One (1) capillary electrophoresis system which includes all equipment necessary to inject, separate and collect fractions from a mixture of protein and DNA oligonucleotide. This system will be used for the discovery of protein-binding oligonucleotides. Specifically, the Capillary Electrophoresis System shall include the following and be identified in the offeror's proposal

a. A power supply capable of generating voltages from 1-30 kV and currents from 3-300 microamps.
b. System must include all equipment necessary to maintain the temperature of samples between 5 and 40 degrees C; the temperature must be both stable and programmable.
c. System must include all equipment necessary to maintain the temperature of the capillary between 15 and 60 degrees C; the temperature must be both stable and programmable. (Note: The temperature of the capillary and the samples must be controlled independently.)
d. System should include UV/Vis detector, covering a tunable range from 190 to 600 nm (diode array).
e. System must be capable of collecting multiple fractions during a run (20+ samples per run). The collection of these fractions must be programmable using the software provided with the instrument.
f. Sample introduction must be available from either side of the capillary using pressure, vacuum, or electrokinetic mechanisms.
g. System must allow for pressurization of the capillary from either side independently to 100 psi.
h. Sample introduction capabilities must include the use of 96 well plates along with 1.5 ml centrifuge tubes, 2 ml vials, and micro inserts.
i. Software must provide for the rapid optimization of methods.
j. System will be covered by at least a one-year warranty.
k. Vendor will supply application support for the discovery of protein-binding aptamers using capillary electrophoresis. This support will be provided both on-site and off-site including, but not limited to, at least one full day (8 hrs) of on-site training specifically dedicated to the use of this system for the discovery of oligonucleotide aptamers. Additional application support will be provided by telephone and email. In addition, the vendor is expected to provide on-site installation and familiarization, including detailed training for the use of the vendor's instrument and software. Installation and familiarization is expected to require two (2) full days. Thus, a minimum of three days on-site support is anticipated for instrument installation, general instrument training and application-specific training.

The NAICS Code is 334516; size standard is 500 employees. The type contract anticipated is firm-fixed price. A due date of offers will be 4:00 PM, Central Time, 14 Jul 08. Offers may be emailed to [email protected] or faxed to: 210-536-1918, ATTN: Winifred W. Williams and reference Purchase Request number FM285581430003