Request for Proposal (RFP): Biospecimen Sample Collection Kit Services for the 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. The program partners with academic medical centers across the Commonwealth to enable standardized biospecimen collection, processing, storage, and access under MLSC governance frameworks.
As part of this effort, MLSC seeks qualified vendors to provide standardized biospecimen sample collection kits to support consistent, high-quality specimen collection across multiple institutions and clinical settings.
The objective of this RFP is to ensure the availability of scalable, compliant, and fit-for-purpose collection kits that support standardized biospecimen acquisition, preserve sample integrity, and enable downstream research applications.
2. Scope of Work
A. Collection Kit Design and Components
- Design and provision of biospecimen collection kits for research use.
- Kits may support one or more biospecimen types, including but not limited to:
- Whole blood, plasma, serum
- Tissue and tissue derivatives
- Biofluids (for example saliva or urine)
- Stool or other specialty specimens, as applicable
- Inclusion of all required consumables, such as:
- Collection tubes or containers
- Preservatives or stabilizing reagents, if applicable
- Labels, barcodes, and documentation materials
- Absorbent materials and secondary containment
B. Standardization and Usability
- Kits designed for consistent use across multiple collection sites.
- Clear, user-friendly instructions for clinical and research staff.
- Compatibility with MLSC-defined SOPs and downstream workflows.
- Ability to customize kits by biospecimen type or study need.
C. Labeling and Traceability
- Support for standardized labeling and barcoding.
- Compatibility with MLSC inventory and tracking systems.
- Clear linkage between collected specimens and associated metadata.
D. Packaging and Distribution
- Assembly, packaging, and distribution of kits to multiple participating institutions.
- Ability to scale kit production and distribution volumes.
- Defined processes for replenishment and inventory management.
E. Compliance and Quality
- Compliance with HIPAA and applicable human subject protections, as well as MA regulations for handling human samples.
- Materials suitable for human research biospecimen collection.
- Quality control procedures to ensure kit consistency and reliability.
3. Vendor Qualifications
- Demonstrated experience providing biospecimen collection kits for human research.
- Ability to support large-scale, multi-institutional research programs.
- Proven quality control and supply chain management practices.
- Experience working with academic medical centers or biobanks preferred.
4. Proposal Requirements
Proposals should include an executive summary, kit design and components, standardization and labeling approach, distribution and scalability plan, experience and references, implementation timeline, pricing, and assumptions.
5. Evaluation Criteria
Proposals will be evaluated based on:
- Technical suitability and completeness of kits
- Standardization and usability
- Scalability and logistics capability
- Compliance and quality practices
- Experience and references
- Cost and value
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.