Request for Proposal (RFP): Spatial Transcriptomics Services for MLSC Biobank Program
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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 spatial transcriptomics services for human tissue specimens collected across participating academic medical centers.
The objective of this RFP is to enable generation of high-quality, research-grade spatial gene expression data from intact tissue sections, preserving spatial context and enabling downstream discovery, translational research, and data integration under MLSC governance frameworks.
2. Scope of Work
A. Tissue and Assay Support
- Support for spatial transcriptomics assays performed on intact tissue sections, including FFPE and fresh frozen tissue, as applicable.
- Clear specification of supported platforms and technologies.
- Defined tissue input requirements and pre-analytic criteria.
- Adherence to standardized sample handling and chain-of-custody procedures.
B. Data Generation and Quality Control
- Generation of spatially resolved gene expression data.
- Defined quality control metrics and performance thresholds.
- Documentation of assay performance, batch effects, and technical variability.
C. Data Delivery and Integration
- Secure delivery of raw and processed data outputs.
- Delivery of associated metadata, imaging files, and QC reports.
- Compatibility with downstream bioinformatics, visualization, and data curation pipelines designated by MLSC.
D. Compliance and Security
- Compliance with HIPAA and applicable data protection requirements, as well as MA regulations for handling human samples.
- Secure handling of human genomic and imaging data.
- Encryption of data in transit and at rest.
3. Vendor Qualifications
- Demonstrated experience providing spatial transcriptomics services for human research tissue samples.
- Proven expertise with one or more spatial transcriptomics platforms.
- Capacity to support large-scale, multi-institutional research programs.
- Established quality control, reproducibility, and documentation practices.
4. Proposal Requirements
Proposals should include an executive summary, technical approach, quality controls, experience and references, implementation plan, pricing, and assumptions.
5. Evaluation Criteria
Proposals will be evaluated based on technical quality, data quality, scalability, platform suitability, 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.