University of Calgary - Advanced Contract Award Notice / Notice of Proposed Procurement - Ultracentrifuge System

The Containment Level 3 (CL3) facility at the University of Calgary plans to purchase a Beckman Coulter Optima XE-90 IVD floor model ultracentrifuge system with HEPA filter kit, rotors and extended warranty for microbial and cellular sample processing from above supplier. Avantor VWR International Co. is the authorized Canadian Distributor for Beckman Coulter Life Sciences Optima Series instruments.

The CL3 facility has an existing Beckmann Ultracentrifuge system with one of the required rotors (Type 70.1 Ti Fixed angle rotor) and the research team has developed protocols for using this system. It is imperative to the lab to purchase the same Beckman system for consistency in data acquisition, reliable and publishable research results as well as a system that accommodates this same rotor in the CL3 facility. Included in the purchase is a second Beckman rotor SW 32 Ti swinging bucket rotor that accommodates larger tubes (6 x 38.5 ml). Both rotors, which are unique to Beckmann ultracentrifuge systems. The ability to interchange rotors between ultracentrifuge systems is mandatory in case of malfunction, to avoid down-time, ensuring consistency for research and potential cost savings.