1.1 Invitation to Proponents
This Request for Proposals (the “RFP”) is an invitation by the University of Ottawa (the “University”) to prospective proponents to submit proposals for Manual and Automated Larval Zebrafish Acquisition, Positioning and Redistribution System for High-throughput Toxicology Screens – 43247-7A-RFP, as further described in Appendix D (RFP Particulars) Section A (the “Deliverables”).
The requested system will form an integral part of medium-high throughput (single to multiple 96 well formats) phenotyping of zebrafish larvae for toxicology risk assessment in this ethically and economically viable vertebrate model system. The system must be capable of loading individual larvae into a glass pipette and to rotate it manually to optimize orientation for morphometric measurements, including topically expressed fluorescent protein markers. It must allow for i) the minimally invasive acquisition of anesthetized wild-type and transgenic zebrafish larvae after hatching (3-5 days post fertilization) following toxicological exposures of many compounds, mixtures and concentrations in 96 well plate format and custom Petri dish/glass ware containers; ii) the manually controlled positioning of zebrafish larvae to ensure optimal position for standardized imaging, iii) the rapid programmable automation of this initially manually selected process and medium throughput automated imaging necessary for the amount of individual samples (medium-throughput); iv: the pairing of this acquisition / positioning equipment with a different range of light and fluorescence microscopes allowing for imaging flexibility and upgrades according to specific project needs; v: the sorting of larvae and recovery into two different vessels after analysis.
1.2 RFP Contact
To contact the University in relation to this RFP, proponents must register with the University’s public purchasing portal at www.merx.com (the “University’s MERX EBS System”) and initiate the communication electronically through the Question and Answer function. The University will not accept any proponent’s communications by any other means, except as specifically stated in this RFP.
For the purposes of this procurement process, the “RFP Contact” will be:
Ana Lopes
Senior Advisor, Procurement, Research,
alopes@uottawa.ca
Proponents should only contact the RFP Contact where specifically instructed to in this RFP. All other communication in relation to this RFP must be through the University’s MERX EBS System, as described above. Proponents and their representatives are not permitted to contact any employees, officers, agents, elected or appointed officials or other representatives of the University, other than in accordance with this section. Failure to adhere to this rule may result in the disqualification of the proponent and the rejection of the proponent’s proposal.
1.3 Contract for Deliverables
1.3.1 Type of Contract
The selected proponent will be requested to enter into direct contract negotiations to finalize an agreement with the University for the provision of the Deliverables. The standard terms and conditions that are typically found in University agreements are set out in Appendix A – Form of Agreement and are to form the basis for commencing negotiations between the University and the selected proponent. It is the University’s intention to enter into an agreement with only one (1) legal entity.
1.3.2 Term
The term of the agreement is to be for a period of one (1) year, with an option in favour of the University to extend the agreement on the same terms and conditions for an additional term of up to four (4) years.
1.4 RFP Timetable
1.4.1 Key Dates
Issue Date of RFPNovember 29,2024
Deadline for QuestionsDecember 6, 2024, 3:00 PM local time
Submission DeadlineJanuary 3, 2025, 3:00 PM local time
DemonstrationExpected in January 2025 (To be confirmed)
The RFP timetable is tentative only and may be changed by the University at any time. For greater clarity, business days means all days that the University is open for business.
1.4.2 Site Visit / Pre-Bid Meeting (if applicable)
Not applicable
1.5 Submission of Proposals
1.5.1 Proposals to be Submitted at Prescribed Location
Proposals must be submitted through MERX Electronic Proposal Submission (“EBS”) System, the electronic tendering systems used by the University.
For assistance in using MERX, please contact MERX directly at 1-800-964-MERX or visit the MERX website at www.merx.com.
1.5.2 Proposals to be Submitted on Time
Uploading large documents may take significant time, depending on file size and internet connection speed. It is strongly recommended that proponents review the MERX EBS System instructions well in advance of the Submission Deadline and allow sufficient time before the Submission Deadline to upload documents and finalize their submissions. Proponents making submissions near the deadline do so at their own risk. The determination of whether the proposal is delivered by the Submission Deadline shall be based on the electronic time and date stamp generated by the MERX EBS System server, whether or not accurate.
Proponents will receive an email confirmation receipt with a unique confirmation number upon finalizing their submissions.
Late submissions are not permitted and any proposals submitted after the Submission Deadline will be rejected.
