EXPRESSION OF INTEREST (EOI) FOR THE CONSULTATION FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF AN INTEGRETAED IN-VIVO TESTING FACILITY INSTITUTE OF BIOCHEMISTRY, MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND BIOTECHNOLOGY(IBMBB), UNIVERSITY OF COLOMBO (UOC)

EXPRESSION OF INTEREST (EOI) FOR THE CONSULTATION FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF AN INTEGRETAED IN-VIVO TESTING FACILITY INSTITUTE OF BIOCHEMISTRY,  MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND BIOTECHNOLOGY(IBMBB), UNIVERSITY OF COLOMBO (UOC)

The IBMBB,UOC invites Expressions of Interest (EOI) from experienced and qualified suppliers for the consultation for the establishment of an integrated in-vivo testing facility at the Institute of Biochemistry,  Molecular Biology and Biotechnology(IBMBB), University of Colombo (UOC) as per the consulting services manual and guidelines issued by the National Procurement Agency in the year 2007.

1. Introduction

The IBMBB,UOC currently maintains a robust drug discovery pipeline, supported by, 

• a well-established computer-aided in-silco discovery facility, 
• an in vitro cell culture-based testing laboratory with over 30 cell lines, 
• a small-scale animal testing facility. 

Over the past decade, this integrated infrastructure has contributed to a number of M.Sc., M.Phil. and PhD research projects leading to a significant number of peer-reviewed research publications. In addition, some of these research activities have led to product developments, some of which have advanced to clinical trial stages and /or currently in the market generating income for the university and the IBMBB through royalties. 

To address current infrastructure limitations and the rising costs associated with in vitro research, the establishment of a new Integrated In Vivo Testing Facility is proposed. This facility will include a zebrafish (Danio rerio) research unit, offering a cost-effective alternative to traditional cell culture methods and a more ethical approach to early-stage drug testing (using embryos) compared to mammalian models. In addition, the facility will feature an expanded rodent research unit (approximately 250 sq.f including housing space, storage room and procedure room with controlled entry area) to support growing academic and collaborative research demands.

The service of a suitable consultant is needed to provide the expertise and guidance for the design implementation and sustaining the facility at the capacity of expertise and experience in the relevant fields associated with the proposed establishment. 

2. Scope of Work of the Consultant

The selected applicant will be responsible for: 

1. Designing the proposed facility in compliance with international standards 
2. Assisting the commencement of the operation
3. oversee the daily operations at the facility addressing all troubleshooting with regard to overall operation

Also, the consultant should be readily accessible for any requirements and is expected to be present at regular progress meetings.

3. Requirement for Submission 

Interested applicants are required to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) that includes the following details; 

1. Curriculum Vitae – Two pages CV indicating your educational background, related experience in the field and contact details 
2. Quotation – Price quotation for the required system with attached functional requirements. 
3. Proof of past projects 
4. Proposed operational plan – An outline of the suggested development approach with estimated times of arrivals (ETA)

4. Qualification

1. A veterinary (B.V.Sc) degree preferably with M.Phil. or a PhD where the M.Phil. or the PhD or research project involved animal experiments. 
2. Priority will be given to individuals with knowledge and experience in national and international accreditation processes, ethical conduct, and good laboratory practices related to research involving animal subjects.
3. Having prior experience in establishing and operating rodent research facilities and zebrafish facilities. 

5. Evaluation Criteria 

The EOIs will be evaluated based on the following Technical and Financial criteria. 

Technical Criteria 

1. Experience and capacity of the applicant. 
2. Quality and feasibility of the suggested plan
3. Past projects 
4. Competitive Quotation strategy
5. Alignment with the main objectives of the project 

Financial Criteria 

The payment will be made based on the visit basis upon the completion of the given assignment/s. The maximum expected visits are 12 and you are entitled to an honorarium on a visit basis. Accordingly, you should submit the expected honorarium based on your understanding. 

• Both technical and financial criteria will be evaluated for selection.

6. General Information 

1. Interested applicants are requested to submit their Expression of Interest, along with all the required documents, no later than 01st August 2025
2. The EOI should submit by proposal in a sealed envelope with the top left-hand corner marked as “EOI for consultation for the establishment of an integrated in-vivo facility -IBMBB”  

addressed to the Deputy Registrar, IBMBB, UOC on or before the deadline.

        3.The EOI is valid for 120 days from the date of submission deadline. 

        4. Detailed quotation documents will be issued to the short-listed applicants in accordance with the procurement guidelines. 

The IBMBB,UOC  reserves the right to reject any or all submissions without assigning any reasons. 

We look forward to receiving your submissions and working together to create a high-quality establishment of an integrated in-vivo facility -IBMBB  to enhance sustainability.

Deputy Registrar

IBMBB/UOC