Procurement of a Liquid Handling Robotics Platform

Overview The Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources (National Measurement Institute, ASDTL) is seeking a supplier to provide a liquid handling and robotic automation platform with integrated fume management capabilities, to support automated sample preparation for the anti-doping laboratory. About ASDTL currently uses robotic liquid handling platforms for automated sample extraction workflows. These existing systems do not have fume extraction capabilities and are therefore unsuitable for procedures involving volatile organic solvents. Newly developed workflows using volatile organic solvents have been implemented in the laboratory as part of the Initial Testing Procedure applied to all samples. Purpose ASDTL requires a liquid handling and robotic automation platform with integrated fume management capabilities to ensure the safe handling of volatile solvents and compliance with laboratory health, safety, and operational requirements. The instrumentation must meet WADA standards for analytical capabilities, including limits of detection in matrices such as urine, plasma, serum, and dried blood spots. The exact number and type of instrument(s) purchased will be determined through the tender process, taking into consideration the specific testing needs of the anti-doping laboratory and budgetary constraints. Scope The platform will be used for the solid phase extraction (SPE) of different classes of analytes in complex biological matrices, such as steroids in urine and serum. The scope includes: Liquid Handling and Robotics Platform Processing of 1 to 96 samples in a single batch Aspirating and dispensing of samples and reagents to and from glass tubes (e.g. 12mm x 80mm), GC/LC-MS vials (1.5mL), microfuge tubes (1.5mL), 48 well plates (1–5 mL), 96 well plates (1–2 mL) and small reagent bottles (e.g. 4 mL to 50 mL), with rack arrangements reconfigurable by the user via the supplied software Storage and use of at least 6 different solvents, compatible with TBME, methanol and acetonitrile (compatibility with DCM and hexane also desirable) Routine sample handling operations including aspiration, dispensing, mixing and liquid level detection, with simultaneous dispensing of at least 8 samples with liquid level sensing for each Pipetting volumes of between 15 µL and 1000 µL, with volume measurement precision of at least 2% (preferably less than 1%) Fully automated SPE processing including conditioning, sample addition, washing, and eluent collection into both 48 and 96 deepwell plates (positive pressure and blockage detection highly desirable) An efficient washing system to minimise sample carryover, with carryover of less than 0.1% (disposable pipette tips desirable) Incubation and mixing of samples An exhaust setup compatible with the specified solvents (ducted exhaust desirable) Optional Additional Functionality (Options and Pricing) Sample evaporation in vials or plates SPE conducted with cartridges (3mL and 6mL) Sample distribution using larger capacity containers (glass tubes greater than 16mm width, 24-deep well plate) Liquid-liquid extraction System Control and Software Integrated control of all system components including liquid dispensing, incubation, sample tracking, error logging, and movement of sample holders, preferably with a graphical drag-and-drop interface Compatibility with NMI-supplied computer endpoints, with technical justification provided where an NMI-supplied endpoint is unsuitable Downloading sample data from, and uploading collected data to, the existing laboratory LIMS system (highly desirable) Instrument Commissioning and Training Delivery, installation and setup On-site training for up to 3 staff for a minimum of 3 days, covering instrument familiarisation, software use, routine maintenance, method development, optimisation and troubleshooting Equipment to operate on single phase 240V power with a maximum rating of 15A for any individual component Contractor Requirements Single supplier service for maintenance and repair of all system components, with a demonstrated reliable local support base Service call response time of less than 24 hours (highly desirable) Customer support available for at least 5 years (highly desirable) Contract Terms and Conditions At least one year full warranty covering the robotic platform, software and ancillary devices, including an annual scheduled preventative maintenance visit, repairs (parts, labour and travel), priority phone support within 2 hours, and free software and firmware updates Service contract options and costs for up to 5 years after warranty Delivery within 8 weeks of notification of the successful tender, with commissioning and training completed within 4 weeks of delivery (highly desirable) Target implementation date of 29 January 2027 Information Requested A minimum of three referees with experience using the system Platform dimensions The earliest achievable delivery and implementation timeframe Instructions to Tenderers Suppliers must respond to section 3.2, pages 27 to 32, of the Supplier Response Form as a condition for participation Submissions are to be lodged via www.tenders.gov.au