LC MC Questions and Answers.pdf

Contract Line Item Number (CLIN) 0001:

Pre-owned, Quadrupole time-of-flight liquid chromatography/mass spectrometer (LC/MS) detector, Agilent Certified. A type of mass spectrometry where the mass-to-charge ratio of the sample ions is measured whilst the ions are held in a stable orbit by an electric field generated by four parallel electrodes. Also, a data mining tool to provide accurate, sensitive, high resolution analyses.

6545 Q-TOF, Agilent Certified with MassHunter workstation data mining tool, monitor, and software, BRAND NAME or EQUAL.

Deliver to:

USDA-ARS-PBARC

64 NOWELO ST

HILO, HI 96720

No later than 30 days after receipt of award

1. Contractor proposes Orbitrap technology in leu of QTOF by Agilent

Not compatible with existing infrastructure

2. What LC system if any is required?

Yes, we would need to purchase an LC system. Ultra High performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) with at least four solvent lines, a column compartment with space for at least four columns and adjustable temperature control. Can handle high pressures up to 1300 bars.

3. What are the features and technical performance specs are required for the QTOF, LC, and software?

Must be compatible with existing software for analysis.

4. What is the primary application for this instrument?

Identification, separation and quantification of secondary plant metabolites found in agricultural products including macadamia nuts, coffee, chocolate, papaya, taro, breadfruit and other tropical commodities. We need a system to easily infinity a wide variety of compounds that relate to quality as sensorial characteristics as well as those harmful or helpful to human health. Analysis of proteomics is not the focus at this time. Mostly we are looking at smaller secondary plant metabolites below 2000 m/z.

5. How much training, and / or service contract is required?

A significant amount of training. This would be a new type of instrument that most in the lab are unfamiliar with. Lead of project at PBARC would need to be enrolled in a training course with access to experts. Lead would need to be well instructed in maintenance, operation and common troubleshooting as well as guides for how to instruct the other members of the project. PBARC is located in Hilo Hawaii, so time zone must be considered. If project lead needs assistance at 3 p.m.

Hawaii time they must have a resource, or a call line that is not already closed.

6. What specific budget amount if any is there for the system?

This information cannot be disclosed.

7. Is this an open bid or a sole source notification, will other vendors besides Agilent be considered?

This is a request for quote. All small business under the NAICS code 334516 with 1,000 (or less) employees may participate.

8. The description states: “A type of mass spectrometry where the mass-to-charge ratio of the sample ions is measured whilst the ions are held in a stable orbit by an electric field generated by four parallel electrodes.” which indicates a QTRAP. Could you please clarify the type of technology being sought: is it a Q-TOF or QTRAP?

We are looking for a Q-TOF as the primary function of the instrument is the identification of unknowns.

9. What is the application that the Mass Spec will be used for?

Identification and quantification of unknowns in agricultural products. Unknown compounds must be able to be added and identified with a database that can be edited and grown as a project continues.

10. What is the HPLC/UPLC that will be connected to it?

We would likely need to purchase a new UHPLC.

11. Can any type of small business submit our bid? All small business under the NAICS code

334516 with 1,000 (or less) employees may participate.

12. Can we submit more than one bid?

Yes

13. Can we e-mail our submission(s)?

Yes. No later than September 18, 2020 (unless extended), email quotes to Kenda C. Tucker at Kenda.Tucker@usda.gov. Please include “12905B20Q0007” in the subject of all emails and confirm receipt.

mailto:Kenda.Tucker@usda.gov