Brock University (“the University”) has a requirement for a Extracellular Flux Analyzer (Seahorse XFe24)
The purpose of this Advance Contract Award Notice (ACAN) is to signal the University’s intention to award a contract for the above-noted goods and/or services to the following pre-selected supplier:
Seahorse Biosciences, a part of Agilent Technologies
16 Esquire Road
North Billerica, MA 01862 USA
Prior to awarding this contract, the University is providing other potential suppliers with the opportunity to demonstrate that they are capable of satisfying the requirements as per this ACAN, by submitting a Statement of Capabilities during the posting period. If other potential suppliers submit a Statement of Capabilities that meet the University’s requirements as set out in the ACAN, the University may proceed to a competitive procurement process. If no other supplier submits a Statement of Capabilities on or before the closing date/time, a contract may be awarded to the above-noted pre-selected supplier.
Background
Required is an instrument supporting high-throughput analyses of metabolism in undisturbed adherent monolayers of human or other animal cells growing in culture that can be used to test effects of discovered or invented molecules.
This procurement is to be financed, in part, by the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario) if Brock University is successful in their application to establish a facility targeted to companies in the ecosystems of the Niagara Region and beyond. Brock University is applying to FedDev Ontario for innovative projects through Stream 2: The Regional Innovation Ecosystem Stream. The link to the program can be found at https://www.feddevontario.gc.ca/eic/site/723.nsf/eng/02474.html?OpenDocument
The successful FedDev Ontario application will:
- Increase the number of high-growth firms in the Niagara Region and Southern Ontario.
- Strengthen key clusters and build on areas of regional innovation strength.
- Increase the commercialization of new and innovative technologies, products and/or processes.
- Increase business investments in the adoption/adaptation of leading-edge technologies.
- Create and maintain highly skilled jobs.
- Increase the value of exports.
- Promote inclusive growth and participation of traditionally underrepresented groups such as women, Indigenous and young entrepreneurs.
By partnering with Brock University, proponents will be able to showcase their advanced equipment in our state-of-the-art facility designed to address industry needs. Companies across Southern Ontario using the facility will be able to access equipment applications for their business needs to solve industry problems, develop new products or processes and also have access to training workshops to educate their workforce as equipment and new processes are adopted into the company’s operations. By increasing the exposure and experience of this state-of-the-art equipment to a broad range of industrial sectors the institute will support businesses with adopting new technology into their own business operations and will promote more widespread usage. Greater adoption of advanced technology in various sectors will advance innovation, productivity and quality improvements and will enhance the overall competitiveness of the Canadian economy.
If Brock’s application is successful, Brock will partner with companies and FedDev Ontario to deliver the program.
Minimum Supplier Qualifications
Specifications shall be demonstrated/documented based on established use of the instrument, internationally, for at least a few years. There should be international research sites that can fully attest to satisfactory performance in terms of all the specifications/criteria noted.
Specifications
The instrument must demonstrate the following specifications:
- Measures oxygen consumption rate (OCR) and extracellular acidification (ECAR) rate of live cells simultaneously;
- Uses 96-well tissue culture plates;
- Can make kinetic measurements in real time;
- Completely non-invasive measurements with no addition of dyes, labels, or reporters;
- All measurement reagents are embedded in sterile, disposable cartridges;
- Cells/plate are not affected by XF measurement and may be used for another assay;
- OCR and ECAR are calculated in 2-5 minutes using data acquired every 14 seconds;
- Requires only several thousand cells per well;
- No cleaning required. All parts that contact cells, media, or drugs are disposible;
- Measures adherent cells without requiring trypsinization;
- Suspended cells may be measured using Cell-Tak cell and tissue attachment medium;
- Up to four test compounds may be added automatically to each well. Measurement may be performed before and after each compound is added;
- System must be compatible with Biotek Cytation 1 or 5 to allow for simultaneous, automated cell counting;
- Amenable to zebrafish embryo measurements in addition to primary cell cultures;
- CSA certification to meet Ontario standards must be included.
- Manufacturer must supply, install, and act as a single point of contact for all warranty and service relating to the instrument.
- The supplier must provide a service agreement of at least three (3) years.
Evaluation Criteria
The supplier’s Statement of Capabilities will be evaluated on a pass or fail basis based on their ability to meet the specifications and requirements outlined above. If the specifications set above are not met, please provide an explanation, including recommendations as to why the different specification or performance features meets or exceeds the University’s requirements.
Contract Term
Anticipated Delivery is May 2019 (subject to funding).
Single/Sole Source Justification
No alternative or substitute exists that meets the full range of specific technical and research requirements.
University Contact:
All questions related to this ACAN must be sent to the following contact no later than January 29, 2019:
Hilary Lindfield
Buyer, Brock University
hlindfield@brocku.ca
