Establishment of Long-Term Agreements for the Supply of Modular Containerized Biosafety Laboratories for UN Web Buy Plus

New clarification added: Question: We are interested to bid this tender. We request you to please share the drawings for the evaluation.Answer: The technical requirements in this bid are very clear and the technical drawing must be provided by each bidder according to his design.Question: Is it necessary to arrange the 25KVA generator set inside the container? If it is indeed necessary to arrange it inside the container, the area requirements for each functional area of the laboratory will not be met.Answer: Please check carefully the technical requirements for the generator set. It is external to the container. From the technical requirements, you can read the following statement: ''permanent installation and separated external compartment options shall be provided.Question: We noticed the description of external structure for Lot 3 and Lot 4: "40 ft standard maritime shipping container, high cube size (approximately 12 m L x 3 m W x 2.6 m H, ISO 45G1 or equivalent, CSC certified and ISO 6346 compliant)". The standard width of the 40 ft should be 2.3m, which is much different with the required 3m W. Please kindly clarify.Answer : This is a ''high cube'' size shipping container and the dimensions specified are external and approximate.Question : Besides, Regarding equipment "Blood and biological fluids analyser", we kindly request for the clarification:Could you please clarify whether the requirement refers to:a) A hematology analyzer with a validated body fluid (BF) analysis mode, capable of performing cellular analysis of whole blood and body fluids (e.g. CSF, pleural fluid, ascites),orb) A biochemistry (chemistry) analyzer, capable of analyzing biochemical parameters in whole blood and various biological fluids (e.g. serum, plasma, urine, CSF), without cellular analysis.Answer: This is item is subject to customer'srequirements. Precision will be given at a later stage. So it could A hematology analyzer with a validated body fluid (BF) analysis mode, capable of performing cellular analysis of whole blood and body fluids (e.g. CSF, pleural fluid, ascites),or A biochemistry (chemistry) analyzer, capable of analyzing biochemical parameters in whole blood and various biological fluids (e.g. serum, plasma, urine, CSF), without cellular analysis.Question: What is meant by the requirement for four airlocks? Does this imply four separate rooms, or does it consist of two airlocks for entry into the main laboratory space and two additional airlocks for exit?Answer : “Four airlocks” means that four separate controlled transition spaces are used to strictly manage airflow, pressure differentials, and contamination control between areas of different biosafety risk. Question: When “airtight doors” are referenced, does this specifically mean (APR) gas-tight doors, or does it refer to low-leakage doors?Answer : ''Airtight doors'' means low-leakage, pressure-rated doors Question: Could you please clarify the distinction between standard lots and customisable lots?Answer: Each lot represents a separate scope of supply with defined technical requirements. Please kindly go through the Annex 1 Form D Technical Bid Forms_ITB-2025-60330. Question: Given the HVAC requirements specified per lot, can it be assumed that all associated equipment will be installed externally? If these lots are intended to function as mobile laboratories, the equipment layout may need to be reviewed and confirmed at a later stage.Answer: Correct. The HVAC associated equipement system will be considered to be installed externally and the layout may be reviewed and confirmedat a later stage.Question: How many eye-wash stations are required per laboratory? Can we assume one eye-wash station per lot?Answer: One eye-wash station per BSL is required. Question: Regarding the workstation laptop intended to interface with laboratory equipment and the LIMS, should the pricing reflect the laptop hardware only, excluding any associated software?Answer: The pricing of the laptop must reflect both hardware and OS. Question: For certain items (for example, Item 1.35), options are requested, but only a single pricing field is provided. Where should the costs for optional items be included?Answer : The quoted unit rate per linear meter shall be all-inclusive and shall cover all specified configurations, including single and double sinks and hands-free operated tap Question: Requirement 9.29 states: “Provide option for single and double sink and for hands-free operated taps.” Kindly clarify what is intended by “hands-free operated taps.” Specifically, does this refer to elbow-operated, foot-operated, or sensor-activated taps?Answer : “Hands-free operated taps” means any tap that can be operated without using the hands, to reduce cross-contamination. Question: The hydraulic or electrical stands/legs requirements indicate that a “safety measure to prevent the vehicle from moving when the stands/legs are deployed” must be provided. Kindly clarify what specific stands are being referred to.Answer : As specified in the technical requirements, these "Hydraulic or electrical stands/legs" are for the installation and the levelling of the laboratory and a safety measure to prevent the vehicle to move when they are deployed. For instance, this specification does not require the BSL to be lifted off from the vehicle bed instead of using a crane. It is subject to the bidder design to comply with the requirement. Question:  Annex 1 states: “Design and HVAC system compliant to ISO 14644 family standards, in particular, but not limited to, ISO 14644-1 and ISO 14644-4.” These standards apply to cleanroom design and classification and are not typically applicable to BSL-2 laboratories. As BSL-2 spaces are not graded to cleanroom standards, please clarify how these requirements should be interpreted and implemented within the context of this project.Answer: ISO 14644 can be applied in specific BSL-2 contexts where environmental cleanliness matters, such as: Clinical diagnostic laboratories, Molecular, biology / PCR rooms, Cell culture rooms, Vaccine or reagent preparation areas, Medical device testing labs and Sample preparation and pre-analytical areas. This Design of the HVAC system requirement is to give possibility to UNOSP Project team to opt for a specific BSL-2 at a later stage. 

New clarification added: Question: Due to the technical features and customization requirements of this tender, we would like to request the detailed drawings for each lot. This will help us ensure accurate compliance with specifications and prepare a complete proposal.Answer: The technical requirements in this bid are very clear and the technical drawing must be provided by each bidder according to his design.Question: We would kindly request a clarification regarding the financial submission for Lots where a customisable modular laboratory is requested.For certain Lots, the technical solution can be offered in more than one customisable configuration (e.g. different internal layouts or levels of equipment integration), with all configurations being fully compliant with the technical, functional and biosafety requirements specified in the tender documents.Could you please clarify the correct approach for the Financial Bid Form (Annex 3 – Form C) in such cases? Specifically, should bidders:submit a single price per Lot, covering all compliant customisable configurations, orindicate separate prices for each customisable configuration within the same Lot, if permitted?We would appreciate your guidance to ensure full compliance with UNOPS requirements and correct completion of the financial proposal.Answer: As alternative offers are not accepted under the tender conditions, bidders shall submit one single price per Lot in Financial Bid Form (Annex 3 – Form C). This price must correspond to one fully compliant solution. Multiple prices for different configurations within the same Lot are not permitted.

New clarification added: Question:  What would be the typical 'lead time' from “Tender Approval” to “Purchase Order” to “Delivery”? We do not stock the required equipment, so we have to cater for items that might have long lead times, and that are going to affect our own project time.Answer: Bidders are requested to clearly state their shortest delivery time for each quoted product in the Price Form. Based on the stated delivery period, the end users will make the purchasing decision Question: “Technical assistance, maintenance, service, repairs and overhaul of the Goods” - What is the expectation from the “end-user”? Will this be region specific, will SLA’s be required?Answer: After the warranty period ends, if the end-user requires post-delivery support to ensure the continued and effective operation of the supplied equipment, a separate service agreement will be signed with the supplier /local agent.Question:  What is the Bid Validity? Document “Tender Particulars” not received.Answer: The bid validity period is 120 days. Please read the tender particulars.Question:  BANK GUARANTEE - Is this per PO, and can it be replaced with a retention rather than a Bank Guarantee?Answer: The advance payment will be made against a bank guarantee corresponding to each PO value equal to or exceeding USD 750,000.00Question:  At what point do we submit qualifications, or is it only on request?Answer: Bidder qualifications shall be submitted as part of the bid submission. However, the UNOPS may request additional documents or clarifications at any stage during the evaluation process, if required.Question: "Hydraulic or electrical stands/legs" - Does this specification require the container lab to be lifted off from the vehicle bed instead of using a crane?Answer: As specified in the technical requirements, these "Hydraulic or electrical stands/legs" are for the installation and the levelling of the laboratory and a safety measure to prevent the vehicle to move when they are deployed. So this specification does not require the BSL to be lifted off from the vehicle bed instead of using a crane.Question: . When the air flow is intermittent,using a larger compressor sized for peak flow can lead to condensation issues if the air sits in the tank or lines too long because the air flow cools and the moisture drops out. In BSL 2 and BSL 3 intermittent flow is used. Question : In areas where heat and moisture are high this is problematic. 5L tank or larger? Require more specs.Answer: The HVAC system technical requirements described in the bid do not concern compressor sizing but rather the ventilation parameter values required in BSL 2 and 3. Therefore, it is the bidder's responsibility to size their compressors to meet the HVAC requirements described in the bid.Answer: The compressor specified in the lab equipment list is portable and exclusively for operational use within the lab. It should not be confused with the compressor required in the HVAC system.Question:  "Blood and biological fluids analyser" - Which body fluids – pathogens 4 can only be tested in an BSL 4. Assist with more detail.Answer: This is a point-of-care lab equipement which must be capable to analyze whole blood and biological fluids. As specified in the technical requirements, product availability shall cover medium throughput equipment, suitable for Risk Group 1 to 4 pathogens, subject to customer’s requirements. So, no specified body fluids is listed which means that body fluids list is ''open'' for the bidder.Question :  "A set of one Real-time PCR analyser and one mini auto DNA extration and Purification machine" - PCR analyser and one DNA extraction and Purification is highlighted. We shall offer 2 instruments? Or please give a clarificationAnswer: This set consists of two instruments: one Real-time PCR and one mini auto DNA extractor & purification machine.Question: "Microbiology culture and susceptibility system" - Kindly confirm instrument BD – MIGIT. Pathogen 4 – Requires BSL4. Kindly confirm susceptibility system instrument?Answer: A microbiological culture and sensitivity system involves the in vitro culture of a microorganism (bacteria, fungus, …) from a sample (blood, urine, etc.) on a nutrient culture medium, followed by the performance of an antibiogram or other tests to determine its sensitivity (or resistance) to different antibiotics, in order to identify the infection and choose the most effective treatment. This is a compact system.Question:  "Biodecontamination, Testing & Validation equipment" - This equipment is part of the Commissioning engineer equipment. Should not be required as part of the offering – however pricing will be provided. What is the reasoning for including these equiment?Answer: These equipement are ''Non Mandatory option, confirm general availability''. UNOPS project team may choose to order them for maintenance after BSL warranty period.Question:  "Airborne particle counter" - Used in Clean room environment – ISO 14644 STD-positive pressure – not required for BSL 2/3 with negative pressure. Offering will be provided.Answer: The airborne particle counters are used in both BSL-2 and BSL-3 laboratories.These equipement are ''Non Mandatory option, confirm general availability''. UNOPS project team may choose to order them for the BSL maintenance activities after the warranty period.Question: "Evaluation of bids" - What is the minimum qualification? – QTY of instruments – discrepancy - Delivery Schedule - Contract management – KPI's - SLA's?Answer: Please read carefully the tender documents and requirements and please comply.Question: "Design and HVAC system compliant to ISO 14644 family standards, in particular, but not limited to, ISO 14644-1 and ISO 14644-4." - Some regions or countries requires EN- or NSF-Codes of standards. Should we only stick to ISO for now?Answer: Design and HVAC must comply with ISO 14644. Any other standard whose equivalence is proven would also be acceptable.Question:  "Laboratory orbital shaker suitable for mixing samples in tubes, vials and microplates…" - For Tubes, shakers are not preferred due to aerosol potential. Should we stick to a single machine as per specifications?Answer: Your offer must comply with the bid technical requirements. 

New clarification added: Question: In a JV arrangement, do all JV partners need to submit their ISO certificates?Answer: As per the tender particulars, at least one of the joint venture members must meet the criteria.Question: If ISO certification is in the process, will proof of such (policies, etc.) suffice?Answer: No. A valid ISO certificate should be available at the time of evaluation.Question: In a JV partnership, if the lead bidder is not in possession of an ISO, is the submission of a partner’s ISO acceptable?Answer: Yes. 

New clarification added: Question: A bidder has established a holding company and a newly registered contracting subsidiary to manage and consolidate its international projects. The bidder intends to submit a tender for the LTA under the newly registered entity, supported by the experience, technical expertise, and resources of another long-established company within the same group.Can the bidder rely on the experience and technical capability of another group entity to support the bid of the newly registered entity, in order to meet the qualification and experience requirements of the tender?Answer: Bids are evaluated strictly on the basis of the legal entity submitting the bid. The bidding entity must independently meet all eligibility and formal criteria, qualification criteria, and technical criteria as specified in the tender documents.If the bidding entity is unable to fulfil the required criteria independently, it is allowed to submit the bid as a joint venture. In the case of a joint venture, at least one of the joint venture members must meet the required criteria.Question:  Can we work with more than one partner across the available lots ie. do the first 4 lots with one partner and the other 6 lots with another?Answer: A bidder shall not submit more than one bid for the same lot, whether individually or in combination with different joint venture partners. Submitting multiple bids for the same lot will be considered a conflict of interest and will result in the disqualification of all bids for that lot. However, a bidder can participate in different lots with different partners, provided that only one bid is submitted per lotQuestion:  What are the minimum expected standards or certifications for the builders of BSL 2s and BSL 3s?Answer: Bidders are kindly requested to refer to Annex 1 – Form D: Technical Bid Forms (ITB-2025-60330.xlsx), which clearly specifies the required standards and certifications that builders of BSL-2 and BSL-3 laboratories must meet. All applicable requirements are detailed in the relevant sections of this annex and must be complied with at the time of bidding.Question: In relation to the above question, if the builder can build according to standards but do not have ISO 9001, will the bid be accepted?Answer: The quality and safety standards are well described in this bid. They are mandatory. Please check the technical requirements and be sure to complyQuestion: We would like to clarify a few important details regarding the scope of work for the experimental laboratory project.First, we need to understand exactly what is included in the scope of delivery. Are we only providing the experimental laboratory unit itself in a 20-foot or 40-foot container configuration? Or do you require us to also supply and integrate the complete auxiliary systems, including: Power systems,Ventilation/HVAC systems,Diesel generators and Other supporting equipmentIf you need us to provide all of these additional systems, we need to discuss the configuration options. Fitting everything into a single 20-foot or 40-foot container would present significant space constraints. We have several possible solutions:Mounting equipment on top of the main containerAdding a second container on top of the primary unitUsing a multi-container combined configurationPlease let us know your specific requirements so we can provide an accurate proposal and ensure the design meets your needs.Answer: Not all listed equipment needs to be integrated into these BSLs simultaneously. The aim here is to allow for several BSL configurations, adhering to mandatory technical requirements and offering various options. All details are provided in the tender's technical requirements. Please read and comply with the instructions for this tender carefully.Question: The specifications mention “separated external compartment” for generators and “external access” for technical equipment.Question: Are the following configurations acceptable?– Solar panels and generator as separate towable units (per Item 1.23 “autonomous towable”)– Equipment mounted on the container roof– Multi-container combined configurations for larger lotsAnswer: 'The Generator sets'' and ''the fully autonomous towable and compact solar power supply system'' are two different mandatory options. Your available configurations should make it easier to choose whether or not to select one or both options in different BSL configurations.Question:  Are there any reference drawings or photos from similar installations or preferred layout?Answer: The technical requirements in this bid are very clear and the technical drawing must be provided by each bidder according to his design.Question: Is any external/separate mounting is permissible under the tender?Answer: This request is not very clear. Please be precise.

New clarification added: Question: Can you extend the bid closing deadline?Answer: The bid closing deadline is extended until 13 February 2026 at 14:00 UTC.Question: Can you share the pre-bid meeting minutes?Answer: The pre-bid meeting minutes are uploaded under the Documents tab. 

New amendment added #1: Revision of the Deadline date and  Clarifications. The relevant Contract provisions indicated below are amended to read as follows;Deadline under General2026-02-13 14:00 UTC Clarifications under General2026-01-26 15:00 UTCPre-Bid Meeting minutes uploaded under the Document Tab

New clarification added: Question:  Would you please simplify the difrenreces between lots?Answer:  Each lot represents a separate scope of supply with defined technical requirements. Please kindly go through the Annex 1 Form D Technical Bid Forms_ITB-2025-60330.Question: What is the differnet between Modular Containerized and Customisable Modular containerized?Answer:  Please go through the above answer.Question: Please verify which are mandatory and which are option items in each lot?Answer: The mandatory and non-mandatory options for each lot are clearly defined in the tender documents. Bidders are requested to refer to Annex 1 – Form D: Technical Bid Forms (ITB-2025-60330), which outlines the mandatory options for each lot, and Annex 3 – Form C: Financial Bid Form – Mandatory & Non-Mandatory Options (ITB-2025-60330), which clearly differentiates between mandatory options to be priced and non-mandatory options. Bidders must ensure full compliance with all mandatory options and must price for all mandatory options. Questions: would you accept LS prices per lot with no details and just to confirm included items to same time for preparation from our side ?Answer : Lump Sum (LS) pricing per lot without detailed breakdowns will not be accepted. Bidders are required to insert their prices strictly in accordance with the prescribed financial bid formats provided in Annex 2 – Form C: Financial Bid Form (ITB-2025-60330) and Annex 3 – Form C: Financial Bid Form – Mandatory & Non-Mandatory Options (ITB-2025-60330). All pricing must follow the given structure.Question:  The specification mentions that the external material of the container should be resin. However, our standard practice is to use spray painting for external finishing. Please advise if this would be acceptable.Answer: Please read carefully the tender technical requirements for the external structure. It is stated: ''External heavy duty epoxy painted or equivalent paint/coating''.Question: We are able to meet the BSL-2 standard technically; however, we may not be able to provide an official proof or certificate. Kindly confirm if this is acceptable.Answer: Safety and Quality certificates are mandatory for this tender as idnicated in the tender document.Question: With reference to the following requirement included under the external structure: “Hydraulic or electrical stands/legs, n. 4, one per corner of the container and with support pads, for installation and levelling of the laboratory; safety measure to prevent the vehicle to move when stands/legs are deployed.”we kindly request clarification on how these elements shall be considered from a commercial and pricing perspective.Hydraulic or electrical stands/legs represent a significant cost component, regardless of the selected technology. However, these items do not appear to be explicitly listed among the optional items in the financial pricing tables.Could UNOPS please clarify whether:these stands/legs are to be always included in the base price of the laboratory unit;or whether they will be quoted separately, on a project-by-project basis;or if they should be considered optional items, to be priced separately upon request through purchase orders.This clarification is important to ensure correct and consistent financial proposals.Answer : These stands/legs are considered as these BSL accessories. Therefore, they are to be included in the base price of the laboratory unit. 

New clarification added: Question:How are you?This is Zain from Genetics company in Jordan. I would love to ask about the exact location of this tender. Is it in Jordan?, if so please mention the exact location.I also would love to know if we could only submit the machines part as per we are only specialized in providing lab instruments and kits, so it will be hard to be participating in the other parts such as lab constructions.Your prompt response will be highly appreciated.-----Answer: Dear Bidder, kindly check and read carefully the tenders document and please feel free to particpate if you think you think yu meet the tender requirements. Hello dear,  

New clarification added: Question: Dear Sir,We have reviewed the technical specifications and noted that a significant number of laboratory equipment items are listed as mandatory or optional. However, due to space limitations within the facility, it may not be feasible to install all units simultaneously.Based on our understanding, the final selection of equipment marked as mandatory or optional will be determined by the end user at the time of purchase order (PO) issuance, depending on their actual needs and available installation space. Could you please confirm whether this interpretation is correct?In addition, we observed that certain requirements for external structures appear to be intended for a chassis-based laboratory unit. However, there is currently no specified requirement for any chassis in the documentation. We would kindly request your review and clarification on the following points:    - Stairways with handrails for external access, stainless steel, hot dip galvanised steel or aluminium, heavy duty and resistant to atmospheric agents, perforated steps.    - Hydraulic or electrical stands/legs, n. 4, one per corner of the container and with support pads, for installation and levelling of the laboratory; safety measure to prevent the vehicle to move when stands/legs are deployed.Could you please verify whether these structural requirements are applicable and correct in the absence of a chassis specification?We appreciate your support and look forward to your clarification.PEAK-----Answer: Dear Bidder, Your interpretation is correct. This is a tender that will lead to a long-term contract. The selection of items will be made on a case-by-case basis for each project, through purchase orders. The external structural requirements specified for these basic structural elements (BSL) in this tender are correct and applicable; the bidder's offer must comply with them. Other technical aspects not specified in this tender are subject to the design and characteristics of each BSL, and the manufacturer must ensure compliance with quality and safety standards.

New clarification added: Question: Where is the end-user location?Answer: The end users are located in multiple destinations worldwide. The beneficiary country is indicated as “All countries”, and the laboratories will be delivered to various global locations depending on client needs.Question: Can we submit only with one lot of this tender or must we submit with all lots?Answer: Bidders can submit bids for one lot, multiple lots, or all lots, at their own discretion. However, for any lot submitted, the bidder must offer 100% of the items and mandatory requirements within that lot.Question: Do you accept FCA/FOB delivery?Answer: The prices were requested on FCA. Please refer to Annex 2 Form C-Financial Bid Form_ITB-2025-60330.Question: Is there bid security bond or a performance bond?Answer: No bid security and no performance security are required for this tender.Question: What is the duration period of this LTA?Answer: The LTA will be established for an initial period of three (3) years, with a possible extension of up to two (2) additional years.Question: What are the exact quantities that will be ordered per patch order and per item?Answer: There are no predefined quantities per purchase order. Orders will be placed only if and when there is an actual requirement, based on client needs.Question: What are the total quantities for each  will be ordered within LTA duration?Answer: UNOPS does not guarantee any minimum or maximum quantities during the LTA duration. The agreement is non-exclusive and demand-driven.Question: External companies who have no local presence and no local registration in your country accepted to participate and equally will be evaluated with local suppliers?Answer: Yes, external companies without local registration or physical presence in the destination country are eligible to participate and will be evaluated on an equal basis. All bidders must meet all eligibility and qualification requirements in the tender.Question: What are the countries that will be using these units?Answer: The modular biosafety laboratories will be used in any country worldwide, depending on UNOPS client requirements.