RFI: electrochemiluminescence (ecl) immunoassay analytical systems for research applications

The South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) invites manufacturers, distributors and solution providers to submit information on high-sensitivity electrochemiluminescence (ECL) immunoassay platforms and functionally equivalent alternatives for research applications. The platforms must be capable of quantifying biomarkers including HIV broadly neutralising antibodies (bNAbs) in clinical research samples, with access to validated assays and support for custom assay development. The RFI aims to engage the market, understand technical capabilities relevant to HIV immunology, pharmacokinetic, immunogenicity and translational research, obtain indicative technical, operational, training, support, delivery and lifecycle-cost information, assess market structure and competitiveness, and inform SAMRC's subsequent procurement approach. This RFI is for information and planning purposes only; it does not constitute a commitment to procure, responses are not evaluated as bids, no contract will be awarded, and participation confers no advantage in future procurement. Participation is voluntary and all response costs are borne by the respondent.

Closing date and time: 18 September 2026 at 11:00 SAST.

Date of request: 1 September 2026.

No mandatory briefing or site visit is mentioned.

Supply Chain Management

[email protected]

[email protected]

www.samrc.ac.za

Queries may be sent to [email protected].

Submission method: email to [email protected] and [email protected].

Closing date and time: 18 September 2026 at 11:00 SAST.

Required documents: completed Respondent Information Schedule (Part A and Part B), technical brochures and datasheets, indicative lead times, indicative budgetary pricing, details of local support resources, and relevant reference projects.

All response costs are borne by the respondent. Participation is voluntary and does not constitute a bid or proposal.

This is a Request for Information (RFI), not a tender. No formal evaluation, scoring, or award will take place. Responses will not be evaluated as bids and will not confer any advantage in future procurement. SAMRC may use information gathered to refine requirements, assess market capacity, and determine the appropriate procurement method. SAMRC may contact respondents for clarification or further information.

Scope: high-sensitivity electrochemiluminescence (ECL) immunoassay analytical systems and functionally equivalent alternatives for research applications, including quantification of HIV broadly neutralising antibodies (bNAbs), pharmacokinetic, immunogenicity and translational research biomarkers.

Required technical information:

• Detection sensitivity: lower limit of detection and quantification, performance below 1 pg/mL, matrices and analytes tested, assay-specific evidence.
• Single-plex and multiplex capability: maximum analytes per well, assay configurations, throughput, minimum sample volume per well, ability to support at least 10 analytes using ≤25 µL sample.
• Dynamic range: assay-specific range, evidence of at least four orders of magnitude, conditions and limitations.
• 96-well plate compatibility: supported plate types, proprietary plate requirements, preparation steps, limitations.
• Full-plate read time: time for 96-well plate under typical conditions, methodology, exclusions, confirmation if <3 minutes achievable.
• Software and data analysis: acquisition, analysis, visualisation, reporting, data management functionalities.
• Instrument diagnostics and performance monitoring: automated system checks, error reporting, preventive maintenance alerts.
• Assay development and validation support: optimisation, transfer, validation, validated/verification-supported assay kits (including HIV bNAbs, PK, immunogenicity), custom assay development support.
• System architecture and components: mandatory and optional hardware, software, accessories, consumables.
• Footprint and weight: physical dimensions, weight for laboratory planning.
• Power requirements and UPS compatibility: electrical specifications, UPS compatibility.
• Environmental operating conditions: temperature, humidity, ventilation, facility requirements.
• Network and cybersecurity: connectivity options, cybersecurity features, user authentication, compliance with industry-standard information security practices.
• Data export formats: available formats, interoperability with external systems.
• Audit trail and user access controls: recording and monitoring of user activities, system changes, data modifications for data integrity and traceability.

Acceptance and commissioning: factory acceptance test capability, site acceptance test capability, installation requirements, commissioning process.

The RFI seeks to understand market capabilities for ECL immunoassay platforms relevant to HIV immunology, pharmacokinetic, immunogenicity and translational research. Respondents should provide information on their technical approach, assay development and validation support, custom assay development capabilities, and how their platform meets the specified workflow benchmarks. The information gathered will inform SAMRC's subsequent procurement approach and documentation.

Respondents must provide details of comparable systems supplied or supported during the past five years, including reference organisation, contact person, product or platform supplied, country and year of installation, and brief description. Supporting reference information may be attached. Respondents must also indicate their capacity (equipment manufacturer, authorised distributor, local representative, service and support provider, or other) and provide evidence of manufacturer authorisation, distribution rights or authority to supply and support the proposed product in South Africa where applicable.

Respondents must provide non-binding indicative pricing, clearly separating capital costs from all recurring and optional costs, stating currency, validity period, assumptions and applicable taxes. Required pricing categories: ECL immunoassay analytical system, ongoing support and maintenance costs, training costs, any additional costs, and product catalogue (if applicable).

Respondents must provide non-binding indicative pricing, clearly separating capital costs from all recurring and optional costs, stating currency, validity period, assumptions and applicable taxes.

Pricing categories:

• Electrochemiluminescence (ECL) immunoassay analytical system
• Ongoing support and maintenance costs
• Training costs
• Any additional costs
• Product catalogue (if applicable)

No mandatory compliance thresholds (CSD registration, B-BBEE level, tax clearance, CIDB grading, professional registrations, local content) are specified for this RFI.

Respondents must provide:

• Company name, registration number, physical address, VAT registration (if applicable), Central Supplier Database number (if registered), country of registration.
• Company profile, core business, years in operation.
• Local South African presence and/or support capability, or proposed arrangements for international respondents.
• References for similar supply and delivery installations.
• Manufacturer authorisation, distribution rights or authority to supply and support the proposed platform in South Africa (where applicable).
• Research-use certifications, quality management systems, manufacturing standards, industry accreditations maintained by the manufacturer.
• User and service manuals, calibration/performance verification documentation, IQ/OQ documentation.
• Completed Respondent Information Schedule (Part A and Part B) with authorised representative signature.

Respondents must specify recommended environmental operating conditions for the proposed system, including temperature, humidity, ventilation, and any other facility requirements necessary for optimal performance.

This RFI does not constitute a contract or offer of employment. No contractual terms, conditions, duration, termination clauses, or penalties are specified. The RFI is issued for market information and planning purposes only. Responses do not constitute bids or proposals and will not result in the award of a contract. Participation is voluntary and at the respondent's own cost. SAMRC reserves the right to use information received for planning purposes only and may engage respondents for clarification where necessary.

This is a Request for Information (RFI), not a tender. No formal evaluation criteria, scoring, or minimum thresholds apply. Responses will not be evaluated as bids or proposals and will not form the basis of a contract or confer advantage in any future procurement. SAMRC may use information gathered to refine requirements, assess market capacity and competition, and determine the appropriate procurement method. SAMRC may contact respondents for clarification or further information.