Statement of Work 1104741.pdf

Statement of Work (SOW) Project: Photosynthesis Machine

GENERAL INFORMATION

1.0 Scope of Work: The Cranberry Molecular Physiology Lab is seeking to purchase a portable photosynthesis machine. This purchase will be shared amongst the VCRU, allowing researchers to investigate the photosynthetic and gas exchange response of various crops. Specifications for the purchase are itemized below.

2.0 Background: This instrument will be used to collect invaluable data on the photosynthetic response of vegetable and fruit crops. This equipment must be capable of measuring photosynthesis, transpiration, stomatal conductance, and internal CO2 concentration. Photosynthesis lays the foundation for what makes a plant a plant. Efficient gas exchange is paramount to a plant’s overall wellbeing.

Experiments designed with this equipment in mind will allow researchers to elucidate the effects of various adverse conditions on plant physiology. Data collected could be used to help fortify crops under stressful conditions such as drought and flood, temperature extremes, elevated CO2 levels, and disease pressure. Investigating how these conditions create physiological changes in the plant will allow us to better protect crops in the future.

CONTRACTOR REQUIREMENTS

3.0 Technical Requirements/Tasks:

Brand and model to purchase – PP Systems CIRAS-4 Portable Photosynthesis System or equivalent.

Required Specifications

- Capable of measuring photosynthesis, transpiration, stomatal conductance, internal CO2 concentration, chlorophyll fluorescence, soil respiration, canopy assimilation, leaf temperature, and insect respiration.

- The equipment must be able to take these measurements quickly. Photosynthesis response curves to light and carbon dioxide should be produced in at most a few minutes.

- Boot time for the unit must be no more than 15 minutes.

- Must be portable and lightweight for easy use in field research while still being robust and rugged.

o Shock absorbing materials are used in construction.

- Must feature a high contrast full color sunlight-readable touchscreen.

o Needs outstanding readability in BRIGHT sunlight conditions.

- Must have live viewing of data as measurements are being conducted.

- Must be Adjustable and ergonomic handles for ease of carrying.

- Must have a minimum of 16 hours of continuous operation from a single battery charge.

- Must be capable of taking measurements without damaging the plant.

- Must have the ability for the user to control and program CO2, H2O, temperature, and light levels.

o Light is controlled up to 2,500 umol m-2s-1. Can control the proportion of red, green, blue, and white LEDs used. Includes far-red LEDs, allowing up to 30% control of PAR light intensity.

o CO2/H2O control provided by cartridges and a unique H2O vapor equilibrator.

- Needs to have four independent, non-dispersive infrared gas analyzers (IRGAs) to ensure the most accurate and reliable measurement and control of CO2 and H2O.

- An Auto-Zero measurement technique that ensures an inherent calibration stability is a required feature.

o Allows for very fast warmup, quick adaptation to changing ambient conditions, and excellent long-term stability that reduces or completely eliminates the need for factory recalibration.

- Required: Optional Cuvettes for fitting different leaf shapes and sizes o All accessories must be “plug and play,” allowing for quick and easy detaching / attaching without any assembly required.

- Must have ideal flow rates to allow for FAST RESPONSE TIMES o Flow rate can be controlled up to 500 cc min-1 o This results in fast response times so less time is spent waiting for the unit to reach equilibrium to take measurements.

o Fast response times lead to higher differentials and lower signal to noise ratios in CO2 and H20, particularly on small vegetation.

*of upmost important to us as many of the vegetable crops studied in the VCRU have much smaller leaves than the traditional agronomic crops.

- Must have high-Speed CO2 Ramping for rapid A/Ci Curves o Population surveys become easy to conduct due to the extremely fast measurement times.

- Must be able to customize entire data collection all from the touchscreen.

o Data files and comments o Multiuser profile system o Set and save stability criteria for use across sessions o Fully customizable data viewing experience

- Warranty o A minimum of 1-year all-inclusive parts and labor warranty must be included in the base price.

o A two-year warranty extension must be available for additional purchase.

4.0 Deliverables / Schedule: 60 days after award