Agilent xCELLigence multiple-plate, real-time cell analyzer

Background
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) intends to award a Firm-Fixed-Price Purchase Order to Agilent Technologies Inc. for the xCELLigence multiple-plate, real-time cell analyzer. This system will be hosted by the CCR Genomics Core under Dr. Liz Conner, supporting the development of novel cell-based cancer therapies at CCR.

The CCR Genomics Core is engaged in translational research for various cancer therapies, including CAR and TCR-based therapies, antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), and small-molecule agents. The xCELLigence RTCA MP system is crucial for high-throughput, kinetic immune cell functional assays, reinforcing its importance for the NCI's adoptive cell and other immune therapy programs.

Work Details
The contract involves the procurement of the Agilent xCELLigence RTCA MP system, which provides a non-invasive, label-free, impedance-based platform to continuously monitor cell health, behavior, and function over assay windows spanning seconds to days while maintaining physiological culture conditions.

This technology supports potency assay development in the context of FDA approval for CAR T therapy (AUCATZYL, Autolus Inc).

Period of Performance
Approximately ten (10) days after the date of this notice.

Place of Performance
Building 37, National Cancer Institute (NCI), National Institutes of Health (NIH).

Bidder Requirements
This notice is not a request for competitive quotes; however, small businesses such as 8(a), service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses, HUBZone small businesses, small disadvantaged businesses, veteran-owned small businesses, and women-owned small businesses may submit a written capability statement demonstrating their ability to perform the requirement.

Incumbent Analysis (see Incumbents section for more detail)
This opportunity appears to have a confirmed incumbent, with Agilent Technologies listed on multiple closely related prior awards for the xCELLigence RTCA MP system. Prior contract details include maintenance/service coverage for the XCELLIGENCE RTCA MP instrument and bundle (e.g., 75N91025P00443, $22,092 for 08/01/25–07/31/26) as well as service agreements for the ACEA/XCELLIGENCE RTCA MP platform in earlier periods (e.g., 75N91024P00244, $21,036; 75N91023P00298, $20,220). The recurring instrument-specific maintenance and service work suggests continuity supporting the same real-time, label-free impedance monitoring use case at NIH.