6640--678 - LIQUID HANDLER

The Department of Veterans Affairs, through its Network Contracting Office 22, is soliciting an automated high-throughput liquid handling system under solicitation number 36C26226Q0899 to support VA SHIELD research operations by automating the precise aliquoting of biospecimens from source tubes into microplates at a capacity of 500 to 1,000 cases per batch. The system must be an FLO i8 V3 Positive Displacement Instrument featuring eight independent pipetting channels with a volume range of 0.5 µL to 1,000 µL, capable of non-contact dispensing down to 0.2 µL, and must maintain precision with a coefficient of variation under 5% at 0.5 µL. It must incorporate specialized positive displacement tips, liquid level and well-bottom sensing, an integrated camera/vision verification system, and an external API for lab system integration. The equipment must handle liquids of varying viscosity and volatility, reduce consumable waste, and feature user-friendly software with real-time run monitoring and safety interlocks. Offerors must comply with VA IT security protocols including MOU-ISA documentation and Certification and Accreditation (C&A) requirements, even though no sensitive data will be processed. The Government will provide laboratory space, power, and network access, while the contractor is responsible for on-site installation coordinated with SHIELD staff, user training, and standard warranties. The solicitation is issued as an RFQ under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (FAR Part 12), with award anticipated without discussions, requiring offers to include best technical and pricing terms upfront. All proposals must be submitted by July 3, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. PT, and must include the solicitation number, offeror contact details, technical description, pricing, warranty terms, EFT indicator, SAM registration compliance, Unique Entity Identifier, and a formal affirmation of agreement to all solicitation terms without modification. The system is to be delivered and installed at the Southern Arizona VA Health Care System in Tucson, Arizona, and acceptance is contingent on full demonstration of the specified salient characteristics under government observation.