Invitation to Proponents
This Request for Proposals ("RFP") is an invitation to prospective Proponents to submit proposals for the provision of “Refresh of Real-Time Thermalcycler Technology at Select Public Health Ontario Laboratories”, as further described in Part 2 - The Deliverables (the “Deliverables"). This RFP is issued by the Ontario Agency for Health Protection and Promotion (“Public Health Ontario") (www.PublicHealthOntario.ca).
Background
Molecular testing methodologies were first introduced at Public Health Ontario Laboratories (PHOL) in 2003, during the SARS outbreak in Ontario. Molecular methods have since grown increasingly significant as research and diagnostic tools at PHOL, and are utilized for basic and applied research, diagnostic testing, and outbreak and surveillance testing. A primary molecular method used across PHOL sites is Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). PCR is performed on thermalcycler instruments, which are configured either as end-point cyclers or real-time cyclers. All research and diagnostic molecular testing performed at PHOL utilizes this technology to perform diagnostic PCR and to generate intermediate products for subsequent DNA sequencing on specialized analyzers, including next generation sequencers. Consequently, thermalcycling platforms are essential to the continued development of research and clinical testing programs at PHOL (diagnostic, surveillance and outbreak testing), and to the associated external collaborations made possible through these programs.
For all further information including full specifications, delivery schedule and terms and conditions, see full MERX package.
Timetable
The following is the schedule for this RFP:
- Issue Date of RFP April 19, 2018
- Proponent's Deadline for Questions 04:00 pm on April 30, 2018
- Deadline for Issuing Addenda 04:00 pm on May 7, 2018
- Proposal Submission Deadline 11:00:00 am Toronto Time on May 22, 2018
Period for Which Proposals are Irrevocable
after Proposal Submission Deadline 180 days
Contract Period
The term of the agreement is to be for a period five (5) years. It is anticipated that the agreement will be executed on or around April 2019.
In order to be considered, proposals in response to this RFP must be received by the Ontario Agency for Health Protection & Promotion, no later than 11:00:00 a.m., Toronto time, May 22, 2018.
Proponents must obtain tender package through MERX.