66 -- MICROPLATE ROBOT PROCESSING SYSTEM

Notice Date

August 8, 2001

Contracting Office

NASA/Ames Research Center, JA:M/S 241-1, Moffett Field, CA 94035-1000

ZIP Code

94035-1000

Solicitation Number

RFQ2-38104-MXS

Response Due

August 22, 2001

Point of Contact

Marianne Shelley, Purchasing Agent, Phone (650) 604-4179, Fax (650) 604-4357, Email mshelley@mail.arc.nasa.gov -- Ronnee R. Gonzalez, Contracting Officer, Phone (650) 604-4386, Fax (650) 604-4357, Email rgonzalez@mail.arc.nasa.gov

E-Mail Address

Marianne Shelley (mshelley@mail.arc.nasa.gov)

Description

NASA/ARC plans to issue a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for a Velocity11 automation platform. The BioCel 1600 microplate robot processing system will be used in the Center for Nanotechnology at NASA Ames Research Center for automating Cell Growth Protocol. This system integrates a high-speed plate handling robot and flexible dynamic scheduling software with a customized (application-specific, user-specified) suite of modules. The system's unique advantages include overall flexibility, throughput, accuracy, and ease of use of the system. Other required specifications include: 1.) Fully enclosed, base automation platform to utilize a robotic arm with full 360 degree access to all integrated modular components; fits within a 6' X 6' footprint. 2.) Full robotic access to allow plate transfers between modules to be performed within 2 seconds. 3.) Arm capable of handing microplate lids, tip boxes, pin tools, plate stacks, and standard microplates without modification. 4.) Throughput allows 10,000 sequencing reactions per hour. 5.) Microplate stacking units provide interface with the system, capable of storing up to 50 standard microplates per rack with an upstack cycle time of 2.5 seconds. 6.) Software to support non-linear and linear processes, multiple plate formats, as well as complex robotic manipulations. 7.) Integrated bar code reader, uninterruptible power supply, flexible error recovery and climate control. 8.) Icon-based editor for creating and editing protocols. This procurement is being conducted under the Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP). NASA/ARC intends to purchase the items from Velocity11, 435 Acacia Avenue, Palo Alto, CA, 94306. This acquisition is made under the authority of FAR 6.302-1, because of Velocity11's expertise in high-throughput automation solutions. Its ability to custom-tailor solutions will provide a system that best matches NASA's unique requirements for automating their Cell Growth Protocol. The Government intends to acquire a commercial item using FAR Part 12. Interested organizations may submit their capabilities and qualifications to perform the effort in writing to the identified point of contact not later than 12:30 p.m. local time on August 22, 2001. Such capabilities/qualifications will be evaluated solely for the purpose of determining whether or not to conduct this procurement on a competitive basis. A determination by the Government not to compete this proposed effort on a full and open competition basis, based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the government. Oral communications are not acceptable in response to this notice. All responsible sources may submit an offer which shall be considered by the agency. An Ombudsman has been appointed. See NASA Specific Note "B". Any referenced notes can be viewed at the following URL: http://genesis.gsfc.nasa.gov/nasanote.html

Web Link

Click here for the latest information about this notice (http://nais.msfc.nasa.gov/cgi-bin/EPS/bizops.cgi?gr=D&pin=21#RFQ2-38104-MXS)

Record

Loren Data Corp. 20010810/66SOL007.HTM (D-220 SN50U3A3)