Request for Proposal (RFP): Formalin-Fixed, Paraffin-Embedded (FFPE) Block and Slide Preparation Services for MLSC Biobank Program

1. Background and Purpose 

The Massachusetts Life Sciences Center (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 FFPE block processing and slide preparation services for human tissue specimens collected across participating academic medical centers.   

The objective of this RFP is to ensure standardized, high-quality FFPE block and slide preparation to support downstream molecular, histopathology, and imaging-based research applications under MLSC governance frameworks.      

2. Scope of Work 

A. FFPE Block Preparation 

• Receipt and accessioning of human tissue specimens. 
• Standardized fixation, processing, and paraffin embedding. 
• Documentation of processing parameters and conditions. 
• Adherence to chain-of-custody and biospecimen tracking requirements. 

 B. Slide Preparation 

• Sectioning of FFPE blocks at specified thicknesses. 
• Preparation of unstained and stained slides, as applicable. 
• Support for H&E and other routine histological stains, if requested. 
• Slide labeling and metadata association per MLSC standards. 

 C. Quality Control and Documentation 

• Defined quality control metrics for blocks and slides. 
• Assessment of tissue integrity and section quality. 
• Documentation of batch effects and processing variability. 

 D. Sample Delivery and Integration 

• Secure packaging and shipment of FFPE blocks and slides. 
• Delivery of associated metadata and QC documentation. 
• Compatibility with downstream digitization, molecular analysis, and data curation workflows. 

 E. Compliance and Security 

• Compliance with HIPAA and applicable human subject protections, as well as MA regulations for handling human samples. 
• Secure handling of human biospecimens and associated data. 
• Appropriate access controls and auditability. 

3. Vendor Qualifications 

• Demonstrated experience in FFPE block and slide preparation for human research samples. 
• Ability to support large-scale, multi-institutional research programs. 
• Proven quality control, reproducibility, and documentation practices. 
• Experience working with academic medical centers or biobanks preferred. 

4. Proposal Requirements  

Proposals should include an executive summary, technical approach, quality controls, relevant experience and references, implementation plan, pricing, and assumptions.    

5. Evaluation Criteria 

Proposals will be evaluated based on technical quality, standardization and reproducibility, scalability, compliance, 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.