How to bid on a Noldus CatWalk XT Gait Analysis System for NIEHS

What the agency is buying

The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) needs a Noldus CatWalk XT gait analysis system, or an equivalent system. This equipment is for assessing footprints and movement in rats and mice. It will be used to evaluate the locomotor ability of rodents in various experimental models.

The required system includes the CatWalk hardware unit, a walkway, a wheeled frame, a goalbox, a high-speed camera, and all necessary cables. It also includes the CatWalk software license with specific modules, on-site setup and training, an installation drive with sample experiments, maintenance releases, and one year of NoldusCare technical support. All shipping and handling costs must be included in your quote. Delivery is expected within 60 days after the order is placed.

Key dates and what happens at the deadline

Quotes are due by September 14, 2026, at 12:00 PM Eastern Time. This is a firm deadline, and late submissions may not be considered. The government anticipates awarding a firm fixed-price purchase order based on the submitted quotes.

Who this opportunity suits

This opportunity is a small-business set-aside under NAICS code 334516, which has a size standard of 1000 employees. It is suitable for small businesses that can supply advanced scientific laboratory equipment, specifically gait analysis systems for research purposes. Vendors should be able to provide not only the hardware and software but also installation, training, and ongoing technical support.

How to respond

To access the full solicitation and prepare your response, you will need to view the original source on the portal. Click the link provided 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 all documents, though this is not always required.

Your quote should address all requirements, including the brand name or equal specifications. Ensure all shipping and handling costs are included in your price. You must also comply with all incorporated provisions and clauses, some of which require information to be completed by the offeror.

Tips for a competitive response

When preparing your quote, clearly demonstrate how your proposed equipment meets or exceeds the requirements outlined in Attachment 1: Requirements Document. If offering an equivalent system, provide detailed technical specifications to show its comparability to the Noldus CatWalk XT system.

The evaluation factors are technical capability, past performance, and price. Technical and past performance combined are significantly more important than price. Therefore, emphasize your firm's ability to meet the technical requirements and highlight any relevant past performance in providing similar systems or services. Ensure your System for Award Management (SAM) registration is active and up to date, as this is a mandatory requirement for federal contractors.