Acquisition of an Applied Biosystems QuantStudio 3 Real-Time PCR System

Requirements: To ensure continuity of research, NIAMS proposes the acquisition of an Applied Biosystems QuantStudio 3 Real-Time PCR System. qPCR is a core technology used for nucleic acid amplification, quantification, and analysis and supports a wide range of research applications, including gene expression studies, pathogen detection, transcript quantification, and validation of experimental results. The QuantStudio 3 is the closest replacement to the current StepOnePlus systems, allowing researchers to maintain established workflows and consistency in experimental design and data interpretation. The QuantStudio 3 offers several operational advantages, including user-friendly software, compatibility with both Mac and PC platforms, touchscreen operation, and the ability to function as a standalone instrument or in conjunction with a computer. Its thermal block design is similar to the existing systems, minimizing the learning curve for users and supporting a broad range of genomic applications. In addition, the manufacturer offers trade-in credit for the current instruments, reducing the overall acquisition cost while providing access to a fully supported platform with available parts and technical support. Acquiring the QuantStudio 3 at this time will help prevent interruptions to research activities, maintain reliable and consistent data generation, and ensure that NIAMS laboratories have access to a supported and dependable qPCR platform. 4.1 PRODUCT FEATURES/SALIENT CHARACTERISTICS The contractor shall provide one Applied Biosystems QuantStudio 3 Real-Time PCR System or an equal system that meets all the following minimum requirements. 4.1.1. System Features/Benefits The system shall: • Utilize a platform providing 1 TB or storage space for data sharing at user discretion • be used with online scientific apps • come with desktop-based software, allowing single-plate run setup and analysis. 4.1.2. Technical specifications – Instrument The instrument shall: • have a 96 well 0.1 ml plate block format and the option to run fast protocols <30 minutes • not require a field service engineer for set up by end user. Set up should be easy for end user – directly out of the box. • not require a computer for installation • use an RNase P verification plate to verify performance • not require dye calibration upon installation • have dimensions fo 27 x 50 x 40 cm and be designed to maximize horizonal and vertical bench space • be capable of analyzing 96 samples simultaneously in various formats incluing both 96-well plates, 8-tube strips and individual tubes • the 96-well block should be made of at least 3 separated Peltier elements – VeriFlex Blocks. The maximum temperature difference programmable across the block should be 10 degrees C. 5 degrees C should be the maximum difference in temperature allowed between adjacent blocks. • Support reaction volumes of 10-30 uL on 0.1mL the 96-well block • Be factory calibrated with FAM, SYBR Green 1, VIC, NED, ABY, JUN, TAMRA, and ROX dyes • Have melt or dissociation curves that take place in steps with deltaT varying between 0.015 degrees C and 3.66 degrees C • Have a maximum block ramp rate of 9.0 degrees C/sec for the 0.1 mL block • Have a block with a temperature range of 4-99.9 degrees celcius • Have a heated cover with temperature range of 50-110 degreesC 2 • Have a long-lasting bright white LED source with median lifetime of at least 60,000 hours • Have a CMOS imager for data acquisition and collects data for each filter combination in less than 2 seconds • be used with 120-240 V outlets without modification or special plug requirements • Include a heated lid assembly to heat tops of sample plates and minimize reaction evaporation.  4.1.3 Technical specifications – Instrument onboard computer The system shall: • Possess the capability to run in stand-alone mode, without an attached computer • Include a touchscreen interface and store protocols for quick starts with no computer needed • Have a touchscreen interface that enables viewing amplification plots and filtering them by sample, target and task • Have a touchscreen interface that facilitates uploading of protocols or downloading of run files via a USB, local network and the Connect platform • Have a touchscreen interface that allows uploading of protocols and run files directly to the Connect platform • Contain onboard storage with memory capacity of 10 GB for storing 1,000-5,000 standard absolute quantification run files, and be designed for run protection in case of power outages • Be able to be customized through the touchscreen for time zones and service/calibration notification settings • Have a touchscreen interface that supports the creation of local user accounts with PIN-protected access that can be linked to the Connect platform