Request for Proposal (RFP): Slide Digitization Services for MLSC Biobank Program

1. Background and Purpose 

The MLSC Biobank Program is a statewide, multi-institutional initiative designed to support biomedical research through secure, equitable access to high-quality biospecimens and associated data. As part of this effort, MLSC seeks qualified vendors to provide histology slide digitization services for human biospecimens collected across participating academic medical centers.   

The objective of this RFP is to enable generation of digital histology slide images that can be linked to biospecimens and clinical data under MLSC governance frameworks.   

2. Scope of Work 

A. Slide Digitization 

• High-resolution scanning of histology and pathology slides. 
• Support for common slide formats and stains. 
• Consistent image quality and resolution standards. 

 B. Image Quality and QC 

• Defined image quality metrics. 
• Procedures for rescan and quality verification. 

 C. Data Storage and Delivery 

• Secure delivery of digital images to MLSC-designated platforms. 
• Metadata capture, including slide identifiers and staining information. 
• Compatibility with downstream analysis tools. 

D. Security and Compliance 

• Secure handling of materials and data. 
• Compliance with applicable privacy and security requirements. 

 3. Vendor Qualifications 

• Experience digitizing pathology slides at scale. 
• Demonstrated image quality and consistency. 
• Capacity to support multi-institutional workflows. 

 4. Proposal Requirements 

Executive summary, digitization approach, QC standards, experience, implementation plan, pricing, and assumptions. 

 5. Evaluation Criteria 

Image quality, scalability, integration readiness, experience, and cost.   

6. Timeline 

Deadline: 4.17.2026   

Evaluation Period: Proposals will be weighted based on technical expertise, alignment with the MLSC’s needs and cost-efficiency. Finalists may be interviewed in mid/late May. A decision will be made in May/June with a tentative commencement in June.

MLSC reserves the right to modify this timeline at its discretion.   

7. Additional Terms 

 For questions regarding this RFP, contact: BioBank@masslifesciences.com      

This RFP does not constitute an obligation to fund any proposals. The MLSC reserves the right to modify or cancel this RFP at any time and may request further clarifications or conduct interviews as part of the selection process.