Statement of Work 24Q0200.pdf

Statement of Work

Forage Quality and Enhanced Use of Forage Research

GENERAL INFORMATION

1.0 Scope of Work. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Plant Science

Research in Saint Paul, MN has a requirement for upgrade/additional parts to an existing ion chromatograph system in order to analyze the amnio acids and proteins.

2.0 Background. The Plant Science Research Center investigates forage plants in terms of animal nutrition characteristics and biochemical new and innovative/alternative uses for forage plants. Most research is centered within the alfalfa research project, however there are other plant species that are of interest for current and future projects. Research is conducted in conjunction with plant breeders to select for specific desired traits. Research is both lab and field based.

This is purchase is to be an upgrade/add on to an existing system. In the past, amino acid and protein work was not a major focus of this project. Recently, the project was able to purchase the base ion chromatographic (IC) system to run soluble nonstructural carbohydrates (phase 1). The current system is to be upgraded (phase 2) to be able to run amino acid and protein samples on the same base IC system. The upgrade will add another pump, detector and eluent system. The ability to identify and quantify proteins is of major interest as well for the new direction of the project. Ion Chromatography (IC) is the accepted methodology over standard HPLC systems. IC achieves separation and detection of compounds by the use of ions and polar molecules (i.e., chemical detection) where as

HPLC typically utilize UV and other wavelength detectors (i.e., light adsorption or absorption) where the compounds of interest are not active.

CONTRACTOR REQUIREMENTs

3.0 Technical Requirements/Tasks: We require upgrade/additional parts to an existing ion chromatograph system in order to analyze the amnio acids and proteins in forage and other plant samples with following details

3.1 Single manufacturer system

3.2 Add on electrochemical detector with separate distinct sample pathway being able to run in series or in parallel when needed for amino acids and carbohydrates.

Options should exist for a conductivity type detector to be added at a later date.

3.3 Detector are auto ranging and be thermally controlled or in a thermally controlled component.

3.4 Detector range-2.0 to 2.0V in 0.001 V increments (potential), digital output 0.0008 pC to 200 uC, analog output 0.00008 pA to 74 uA

3.5 Detector electrode options of gold, platinum, silver and carbon

3.6 Add on variable speed pump system to existing pump system, flow rates of 0.001 to

10 ml/min. independently programable gradient flows and eluent switching.

3.7 Minimum of 4 eluent channels

3.8 Inline degassing

3.9 100% non metallic fluid paths, corrosion resistant, wide solvent compatible, compatible pH 0-14, 5000psi working pressure

3.10 Ability, at a future date, to change from standard bore (4mm column) to microbore

(2mm column) system

3.11 All pump components to be pressure rated to a continuous 5000 psi

3.12 Upgrade components need to be fully integrated for control and data manipulation on the existing chromatographic system control software.

3.13 Additional data only software key that can be used offline for data analysis on a different computer from the system control one

3.14 Data is required to be 100% Microsoft office suite compatible requiring no user custom data scripting to achieve this compatibility

3.15 Liquid leaks alert detector system programmable to be able to alert user and shut down system if required

3.16 Standard power requirements, 110V US

3.17 System weight not to exceed 600lb inclusive

3.18 Installation/warranty is to be performed by OEM certified personnel. Minimum of

1 year hardware and onsite support included. Offer multiple off warranty support options both rapid and normal response time, phone, in person or on line.

3.19 At installation time, familiarization of new components and their control and interaction with existing system

3.20 Training class for IC system operator to cover function, control and maintenance to be taken 3-4 months after install by project personnel at an offsite training facility.

3.21 Online web based training to cover the data management and manipulation for a minimum of 4 hrs

3.22 Extended warranties offered for detector, cell and pumps to 3 years

3.23 Minimum 10 year guaranteed instrument use and support by company from date of delivery

4.0 Deliverables / Schedule: Delivery: 60 days after receipt of order to USDA-ARS, 1991

Upper Buford Cir, 411 Borlaug Hall, St. Paul, MN 55108. Indoor delivery, requested city delivery truck with lift gate (no building dock available)

Items deliverable: All modular systems of pump, detector, eluent system, and all non metallic fluid lines, and other supplies

5.0 Data Rights: Data produced by this analytical equipment will be maintained by Dr. Jo

Heuschele and other scientists at the Plant Science Research Unit in accordance with their data management plan.