Laboratory Information Management System

The Vendor is required to provide laboratory information management system (LIMS) is an on-premises PostgreSQL-based system running on hardware that has reached its end of life.
 - LIMS by outsourcing development to a qualified software company with sufficient experience in developing software tools for genomic laboratories.
- We will consider solutions ranging from fully custom code development to a combination of off-the-shelf LIMS environments with adequate capacity for customization.
- The solution must support four core workflow streams: (1) met barcoding, (2) NGS barcoding, (3) hit picking (including reticulations and multiple analysis paths), and (4) PCR-free shotgun sequencing (whole genome).
- The center will consider both predominantly out-of-the-box solutions with configuration capabilities and highly customized solutions, provided either approach can accommodate the specific laboratory workflows, lab-ware handling, sample genealogy tracking, and high-throughput processing volumes
- Data architecture approach:
•    The recommended data architecture employs cohort containerized graphs, where samples are processed as unified groups (cohorts) from start to finish. 
•    This approach addresses I/O bottleneck issues experienced with the current system and provides natural completion dates and progress tracking per cohort.
•    Sample identity must be separated from LIMS id: the same physical sample submitted under different requests must receive separate LIMS ids, connected via a process id for full traceability. 
•    This enables the same sample to be processed through multiple workflows or re-analyzed without identity conflicts. 
•    The system must implement rubber stamp protocol versioning, where protocol contents are copied at execution time. 
•    This allows corrections and updates to protocol definitions without affecting historical audit data – any changes to a protocol template do not retroactively alter records of previously executed steps.
- Objectives
•    Modernize laboratory informatics by replacing legacy bold LIMS and consolidating fragmented tracking systems (SharePoint lists, excel spreadsheets, lab access database, and potentially clarity LIMS) into a single, unified LIMS platform; 
•    Improve laboratory throughput and operational efficiency by providing real-time queue management, automated stage tracking, and streamlined sample processing workflows for sanger sequencing, HTS barcoding, and met barcoding and metagenomics; 
•    Integrate with the bold data platform for sample validation and data synchronization, with laboratory instruments via file transfer and API, and with institutional systems as required; 
•    Establish a complete audit trail from sample submission through sequencing, support diverse lab ware formats (tubes, strips, 96/384/1536-well plates, pools), and provide a robust foundation for future expansion of genomic services and capacity.