Automated Protein Analysis System

Texas A&M AgriLife Research is seeking bids for the purchase of an automated protein analysis system. Bidders shall offer a unit price response for each line item in this bid.

The Sun Lab, part of the Texas A&M University Department of Nutrition, conducts research focused on immunometabolism, inflammation, and aging, with an emphasis on understanding the molecular and cellular mechanisms that influence metabolic health, immune function, and healthspan.

Required Specifications

The proposed system must meet all minimum requirements:

1. Integrated protein analysis: Perform automated, size-based protein separation, antibody-specific immunodetection, and quantitative analysis within an integrated analytical platform.
2. Low-volume sample analysis: Support protein analysis using no more than 5 µL of sample input per assay for compatible applications, to accommodate limited quantities of primary-cell lysates, small tissue samples, and culture supernatants.
3. Automated workflow: Automate the following key analytical steps to minimize manual handling and operator-dependent variability: protein separation; immunodetection-reagent processing; signal acquisition; quantitative data analysis.
4. Protein sizing: Provide molecular-weight estimation of antibody-detected target proteins using compatible molecular-weight reference standards with a documented protein-sizing range spanning at least 2–440 kDa.
5. Quantitative detection: Provide quantitative measurement of target-specific protein signals.
6. Biological sample compatibility: Support analysis of protein lysates from primary cells and small tissue samples, as well as compatible biological fluids and culture supernatants.
7. Throughput: Capable of processing at least 15 samples in a single run using a compatible standard assay workflow.
8. Multiple detection methods: Support both chemiluminescent and fluorescent detection for antibody-based protein analysis.
9. Sequential immunodetection: Ability to perform two sequential immunodetection rounds on the same sample or analytical unit, including two immunoassays or an immunoassay followed by total-protein detection, without requiring a new biological sample.
10. Data acquisition, analysis, and software functionality: Includes software that supports the following: data acquisition and visualization of protein analysis results; molecular-weight estimation of antibody-detected target proteins using compatible reference standards; quantitative analysis of target-specific protein signals; generation of reports and presentation-ready figures; export of numerical data in TXT, CSV or XLSX format and reports or images in PDF or TIFF format.

Additional Preferred Specifications

• Automated standards detection: Automatically detect and use compatible molecular-weight reference standards to support protein-size estimation, with minimal manual intervention.
• Throughput: Process at least 25 samples in a single run, with a target completion time of three hours or less for a compatible standard assay workflow.
• Low-volume reagent handling: Automated, precise handling of low-volume samples and assay reagents to minimize sample and reagent consumption.

Line Items

• P1: Automated Protein Analysis System, quantity 1.
• P2: Installation and Setup, quantity 1.
• P3: Training for a minimum of (3) three personnel that covers routine instrument operation, assay setup, data acquisition, quantitative [...]
• P4: Shipping & Handling, quantity 1.

Bids should be submitted electronically via the AggieBuy e-procurement platform, or as otherwise instructed. Late bids will not be considered under any circumstances.

Bids will be opened at the date and time specified. The bid opening will be held at 578 John Kimbrough Blvd., Room #413, College Station, Texas 77843. After the bids have been evaluated, the vendor receiving a bid award from this solicitation will be issued a purchase order.

**Payment Terms:** Net 30 days upon successful installation and completion of training and acceptance by the Agency or receipt of correct invoice, whichever is later.

Any bid submitted should include estimated delivery time for the item(s) being offered. Any bid submitted should include complete warranty information for the item(s) being offered.

Prior to the commencement of any services, the awarded vendor shall provide a valid and current certificate of insurance. The vendor shall comply with and maintain all insurance coverages and limits as set forth in the attached *Insurance Requirements*.

The Agency reserves the right to accept or reject any or all bids, to waive informalities and technicalities, to accept the offer considered most advantageous and award the bid based on best value criteria.

Bid prices are requested to be firm for a minimum of 90 days after bid opening date.