Bio-capacitance probe system

The National Research Council of Canada is seeking a four-probe bio-capacitance system capable of real-time measurement of bio-capacitance in up to four bioreactors simultaneously, enabling continuous estimation of viable cell concentration and derivation of critical cell culture parameters such as cell size, internal conductivity, and critical frequency through multi-frequency analysis of the β-dispersion signal using the Cole–Cole α model. The system must feature probes compatible with the agency’s diverse bioreactor platforms and support real-time data capture via both OPC-UA and 4–20 mA communication protocols to enable direct integration into process control loops. All hardware must be new, off-the-shelf, non-counterfeit, and fully traceable to the original manufacturer, with clear unencumbered title guaranteed by the contractor. The system must be delivered within 12 weeks of award to the NRC facility in Montreal under DAP Incoterms®2020 delivery terms, accompanied by technical documentation in hard and digital formats, operation software, a calibration signal simulator (optional), and guaranteed spare parts availability for five years alongside one year of technical support. The solicitation follows a Low Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA) evaluation methodology, where offerors must first meet all mandatory technical requirements—detailed in Annex C and E—to qualify for price consideration, with award going solely to the lowest-priced compliant proposal. Proposals must be submitted electronically in two separate attachments—technical and financial—via email only, with a total file size not exceeding 10 MB, and must include completed Offer Submission and Declaration Forms adhering to the Federal Contractors Program for Employment Equity requirements. No security clearance is required, and the contractor must certify compliance with ethical procurement standards, prohibitions on contingency fees, international sanctions, and forced labor laws. All contract records must be retained for seven years post-final payment, and invoices must be submitted electronically to a designated NRC email, with payment processed via direct deposit, EDI, or wire transfer. Packaging must comply with Canadian standards and emphasize environmentally preferable materials, while labeling must include item descriptions, quantities, contract ID, and inspection voucher information. Acceptance of goods will occur at the delivery site within 30 days of notification, with the government retaining full authority for inspection and rejection of non-conforming systems.