Thermocycler

Administrative Officer

Charlotta Andersson

Institution / equivalent

Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics

Inquiry

About Stockholm University

Stockholm University is characterized by openness and an innovative and cross-border activity in Sweden´s capital. Ranked as one of the world´s top 100 HEIs, Stockholm University is one of Europe´s leading institutions for higher education and research in human sciences and natural sciences.

Stockholm University was founded in 1878 with the ambition to renew the traditional universities in Sweden. Close contacts and an active exchange of experience and knowledge with the outside world characterize the business since its inception.

33,000 students, 1,600 doctoral students and 5,500 employees are active at Stockholm University. Within the science areas of science and human sciences, 190 study programs and 1,700 courses are offered. The university has a total turnover of SEK 4.93 billion.

Stockholm University contributes to knowledge development in a global perspective and in collaboration with others. This is done through education and research in the international front line, as well as in cross-border and multidisciplinary studies. In collaboration with the surrounding society, knowledge is made available to everyone through dialogue and participation in debate and social development.

1 About the contracting institution

The Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics is composed of more than 30 active research groups that span across a broad range of topics covering various aspects of structure and function in biological systems. The combination of the highly interdisciplinary expertise and research projects at the Departments is unique in Sweden and also at an international level. This expertise ranges across cell biology, biochemistry, biophysics and theory with the majority of these disciplines centered on biological membranes. Specific research topics include: membrane protein biogenesis, topology and assembly; mitochondria and chloroplasts; protein structure, function, and disease; protein folding and trafficking; lipid biosynthesis and function; energy conversion and biological nitrogen fixation; DNA-RNA-PNA interactions; bioinformatics; and computational structural biology, biochemistry, and development of theoretical tools.

The experimental studies are performed in different organisms and and combine a wide range of advanced biochemical and biophysical techniques.

2 Goals and purpose

We are looking to purchase a thermocycler machine for a protein biochemistry and biophysics laboratory. This machine is principally used for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) experiments allowing researchers to modify DNA stands enabling efficient and cost effective production of recombinant proteins. These proteins are the primary biomolecule of study in the laboratory making this a key piece of equipment.

3 Requirement specification

Thermocycler (product) requirements:

The product must have the ability to hold at least 96x 0.2 µL PCR tubes, in 2 independent reaction blocks (i.e. 2x 48, but different divisions acceptable) allowing one machine to be used for 2 separate protocols simultaneously. If available in one product, 2x 96 reaction blocks would be desirable.

The product must have an independent heated lid (up to at least 105°C) for each reaction block to allow reaction without the use of immersion oil. It must have the ability to quickly (<5°C/s) and accurately (±0.2°C) change temperature between 4 and 98°C and have a temperature gradient setting or individual lane/tube temperature control.

The reaction blocks must be exchangeable for future upgrades to different reaction volumes or protocols (i.e. RT-PCR or 384-well).

The product must be compatible with consumables and reagents from many suppliers without affecting the warranty.

The product should be available for delivery as soon as possible, ideally within 1-2 weeks of the tender decision.

The product must have a warranty of >2 years or include a complete service contract for at least 2 years that includes local servicing or a loaner product reduce downtime.

Spare parts for the product must be available for >5 years from the date of purchase to ensure product longevity.

The product must be CE-marked (includes environmental requirements and constitutes standard)

Optional features: Ability for networking/PC connection for easier programming of protocols.

4 Quotation

When deciding on the supplier, we will consider which product offers the desired functionality as well as products that offer faster, more accurate, or more efficient operation. We will consider the price in balance with the warranty and track record that will furthest extend the lifetime of the product to avoid replacement costs.

We expect quotation regarding the above and wish the following to be stated in the quotation;

Price (state the total price for delivery, and options for extended warranty or service contract)

No other costs may be added for the commission´s implementation.

Answer in the tender how the offered product meets the requirement specification:

The quotation will be submitted no later than 2020-07-03

The quotation must be binding with 2020-08-03

5. Evaluation and award (supplier selection)

The supplier offering the most advantageous solution to the contract is awarded the contract. SU evaluates the tenders in accordance with the above requirements.