Supply of Laboratory Equipment (Fat Analyzer & Microbiology Incubator & Cryogenic Freezer) for SES Uzbekistan

New clarification added: Q6: Could the deadline be extended from 2026-06-15 07:00 UTC to 2026-06-24 07:00 UTC?A6: No, the deadline cannot be extended and remains as previously set at 2026-06-15 07:00 UTC.

New clarification added: Q5: According to ITB/2026/63109, Section III – Returnable Bidding Forms, Form D – Technical Bid Form, Lot No. 2 (Microbiology Incubator with CO₂ Control and Humidity), S/N 15 states: “Adjustable timer from 1 minute to 24 hours via keypad or rotary knob.” Clarification is requested as to whether this requirement may be removed, noting that, after consultation with the manufacturer, a timer function is not considered necessary for this type of equipment, as the incubator is intended for continuous operation under stable temperature, humidity, and CO₂ conditions over long culture periods, where these parameters are regulated by preset values through a microprocessor system rather than time-based control, and that timer functions are typically applicable to equipment requiring cyclic or time-limited operation (such as thermoshakers or programmable thermostats), whereas for incubators stability of environmental conditions is critical and not time-based operation, and further noting the manufacturer’s statement that cell culture is a continuous and uninterrupted process where starting or stopping the system via a timer may disrupt environmental stability and affect experimental outcomes, while routine operations such as cell passage, medium change, and sampling are performed based on manual observation rather than fixed schedules, and therefore continuous 24-hour operation is standard practice and the timer function is generally limited to short-term processes such as sterilization or sample handling.  A5: An adjustable timer is specifically required by the end user for the incubator in order to manage automated decontamination cycles, schedule filter maintenance, and conduct time-sensitive bacterial growth studies. Therefore, the request for removal of this requirement is not accepted. The technical specifications remain unchanged. Offers will be evaluated in accordance with the technical requirements stated in the solicitation document.

New clarification added: Q4: According to ITB/2026/63109, Section III – Returnable Bidding Forms, Form D – Technical Bid Form, Lot No. 2 (Microbiology Incubator with CO₂ Control and Humidity), S/N 11 states: “Humidity control up to 90% or higher with an accuracy of no worse than ±5%.” Clarification is requested as to whether this requirement may be rephrased or removed, noting that the manufacturer indicates that a dedicated humidity controller is not required for this type of equipment, as the incubator operates under a relative humidity control mode and routinely maintains stable humidity levels above 90% RH, which is the general standard for cell culture, and that minor fluctuations caused by door opening, CO₂ introduction, and slight temperature variations do not affect cell growth, while cell cultures have a wide tolerance range within 90%–95% relative humidity and therefore do not require high-precision fixed-point humidity control.A4: Maintaining 90% to 95% relative humidity (RH) in a CO₂ incubator is essential to prevent evaporation of culture media. High humidity prevents the medium from becoming toxic due to the concentration of salts and minerals, ensures physiological pH stability in conjunction with CO₂ control, and reduces the risk of contamination on dry surfaces. The requirement has already been adjusted to allow a wider range of available market solutions. As this parameter represents a specific operational requirement of the end user, the proposed modification cannot be accepted. Therefore, the technical specifications remain unchanged.

New clarification added: Q3: According to RFQ_2026_63119, Section III – Returnable Bidding Forms, Form C – Technical Bid Form, Lot 1: Fat Analyzer, S/N 21 states: “Ethernet connection for downloading results to a PC in accordance with LIMS.” Clarification is requested as to whether a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) is a mandatory requirement, or whether alternative data transfer methods such as a flash card would be acceptable.A3:A Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) is considered the appropriate solution for data management and intended workflow automation for the fat analyzer. Manual flash cards provide only limited local storage and are not aligned with the required data handling approach. Therefore, alternative solutions such as flash cards are not acceptable. The requirement specified in RFQ_2026_63119, Section III – Returnable Bidding Forms, Form C, S/N 21 (“Ethernet connection for downloading results to a PC in accordance with LIMS”) remains unchanged.

New clarification added: Q2: Could you please clarify whether a general EU CE marking would be considered sufficient and acceptable for compliance purposes, given that Regulation (EU) 2017/745 (MDR) applies to medical devices while the tendered product is a laboratory product?  A2: Correct. The device is not a medical device (MD) or in vitro diagnostic (IVD) product; therefore, certification requirements refer to the following: the offered laboratory fat analyser shall possess certifications demonstrating compliance with safety, build quality, and testing accuracy requirements. Key certifications include CE marking (European safety compliance), ISO 9001 (manufacturing quality management), and compliance with ISO, AOCS, or relevant national standards of the country of manufacture.

New amendment added #1: This RFQ is amended to upload RFQ_2026_63119_Section III_Returnable Bidding Forms_Form B_Price Schedule Form_REV1_03June26 with correct item names in the Sheet A and B.

New clarification added: Q1a: Names of items are not correct in Sheets A and B of Form B: Price Schedule.A1a: The item names have been corrected. The corrections will be reflected in RFQ_2026_63119_Section III_Returnable Bidding Forms_Form B_Price Schedule Form_REV1_03June26Q1b: Where we can find Form I to submit as per the Document Checklist? Q2b: Form I is not listed in the Document Checklist as it doesn't exist.Q1c: What Form shall be used by bidders to complete Financial capability?A1c: Form H: Financial Capability form shall be used which is listed once for Excel