Establishment of Genetic Testing Laboratory at Sindh Institute of Child Health and Neonatology Karachi

The Sindh Institute of Child Health and Neonatology (SICHN), Government of Sindh Karachi is procuring services for the establishment of a Genetic Testing Laboratory specifically focused on Whole Exome Sequencing (WES) based clinical genomic diagnostics. This tender invites eligible bidders to provide a comprehensive solution including laboratory setup, installation of Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) platform, reagents, consumables, bioinformatics analysis, clinical reporting, and trained manpower for a contract period initially of one year, extendable up to three years. Items being procured: - Establishment of Genetic Testing Laboratory - NGS sequencing platform with minimum two independent flow cells - CE-IVD certified sequencing kits and consumables - Sample processing and Whole Exome Sequencing (WES) tests (estimated 1000 tests annually) - On-site bioinformatics infrastructure and secure cloud-based data management - Clinical Geneticist, Laboratory Technician, and Data Management Operator manpower - Installation, commissioning, preventive and corrective maintenance - Integration with SICHN HMIS/LIS systems The technical scope includes provision of a clinical-grade NGS platform capable of paired-end sequencing with minimum 2x150 bp read length, 95% target coverage at ≥20X depth, and CNV detection. The bidder must ensure data security, confidentiality, and ownership with secure cloud storage and full administrative access to SICHN. The laboratory must be fully functional with all necessary infrastructure, equipment, and quality assurance procedures. The bidder must be an authorized manufacturer, sole agent, or authorized distributor with valid authorization for genetic testing services. Eligibility criteria include valid registration with tax authorities, minimum cumulative turnover of PKR 30 million over last three years, availability of qualified technical staff including a Clinical Geneticist with international board certification and minimum 5 years relevant experience, and submission of all mandatory documents such as NTN, GST certificates, and technical proposals. The bidder must also provide an undertaking on stamp paper confirming installation on reagent rental basis free of cost. Key dates include bid submission deadline on **July 27, 2026 at 10:30 a.m** with bid opening at 11:00 a.m. Bids must be submitted electronically via EPADS portal. A bid security of 2% of estimated cost (PKR 1.6 million) is required. Performance security of 5% will be required upon award. The procurement method is Rule-46 (2) Single Stage Two Envelope Procedure. A practical tip for bidders: Ensure your technical proposal clearly demonstrates compliance with all technical specifications and evaluation criteria, including detailed methodology, quality assurance plans, and training programs. Also, submit all required documents and bid security in the prescribed format to avoid disqualification. Early preparation and thorough review of the EPADS submission process will help avoid last-minute technical issues.