AVITI24 upgrade

The National Research Council of Canada is procuring the AVITI24 upgrade system for its existing AVITI sequencing platform through a single-source, non-competitive Advance Contract Award Notice, with Element Biosciences Inc. as the sole qualified supplier due to technical exclusivity. The upgrade must deliver a minimum 50% increase in sequencing output without altering current workflows or consumables, while integrating in situ multiomics capabilities that enable simultaneous detection of RNA, proteins, and morphological markers at subcellular resolution below 250 nm on a unified platform supporting both Next Generation Sequencing and spatial multiomics. Mandatory technical requirements include a random-access dual flow cell design, Q30 quality exceeding 85%, support for 75 bp, 150 bp, and 300 bp read lengths, onboard automation reducing sample preparation to under one hour, compatibility with 1-well, 12-well, and 48-well formats, and high sensitivity across diverse biological samples including cell lines, primary cells, and tissues. The system must be installed, commissioned, and trained on-site at an NRC facility in Ontario (excluding the National Capital Region) by July 31, 2026, with no alternative suppliers capable of meeting these specifications under Canadian government regulations and multiple international trade agreement exceptions. The total estimated contract value is $122,000 CAD, exclusive of GST/HST, and no formal packaging, marking, or logistics standards are specified beyond the technical and performance criteria. The procurement bypasses competitive bidding under Government Contracts Regulations subsection 6(d), citing an absence of technical competition and necessity to protect proprietary intellectual property, with no solicitation for socioeconomic certifications, UEI/CAGE codes, or alternate proposals. All offerors must submit a single Statement of Capabilities via email to the designated point of contact by May 29, 2026, meeting all mandatory criteria on a pass/fail basis, with award determined solely on technical adequacy and exclusivity.