Questions and Answers.pdf

Ques�on) Your statement of work requires "a quaternary pump with an operational �low rate of

0.001 - 10 mL/min w/ integrated degassing function." We would like to know if a maximum �low rate of 5.00 mL/min would be acceptable? From our prior experience with these applications (sugars and organic acids), it would be unusual to see the �low rates for these analyses go above 2.5 mL/min. While we have systems in our portfolio that can handle higher �low rates, we feel the optimal con�iguration we can offer you based on the totality of speci�ications would be our Arc HPLC system that has an operational range of 0.001 - 5 mL/min. It is a quaternary pump, and has degassers built in. Would this be acceptable? Or would it be disquali�ied?

Answer) A maximum flow rate of 5.00 mL/min is acceptable.

Ques�on) Your statement of work requires "Connecting / disconnecting a sample loop must be possible without using any tools". This speci�ication while well-understood, is not applicable to our technology. This is because we use a �low-through needle style injector wherein the loop remains in place regardless of injection volume. Our instruments offer accurate/precise and reliable injection repeatability across the required range of 1-100 uL. However, the act of replacing a loop would in theory require tools This should be a very rare occurance. Is this deviation from the SOW enough to disqualify our offer?

Answer) Requiring tools to replace a sample loop does not disqualify your offer. However, it needs to be ar�culated in your offer.

Ques�on) Your statement of work requires "A variable wavelength detector functional in the wavelength range of 190-750 nm". Would a detector capable of 190-700 nm be excluded from consideration? If so, we will propose the more expensive photodiode array (PDA) detector which covers 190-800 nm range, with additional features. We would like to know if one would be preferred, or if it would be acceptable to submit quotes for both options.

Answer) A detector capable of 190–700 nm will not be excluded.

Ques�on) Your statement of work requires "a separation column(s) capable of separating citric, malic, quinic, shikimic, succinic, and tartaric acids... using dilute sulfuric acid as the elution buffer" For this requirement, the use of sulfuric acid may limit our options. We have demonstrated separations using for organic acids using phosphoric acid as the eluent buffer in conjunction with our charged-surface hybrid columns (CSH). How �lexible this requirement - if a superior solution could potentially be offered?

Answer) An alterna�ve combina�on of a separa�on column and elu�on buffer is acceptable.

Ques�on) Depending on when we receive answers to these questions, would it be possible to accept a slightly later submission of the �inal proposal to allow time for us to position the optimal solution for the scientist? What would be a reasonable extension period?

Answer) The answers were posted the same day as they were received. The close date of 3/1/2024 will remain.