Bid guide
How to bid on Autonomous Mobile Manipulator Robots for CDC
What the CDC is buying and why it matters
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) intends to acquire two ReBeL RBTX-IGUS-0243 mobile robot platforms, manufactured by igus, Inc. These robots are needed to support human-robot interaction research at the NIOSH Robotics Laboratory in Morgantown, West Virginia.
These platforms are essential for two funded research projects focused on improving safety and investigating trust when humans work alongside industrial mobile robots. The robots will be used in controlled experimental studies to evaluate operator behavior, safety, and performance in a secure, isolated environment.
Key dates and what happens at the deadline
This Request for Information (RFI) was published on July 22, 2026. Responses are due by August 07, 2026, at 8:00 AM ET. This is a notice of intent to sole source, meaning the agency plans to award a contract to a specific vendor without full and open competition.
The deadline is for interested parties to submit their capabilities statement if they believe they can provide the required robots with similar specifications. This allows the agency to assess if there are other qualified sources before proceeding with a sole-source award.
Who this opportunity suits
This opportunity is for vendors who can supply autonomous mobile manipulator robots that meet specific technical requirements. The agency is looking for robots compatible with Robot Operating System 2 (ROS 2), equipped with LIDAR and a camera, and capable of local operation without remote vendor access.
Crucially, the robots must comply with CDC IT security policies, meaning no remote access to CDC devices is permitted. This is a procurement for specialized equipment for a research laboratory.
How to respond to this RFI
To access the full details of this opportunity, you will need to view the original source on the portal. Click the designated link to open the opportunity. If the first click takes you to the portal's homepage, click the link again to go directly to the bid.
You may need to create a free account on the portal to view any associated documents. Your response should clearly demonstrate your ability to provide robots that meet all the specified technical and security requirements.
Practical tips for a competitive response
When responding to a sole-source justification, focus on demonstrating that your product is equivalent or superior to the named brand and meets all stated requirements. Clearly outline how your robots are ROS 2 compatible, include LIDAR and a camera, and can operate entirely locally without any need for remote vendor access.
Emphasize your understanding and compliance with strict IT security policies, particularly regarding no remote access. Provide detailed technical specifications and any relevant certifications that prove your product's suitability for a secure, isolated research environment. Highlight any past experience supplying similar equipment to government or research institutions.
See the live bid — deadline, agency details, and how to respond
Dates and requirements can change via addenda; always verify on the bid page and at the original source before responding.
View this bid on BiddingSimpleThis guide was prepared by BiddingSimple from the solicitation’s public posting. It is not official guidance from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; the original posting controls.