Special Notice – Notice of Intent to Award a Sole Source Procurement The Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration, Network Contracting Office 17, intends to award a firm-fixed priced contract to Molecular Technologies, LLC for procurement of the following requirement: PURPOSE: The VISN 17 Center of Excellence, located at 4800 Memorial Drive, building 93, MRI W93, Waco, TX 76711 has requested new laboratory instrumentation – SpectraMax iD5e. Vendor will provide a system that meets the outlined specifications below. Additionally, vendor will provide training for Techs and other designated personnel. Section A: Statement of Work Background: The Center of Excellence laboratory requires the acquisition of the SpectraMax iD5e Multi‑Mode Microplate Reader to support current and future research initiatives. This instrument provides five essential detection modes—absorbance, fluorescence, luminescence, time‑resolved fluorescence (TRF), and fluorescence polarization (FP)—within a single research‑grade analytical platform, enabling broad assay compatibility and advanced experimental flexibility. The laboratory conducts multi‑modal biochemical, cellular, and molecular assays requiring high‑precision detection, environmental control, and reproducible data acquisition. The SpectraMax iD5e's hybrid optical system, ultra‑cooled photomultiplier tube (PMT), and NFC‑enabled auto‑identified filters provide the sensitivity, accuracy, and reliability necessary to enhance assay performance and ensure continuity with existing microplate‑based workflows. Required System Capabilities: The procured system must include the following capabilities derived from the manufacturer specifications: Five‑mode detection: absorbance, fluorescence, luminescence, TRF, and FP. Hybrid optical system with high‑efficiency monochromators and NFC‑tagged auto‑identified filters. Ultra‑cooled PMT for high‑sensitivity, low‑noise detection. Temperature control from ambient to 66°C. Compatibility with live‑cell and microbial growth assays through optional CO₂/O₂ gas mixer and advanced shaking. Optional SmartInject™ dual‑injector system for kinetic assays with 10 µL dead volume. SoftMax Pro software with integrated data acquisition, over 200 preconfigured protocols, and optional GxP compliance tools. Research Justification: The SpectraMax iD5e directly supports high‑priority research assays including ELISA, cell viability, microbial growth, enzyme activity, DNA/RNA/protein quantitation, and Western blot detection through the optional ScanLater module. Its enhanced precision and workflow standardization will reduce variability in current assays while enabling future integration of advanced multi‑mode detection methods. Data produced by the iD5e will strengthen the laboratory's analytical rigor and improve the quality of multi‑modal biological and biochemical analyses, directly supporting ongoing research goals and expanding capacity for emerging methodologies. …