Automated Liquid Handling Platform

This document is a Vendor Response Form (Attachment 1) for a federal Sources Sought Notice (Notice ID: SSN-CBER-2026-135922) issued by the government. The procurement is for an "Automated Liquid Handling Platform" under NAICS code 334516 (Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing). The form is designed to collect market research information from potential vendors to assess industry capabilities, particularly among small businesses, and to determine domestic manufacturing availability. Key sections of the form include: - **Company Information (Section 4.0):** Collects standard administrative data, including UEI/CAGE codes, SAM.gov registration status, business size, socioeconomic categories (such as 8(a), HUBZone, SDVOSB, and WOSB), and existing contract vehicles. - **Small Business Capability (Section 5.0):** Evaluates the respondent's role (manufacturer, distributor, or reseller), compliance with the nonmanufacturer rule, technical capability, relevant experience, quality certifications, and potential teaming or subcontracting arrangements. - **Domestic Manufacture and Availability (Section 6.0):** Gathers details on the country of origin, domestic content percentages, COTS status, production capacity, lead times, and potential domestic supply chain constraints in alignment with Buy American Act and Trade Agreements Act guidelines. Respondents must submit the completed form in its native Microsoft Excel (.xlsx) format without altering the layout.

This federal requirements document details the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) plans to acquire one new automated liquid handling platform for the Laboratory of Hepatitis Viruses. To meet specific space, containment, and low-volume dispensing needs, the FDA specifies the Agilent Technologies Bravo Automated Liquid Handling Platform as the only model capable of satisfying its requirements. The scope of procurement includes the benchtop platform, a dedicated Windows control computer with workstation-bound software, adaptors, and attachments. Key technical specifications require a 15-position deck capacity, interchangeable 96- or 384-channel pipetting heads, serial dilution capabilities, and a dispensing range of 0.1 to 200 microliters with maximum 5% deviation. The unit must fit inside a standard biosafety cabinet and support future configurations for shaking, filtration, and temperature control. The transaction includes delivery to the FDA's White Oak Campus within 30 days of award, installation within 90 days of delivery, on-site operator training for up to three personnel, and technical documentation. It also features a 12-month manufacturer’s warranty and ancillary preventative maintenance, including at least one on-site service visit. Final acceptance is contingent upon successful system installation, operational qualification testing, and verification of dispensing accuracy.

This Sources Sought Notice (Notice ID: CBER-2026-135922) is issued by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for market research to identify potential sources capable of providing a benchtop automated liquid handling platform. The primary goals are to locate domestic manufacturers to satisfy Buy American statute requirements and to determine if sufficient small business capacity exists to support a set-aside acquisition under FAR Part 19. The FDA requires one newly manufactured liquid handling system, with the Agilent Technologies Bravo platform cited as an exemplar of the required salient characteristics. Key technical specifications include a dedicated control computer, the ability to fit inside a specified biosafety cabinet, a minimum 15-position deck, interchangeable 96- or 384-channel pipetting heads, and precise dispensing capabilities from 0.1 to 200 microliters. The procurement also encompasses installation, verification, software licensing, and on-site operator training for up to three people. Delivery is required within 30 days of award to the FDA White Oak Campus in Silver Spring, Maryland. Interested vendors must submit their responses via email. A complete submission consists of a completed Vendor Response Form in its native Microsoft Excel format and a capability statement of no more than five pages in PDF format. Responses will be used to shape the final acquisition strategy, including potential set-aside decisions and domestic availability determinations. No pricing information should be submitted.