Vitrobot Vitrification Robot and Clipping Accessories

Background
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) intends to award a Firm-Fixed-Price Purchase Order to FEI Company for the acquisition of a Vitrobot Vitrification Robot and associated accessories. This procurement is aimed at supporting the Laboratory of Molecular Biology (LMB) in conducting structural biology research focused on Ribonucleic Acid (RNA), ribonucleoprotein complexes, and protein–RNA interactions that are relevant to human health and disease. The NIH has determined that FEI Company is the only known responsible source capable of meeting the required standards for this equipment.

Work Details
The contract includes the purchase of a Thermo Fisher Scientific Vitrobot vitrification system, which is essential for automated and reproducible preparation of cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) grids. Key features include:
- Precise control over environmental parameters such as humidity, temperature, blotting force, blotting time, and plunge timing during vitrification.
- Consistent preparation of high-quality cryo-EM specimens necessary for structural studies performed on cryo-electron microscopes within NIH facilities.
Additionally, the order encompasses specialized accessories necessary for cryo-EM grid preparation workflows, including:
- Grid assembly tools
- Cryo-EM grid handling equipment compatible with automated cryo-electron microscope autoloader systems.

Place of Performance
The products will be delivered to the National Institutes of Health facilities.