SAM #FD-2026-523

NOAA sole source procurement of SPT Labtech BioMicroLab VC100 instrument and services

NOAA's Northwest Fisheries Science Center is seeking to procure a BioMicroLab VC100 instrument from SPT Labtech Inc. via a sole source contract. - Agency: U.S. Department of Commerce, NOAA, Northwest Fisheries Science Center - Vendor: SPT Labtech Inc. (sole manufacturer and supplier) - Product: BioMicroLab VC100 instrument - Automated, non-contact ultrasonic sensor for sample volume verification - Compatible with 96 well plates and microtubes - Supports mission-critical genomics research - Meets specific technical requirements (Windows 10/11 compatibility, minimum 2 GB RAM, integration with liquid handlers/robotic platforms) - Services included: - On-site remote installation and training - Twelve-month extended warranty/service contract - Delivery location: Seattle, WA - Sole source justification: SPT Labtech is the only vendor able to supply and service the instrument with OEM parts; no suitable alternatives available - Commercial opportunity: No competition due to brand name determination - Period of performance: Installation and training after delivery; 12-month warranty/service contract - Estimated contract value: Likely in the $50,000-$100,000 range based on similar laboratory equipment and service contracts

Description

NWFSC SptTech BioMicroLab VC100 Instrument

NOTICE OF INTENT TO NEGOTIATE A SINGLE-SOURCE CONTRACT

 Special Notice: FD-2026-523 NOAA/NMFS/SEFSC 

The U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Northwest Fisheries Science Center (NWFSC), Office of Management and Budget (OMB) intends to negotiate, on a sole source basis, under the authority of FAR 12.102(a), to SPT Labtech Inc. 

This requirement is for: Services, non-personal, to provide all labor, equipment and materials (unless otherwise provided herein) necessary for SptTech BioMicrolab VC100.

The applicable Size Standard is North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) Code 334516 with a Small business size standard of 1000 employees. This Sole Source Determination is based on NOAAA's requirement for SPT Tech BioMicrolab VC100; SptTech is the sole manufacturer and supplier of the BioMicrolab VC100 and the only vendor capable of servicing and repairing the instrument using required OEM parts. While there are other liquid measuring instruments, none have been found that meet our technical specifications required to support robust, reproducible molecular genetic data generation other than the BioMicroLab VC100.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS: 

The BioMicrolab VC100/384 instruments feature a proprietary ultrasonic sensor that uses distance measurements and a standard curve to determine sample liquid levels in various laboratory consumables (labware), extrapolating the liquid volume from distance in a calibration table created by the user and outputs the volume for each well position. The VC100 replaces visual or manual inspection of well plates to verify sample volume before and after liquid handling operations, or to provide a QC step for assay plate creation. 

1. Functional & Operational Performance

Technology: Patented, non-contact ultrasonic distance-to-meniscus sensor. Primary Application: Automated sample volume verification and quality control (QC) for microplates and tube racks (replaces manual/visual inspection). Labware Compatibility: Uncapped or unsealed standard ANSI/SLAS 96, 48, and 24-format well plates and tube racks (including shallow, deep-well, and PCR plates). Liquid/Solution Compatibility: Water, alcohols, buffers, DMSO, and other common laboratory solvents. Throughput Speed: Scans and detects sample volumes across a full 96-well plate in 1 minute. Sensitivity/Accuracy: Liquid level sensors detect volume changes down to the sub-10 $\mu$L range (tested on 96-well formats). Consumables Required: None (operates directly on existing compatible labware without specialized adapters).

2. Physical & Environmental Specifications

Dimensions (W × D × H): 11.5" × 26.5" × 12.5" / 29.5 cm × 68 cm × 32 cm (depth specification includes required cable clearance and full tray extension). Weight: 33.25 lbs / 15.0 kg. Operating Temperature: 10°C to 40°C. Operating Humidity: 10% to 90% RH (Non-condensing). Placement Requirement: Level, vibration-free laboratory benchtop space.

3. Electrical & Power Requirements

Input Voltage: 100–240 VAC universal power supply. Frequency: 50/60 Hz. Connectivity: Powered/controlled via a single dedicated USB port connection to a host PC.

4. Software & System Requirements

Operating System Compatibility: Windows 10 or Windows 11 (supports both 32-bit and 64-bit systems). Hardware Prerequisites: Minimum 2 GB RAM laptop PC. Data Output Format: Automatically generates comma-separated values (.csv) file outputs mapping volume metrics on a well-by-well basis; native utility for printing or generating PDF plate reports. Automation Integration: ActiveX toolkit available to support integration with downstream liquid handlers and robotic platforms.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: 

On site BioMicroLab VC Remote Installation & Training required (Period of Performance, DOA - 12/1/2026). Twelve month BioMicroLab VC100 reliance complete Service Contract as extended warranty required to support instrument performance. (Period of Performance, DOA - 8/31/2028).

DELIVERY SCHEDULE: 

The SptTech BioMicroLab VC100 must be delivered by 11/1/2026.

On site training to be completed by 12/1/2026.

12 month extended warranty/service contract valid through 8/31/2028.

DELIVERY LOCATION: 

Northwest Fisheries Science Center

6050 NE 65th Street

Seattle, WA 98115

 **THIS NOTICE OF INTENT IS NOT A REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE PROPOSALS AND NO SOLICITATION PACKAGE IS AVAILABLE. HOWEVER, FIRMS THAT BELIEVE THEY CAN FULLY MEET THE GOVERNMENT'S REQUIREMENTS MAY SUBMIT SUBSTANTIATING DOCUMENTATION IN WRITING TO THE IDENTIFIED POINT OF CONTACT WITHIN 15 DAYS AFTER PUBLICATION OF THIS SYNOPSIS. SUCH DOCUMENTATION 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 CONDUCT A COMPETITIVE PROCUREMENT, BASED UPON RESPONSES TO THIS NOTICE, IS SOLELY WITHIN THE DISCRETION OF THE GOVERNMENT. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS ARE NOT ACCEPTABLE IN RESPONSE TO THIS NOTICE.

Attachments: Single Source Determination

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