INTENT TO AWARD TO A SINGLE SOURCE - OPENTRONS ROBOT

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) intends to award a sole‑source purchase order to Opentrons for a Flex Liquid Handler robot and three years of service to automate eDNA metabarcoding workflows at the National Systematics Laboratory, Smithsonian Museum Support Center in Suitland, MD. The procurement is justified because Opentrons is the only vendor that offers the required open‑source Python API, modular hardware, and a user‑friendly interface tailored for biologists. The contract will run for three years from the award date, covering the robot hardware, installation, training, and ongoing maintenance/support. • Sole‑source award under FAR 6.103‑1 to Opentrons. • Deliverable: Opentrons Flex Liquid Handler robot plus three‑year service agreement. • Location: National Systematics Laboratory, Smithsonian Museum Support Center, Suitland, MD. • Period of performance: 3 years from award. • Contact: Heather Mahle (NOAA), email [email protected], phone (323) 372‑1750. • No competitive solicitation; interested firms may submit supporting documentation within 15 days of notice. • NAICS code: 334516 (Electronic Instrument Manufacturing). • Budget estimate (see payout section) suggests a mid‑six‑figure contract.