On October 1, 2017, the Mechanical Instrumentation Design and Fabrication Branch services moved from the Office of Research Services (ORS) to the Office of Research Facilities (ORF). The Division of Scientific Equipment and Instrumentation Services (DSEIS) will continue to provide equipment sales, rental, maintenance and repair services.

The move allows former design and fabrication staff to continue doing what they love to do, lets investigators continue to use the service, brings a unique expertise to ORF, helps maintain older campus buildings and finds a new home for a valued operation.

They are “experts at their craft,” said former supervisor Jerry Tyus. Everything they make is a one-of-a-kind piece to help scientists conduct experiments and contribute to innovative research strategies. “It was an extremely tough decision to close down this important resource, but due to the budgetary circumstances, it had to be made,” said Tim Tosten, acting ORS director. “Fortunately, Dan Wheeland, ORF director, stepped up and found a way to make it work to assist both our aging NIH infrastructure and our scientists.”

NIH’ers can now procure these types of fabrication services for themselves by completing a routine maintenance service request online or by phone. For more information, see: https://www.orf.od.nih.gov/PropertyManagement/MaintenanceServiceRequests/Pages/default.aspx.