty (1) EA
9. PN: 12004162 -  StarBright Blue 700 Goat AntiRabbit IgG, 80 µl Pkg of 1, lyophilized goat anti-rabbit IgG conjugated with StarBright Blue 700 Fluorophore; reconstitute to 80 µl – Qty (1) EA
10. PN: 12005867 -  StarBright™ Blue 520 Goat AntiMouse IgG, 80 µl Pkg of 1, lyophilized goat antimouse IgG conjugated with StarBright Blue 520 Fluorophore; reconstitute to 80 µl – Qty (1) EA

Products features/salient characteristics (not all of the Opus PCR and ChemiDoc features/performance specifications are listed below) as follows:

The Bio-Rad CFX Opus 384 Real-Time PCR system instrument shall include/provide the following:

• High-resolution imaging capabilities: The proposed system must capture publication-quality images suitable for quantitative analysis of DNA and protein gels and membranes.
• Chemiluminescence and fluorescence detection: The system must support both imaging modes, as these are routinely used in the lab’s workflows.
• Touchscreen interface and integrated software: Must include a built-in touchscreen with Image Lab Touch Software to enable standalone operation, image capture, and automated analysis.
• Compact benchtop design: The system must have a small footprint suitable for installation within existing limited lab bench space without reconfiguring current layouts.

•  Compatibility with existing workflows and data formats, ensuring seamless integration.
• The system must support standard qPCR and imaging data formats and be easily integrated into the labs analysis pipelines.
• System software features: Must include intuitive, full-featured software that supports real-time data visualization, remote access, and robust analysis.
• Reliable technical support and warranty, minimizing instrument downtime.
• Fixed-path optics shuttle, eliminating positional bias without the need for normalization.
• All-Channels scan mode, enabling full plate scans across four channels in under 20 seconds.
• CFX Maestro Software, offering advanced statistical tools and gene expression modules exclusive to the Bio-Rad platform.
• Automation-ready API and BR.io cloud integration, not available in competing systems.
• The Instrument shall include both hardware and software components necessary for quantitative, high-throughput gene expression analysis. It must support a 384-well plate format, enabling efficient processing of dozens to hundreds of samples from cell cultures and animal tissues in a single run.

The Bio-Rad ChemiDoc Go Imaging system shall include/provide following:

• High-sensitivity, high-resolution imaging for accurate documentation of experimental results.
• Support for chemiluminescent and fluorescent detection, accommodating a range of assay types.
• Integrated touchscreen with Image Lab Touch software, enabling standalone operation, automated image capture, and streamlined analysis.
• USB and network connectivity for image export and data management integration.
• Image Lab Touch Software, which integrates real-time lane detection, quantification, and analysis functions.
• Image Lab software supports multiplex fluorescent imaging using StarBright dyes for detecting multiple targets on a single blot
• Factory-aligned, fixed-light optics, requiring no user calibration and supporting consistent imaging across modalities.
• Optimized compatibility with Bio-Rad’s proprietary stains, markers, and experimental workflows.
• Touchscreen-controlled onboard processor, designed for seamless use in Bio-Rad imaging applications.

The lab’s current imaging equipment is outdated and lacks sensitivity, resolution, and streamlined user interface of modern systems and workflow compatibility, leading to inefficiencies and compromised data quality. The ChemiDoc Go will directly address these limitations and provide the advanced functionality needed to support our diverse and expanding research projects. The ChemiDoc Go system offers a compact, all-in-one solution with a touchscreen interface and integrated software that simplifies image acquisition and analysis. Its compatibility with commonly used gel and membrane formats ensures a seamless transition from older systems and improved reproducibility across experiments. It supports chemiluminescence and fluorescence detection, both of which are routinely used in the lab’s western blotting and nucleic acid assays.  The ChemiDoc Go will directly address these limitations and provide the advanced functionality needed to support our diverse and expanding research projects.

The lab’s current qPCR system is outdated and no longer meets throughput or software integration needs. In contrast, the CFX Opus 384 is compatible with existing analysis pipelines and offers improved experimental flexibility, making it essential for generating reproducible data in large-scale gene expression studies. The requested instruments—Bio-Rad’s CFX Opus 384 Real-Time PCR Detection System and ChemiDoc Go Imaging System with Image Lab Touch Software—are uniquely suited to meet the lab’s technical requirements. Substitution would compromise data fidelity, increase hands-on time, and disrupt validated workflows. Each system provides a set of non-substitutable features that are critical for experimental precision, throughput, and reproducibility.

For the CFX Opus 384, exclusive features include:

• Fixed-path optics shuttle, eliminating positional bias without the need for normalization.
• All-Channels scan mode, enabling full plate scans across four channels in under 20 seconds.
• CFX Maestro Software, offering advanced statistical tools and gene expression modules exclusive to the Bio-Rad platform.
• Automation-ready API and BR.io cloud integration, not available in competing systems.

For the ChemiDoc Go, proprietary elements include:

• Image Lab Touch Software, which integrates real-time lane detection, quantification, and analysis functions.
• Factory-aligned, fixed-light optics, requiring no user calibration and supporting consistent imaging across modalities.
• Optimized compatibility with Bio-Rad’s proprietary stains, markers, and experimental workflows.
• Touchscreen-controlled onboard processor, designed for seamless use in Bio-Rad imaging applications.

Training:

Training shall be provided for up to five users within 10 business days of installation. Instruction may be conducted on-site or virtually, but must include hands-on demonstrations covering all essential features of both systems:

• Bio-Rad CFX Opus 384 Real-Time PCR System: operation, software use, routine maintenance, troubleshooting, and a complete real-time PCR workflow.
• ChemiDoc Go Imaging System with Image Lab Touch Software: system setup, operation, routine maintenance, and full use of Image Lab Touch software for image acquisition and analysis.

All participants must receive comprehensive training materials, including user manuals, slides, digital resources, and recordings if applicable.

Technical support:

Vendor must clearly describe technical support availability/coverage.

Delivery and Installation:

National Institutes of Health

9000 Rockville Pike

Bethesda, MD 20892

NOTE: This will be a Firm Fixed Price Purchase Order.

The offeror must include a completed copy of the provision of FAR Clause 52.212-3, Offeror Representations and Certifications – Commercial Products and Commercial Services (May 2024) (Deviation Feb 2025) with its offer.  The provisions of FAR Clause 52.212-1 Instructions to Offerors – Commercial Items; FAR Clause 52.212-2, Evaluation – Commercial Items - The Government will award a procurement resulting from this solicitation to the responsible offeror whose offer, conforming to the solicitation, based on lowest price and technically acceptable. FAR Clause 52.212-4, Contract Terms and Conditions – Commercial Items; and FAR 52.212-5, Contract Terms and Conditions Required to Implement Statutes or Executive Orders – Commercial Products and Commercial Services (Jan 2025) (Deviation Feb 2025); FAR Clause 52.204-8 Annual Representations and Certifications (Jan 2025) (Deviation Feb 2025) – Deviation for Simplified Acquisitions applies to this acquisition.  The offeror must include their Unique Entity ID (UEI), the Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN), and the certification of business size.  Note: The contractor/offeror must provide a completed copy of FAR 52.204-24, "Representation Regarding Certain Telecommunications and Video Surveillance Services or Equipment" with their quote in response to this solicitation.  The clauses are available in full text at http://www.acquisition.gov/far/.  Interested vendors capable of furnishing the government with the items specified in this synopsis should submit a copy of their quotation via email to robinsti@mail.nih.gov.  Responses to this solicitation must include enough information to establish the interested parties’ bona-fide capabilities of providing all services and or products needed as per this solicitation.  Responses must be accompanied by descriptive literature, warranties, delivery timeframe and/or other information that demonstrates that the offer meets all the foregoing requirements.  Quotations will be due on September 15, 2025, before 1:00 pm eastern daylight time via email to robinsti@mail.nih.gov.  Attn: Tina Robinson.    The quotation must reference “Solicitation number 75N94025Q00236.  All responsible sources may submit a quotation, which if timely received, shall be considered by the agency. Any questions must be sent via email to robinsti@mail.nih.gov and must include solicitation# 75N94025Q00236 in the subject line of email.

Note:  In order to receive an award, contractors must maintain an active SAM registration for all awards throughout the entire contract/order lifecycle, from offer submission to final payment. Failure to maintain an active SAM registration can jeopardize the award or result in non-payment.  Lack of valid registration in SAM will make an offeror ineligible for award.

Note: “System updates may lag policy updates. The System for Award Management (SAM) may continue to require entities to complete representations based on provisions that are not included in agency solicitations, including 52.223-22, Public Disclosure of Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Reduction Goals— Representation, and paragraph (t) of 52.212-3, Offeror Representations and Certifications—Commercial Products and Commercial Services. Agencies will not consider or use these representations. Entities are not required to, nor are they able to, update their entity registration to remove these representations in SAM.”