Advent Design developed the automation concept and functional requirements for a new automated compound solution storage and distribution system. Advent Design’s initial focus was to fully develop the draft request for proposal (RFP) into a document suitable for use in bidding and to examine and qualify the potential vendors for the automated sample preparation and distribution system. This involved the development of system operational requirements including storage capacity, throughput rates, accuracy, and reliability. Functional requirements for safety and fire protection were also developed. The Advent project team met weekly with the customer’s project team, and after two months, the finalized RFP was ready, and it was sent to seven qualified vendors who had pre-screened by the combined project teams.

After allowing the vendors one month to examine the RFP and develop their estimates, four proposals were received and evaluated. After a series of project meetings and review meetings with the bidders over three weeks, Advent Design evaluated the bidders and coordinated the final selection of a vendor based on a combination of cost, technical capability, and overall system design.

Advent Design then worked with the customer and their project team to draft the capital appropriation request for the actual procurement and installation of the system.