G
The System must be modular, consisting of a quaternary gradient pump, conductivity detector, electrolytic eluent generator, thermostatted column compartment, random-access autosampler, and software-based data/control system.
The system must have the capability to add variable wavelength and photodiode array optical detectors for analysis of chromophoric chemical species.
The system must have inert, nonmetallic PEEK (polyetheretherketone) components throughout to ensure solvent compatibility and metal contamination-free chromatography.
The system must have the capability to expand from a single analysis system format to a dual analysis format using the same modules.
The system must have electrolytic eluent preparation for both isocratic and gradient elution. Electrolytic eluent generation converts distilled water into high purity reagents online. Electrolytic eluent generation is capable of producing hydroxide, carbonate and bicarbonate/carbonate eluents for anion analysis, and methanesulfonic acid eluent for cation analysis.
The conductivity detector must be a microprocessor-controlled digital output detector with an operating range up to 15,000 uS full scale. The digital output must also be autoranging over at least seven orders of magnitude. A digital output that is autoranging eliminates the need to change ranges during a run. Changing detection ranges during an analysis can lead to an increase in baseline noise, loss of sensitivity, and the possibility of having to reanalyze the sample.
The system must have built-in control for self-regenerating electrolytic suppressors. Self-regeneration by electrolytic suppression eliminates the need to hand-prepare acid or base regenerants. Electrolytic suppression reduces background conductivity ofthe eluent, and provides high signal-to-noise ratios. Suppressor control for electrolytic suppressors must be from 0-500 mA, in I mA increments.
The self-regenerating electrolytic suppressor must achieve chemical suppression utilizing electrolysis or dialysis through a polymeric micro-membrane or monolith disks. The suppressor must not cause retention time shifts due to the suppressor becoming expended during normal operation. The suppressor must not require the use of extra pumps, valves, solid phase reagents or capillaries to achieve eluent suppression.
The system must have full control and digital data collection available through Windows-based chromatography workstation via a USB high-speed communication protocol. The system must contain a built in two-part USB hub.
The pump must be a serial dual piston PEEK pump design. The pump must be microprocessor controlled constant stroke, variable speed. The must not require a pulse dampener for virtually pulse-free eluent delivery. The flow rate range must be from 0.001-10 mllmin, and pressure range from 5-5000 psi. The flow rate accuracy must be +/-0.1% (at I mllmin) andflow rate precision +/-0.1% (at I m11min). The heads must be compatible with aqueous eluents ofpH 0-14 and reversed-phase solvents. The pump must be fully controlled through software via USB; alternative control via TTL or relay closures. The pump must have a built in in-line vacuum degasser for the eluents, control of which is automated to sense when degassing is required. The pump must have an integral piston seal wash, which can be continuous when
Interested sources are encouraged to complete and return Attachment 1 to the contracting office. Small Business concerns are encouraged to participate. This is not a request for competitive proposals, but instead a market research method to determine interested sources. A determination by the Government not to compete this requirement based on responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. Information received will be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement. No requests for capability briefings will be honored as a result of this notice. Interested sources who submit data are responsible for appropriately marking information if it is proprietary in nature. Please provide Tax I.D. Number, Duns Number, and point of contact information. The Government will not award a contract based on the information received, nor reimburse participants for information or samples they provide. Information or materials provided is strictly voluntary.
Please Email or Fax Attachment 1 to Carol Dingess at [email protected]. fx# 612-336-3550 Email is the preferred method of communication. Telephonic inquiries will not be honored. Closing date for submissions of Statement's of Capability is January 10, 2011 at 4:00PM CT.
Anyone interested in doing business with the USDA must also obtain a Dunn and Bradstreet number. If your company does not have a DUNS number, you may contact Dun and Bradstreet directly to obtain one by calling 1- 866-705-5711or via the following website:
http://fedgov.dnb.com/webform
or at ccr.dnb.com/ccr/pages/CCRSearch.jsp.
Anyone interested in doing business with the USDA must complete a Representations and Certifications electronically at http://orca.bpn.gov and be listed in the government's Central Contractor Registrar.
You may register on line with www.ccr.gov. or by calling Central Contractors Registration @ 1-888-227-2423
The North American Industry Classification Code (NAICS) is 334516