How to bid on MaxCyte ExPERT GTx Electroporation Device for NIH

What the NIH is buying and why it matters

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) Clinical Center in Bethesda, Maryland, intends to purchase one MaxCyte ExPERT GTx electroporation platform. This includes accessories, freight, installation, and Installation/Operational Qualification (IQ/OQ) services. This equipment is crucial for the Center for Cellular Engineering (CCE) to continue manufacturing cell-based therapies under Current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) regulations.

The new system will replace an older MaxCyte Gen2 GT model that will no longer be supported by the manufacturer. The ExPERT GTx is needed to maintain validated cGMP cell-therapy manufacturing operations and ensure continuity of ongoing clinical protocols. This is an informational notice, not a request for quotes, but it offers a chance for other vendors to demonstrate if they can provide equivalent equipment and services.

Key dates and what happens at the deadline

This notice was published on July 29, 2026. If you intend to submit a capability statement, it must be received by August 07, 2026, at 2:00 PM ET. This is not a bidding deadline in the traditional sense, as the NIH intends a sole-source award to MaxCyte, Inc. However, submitting a capability statement by this date is your opportunity to show the government that other sources are available.

After the deadline, the government will evaluate any received capability statements. The decision to not compete this requirement remains at the government's discretion.

Who this opportunity suits

This opportunity is for vendors who can supply advanced laboratory equipment, specifically electroporation platforms, and related services. The relevant NAICS code is 541714, Research and Development in Biotechnology (except Nanobiotechnology), with a size standard of 1,000 employees. The work involves providing equipment for cGMP and clinical applications.

Firms that specialize in clinical-scale electroporation technology, cGMP-compliant cell therapy manufacturing systems, FDA-compatible regulatory documentation support, and manufacturer-validated IQ/OQ services are best suited to respond.

How to respond to this notice

To respond, you must submit a capability statement electronically. Your statement should clearly demonstrate your ability to provide equipment and services equivalent to the MaxCyte ExPERT GTx electroporation platform. This includes clinical-scale electroporation technology, cGMP-compliant cell therapy manufacturing systems, FDA-compatible regulatory documentation support, and manufacturer-validated IQ/OQ services.

Reference POTS: 26-008363 in your submission. Send your capability statement via email to Shasheshe Goolsby, Team Leader, Hospital and Laboratory Support Division, Office of Acquisitions and Logistics Management, National Institutes of Health, at [email protected].

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Tips for preparing a competitive response

Even though this is an RFI for a planned sole-source award, a strong capability statement can still be impactful. Focus on clearly articulating how your product or service meets or exceeds the specific technical capabilities and requirements outlined in the notice. Directly address each point mentioned for the MaxCyte ExPERT GTx, such as FDA Master File support, GMP-compliant closed systems, high transfection efficiency, high cell viability, clinical-scale processing, and compatibility with various cargo types.

Emphasize your firm's experience with cGMP environments and regulatory compliance. Provide concrete examples or data to support your claims regarding performance and reliability. Ensure your statement explicitly confirms your ability to provide manufacturer-certified IQ/OQ qualification services, which is a critical requirement for regulated GMP manufacturing.