Specifications.docx

SPECIFICATIONS

IRMS, EA, TC/EA, and GC System

I. BACKGROUND INFORMATION

The Chemical Sciences Division (CSD) is involved in the development of measurement methodology and reference materials for organic and inorganic materials for a variety of geological, chemical, and biological communities. CSD requires an isotope ratio mass spectrometer (IRMS) to analyze the stable isotope signatures of the light element’s hydrogen, carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, and sulfur. The division will use this IRMS to characterize primary reference materials that are used to define the various isotopic delta-scales, as well as, to characterize secondary reference materials that are matrix appropriate and often compound-specific to support food safety and authentication studies, as well as, environmental and other biogeochemical investigations.

II. SCOPE OF WORK

This IRMS will be used to characterize and value assign both primary and secondary isotopic reference materials. To meet these needs, CSD requires an IRMS capable of both dual inlet (DI) and continuous flow (CF) operating modes. It must also be equipped with an Elemental Analyzer (EA) for sample combustion and a separate High Temperature Conversion Elemental Analyzer (TC/EA) unit for pyrolysis. A Gas Chromatograph (GC) is also required for the compound-specific analyses.

The EA and the TC/EA units must each be equipped with an autosampler; the GC unit must be equipped with a liquid/gas autosampler (or equivalent). Specific requirements for each part of the system are listed in the Specifications section below.

III. SPECIFICATIONS

The Contractor shall provide one (1) analytical instrument system that meets the following minimum technical requirements.

System Requirements

Hardware

1. Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometer

a. Must be capable of DI and CF modes

b. Must include 8 faraday cups positioned to measure: H2, N2, N2O, CO, CO2, SO2, and SO

c. δ13C CO2 minimum precision: DI 0.006 ‰, CF 0.06 ‰

d. δD H2 minimum precision: DI 0.1‰, CF 0.4 ‰

e. δ34S SO2 minimum precision: DI 0.01‰, CF 0.1 ‰

f. Must include additional resistors to dampen signal from enriched samples

g. Must have analyzer bakeout capability

2. Gas Chromatograph (GC) and autosampler

a. Must be set up for compound-specific analyses of carbon, nitrogen, and hydrogen

b. Must include separate combustion and pyrolysis reactors including Trace Ultra GC

c. Must include a system for switching between sample preparation devices

d. Must be able to operate at different gas flows allowing the user to change sample size by changing carrier gas flow

e. Must include temperature ramped oven

f. Must include a liquid/gas CTC PAL autosampler (or equivalent)

i. Requirements for liquid/gas autosampler: shall be used in liquid and head space sampling modes, can accommodate syringes up to 5 mL, wash station, temperature-controlled sample rac

3. Elemental Analyzer (EA) for carbon, nitrogen, and sulfur stable isotopes

a. Must be a separate unit from the TC/EA

b. Must include Costech PN150 autosampler (or equivalent) for solid samples

i. Autosampler requirements: must be made of metal, have least three carousels that can be used in series, a purge compartment for the waiting sample, and the purge flow must not be recycled

4. High Temperature Conversion / Elemental Analyzer (TC/EA)

a. Must be a separate unit from the EA

b. Must include Costech zero blank autosampler (or equivalent) or a Uni-Prep autosampler (or equivalent)

i. Costech equivalent autosampler requirements: must be made of metal, have least three carousels that can be used in series, a purge compartment for the waiting sample, and the purge flow must not be recycled

ii. Uni-prep autosampler equivalent requirements: sealable, low dead volume chamber, capable of static equilibration of exchangeable δ D/H using water, must include an injection port or other way of introducing water into purged compartment, must be capable of heating, equilibration chamber must be made of metal.

Software

1. Must be able to provide raw data

2. Must be compatible with USGS LIMS for Light Stable Isotopes

Configuration drawings One electronic copy of as built drawings submitted to the Technical Point of Contact (TPOC) a minimum of 14 days prior to building instrument. NIST shall have 14 days to review and identify any issues. Any issues will be reconciled between TPOC and vendor.

Installation:

The Contractor shall install the instrument in Building 227, Room B363, at NIST Gaithersburg, MD. Installation shall include, at a minimum, uncrating/unpacking of all equipment; set-up and hook-up of all equipment; start-up culminating with the demonstration of specifications; and removal of all trash. Instrument shall operate to manufacturer’s specifications upon installation. Installation will take place during normal business hours and will be coordinated with the NIST Contracting Officers Representative (COR)/TPOC. Delivery of the instrument and peripherals is to occur within 180 days of award, with uncrating and installation to follow within 200 days of award.

Warranty:

The Contractor shall provide, at minimum, a one-year warranty for the equipment, to begin after acceptance of instrument. The warranty shall cover all parts, labor and travel. The warranty shall commence upon acceptance of the instrument, which will be consequent to the successful completion of delivery, installation, training, and demonstration of all required specifications.

Training:

The Contractor shall provide training for up to ten NIST personnel covering normal operation, troubleshooting, and routine maintenance. Training shall be provided during normal business hours and will be coordinated with the TPOC/COR to ensure maximum availability of NIST personnel. Training is to occur within 10 days of installation. Training may be completed on-site at NIST immediately after installation and demonstration of specifications.

IV. DELIVERY

Delivery, installation, and training shall be within 250 days of date of award.

V. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE

Installation and training on the instrument shall be accomplished at NIST, Gaithersburg, Maryland. Normal duty hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. with the exception of Federal holidays.

VI. DELIVERABLES

Schematics must be provided for all electronic components

Operations and maintenance manual covering proper operation, routine maintenance, and troubleshooting for the instrument, peripherals, and controlling software, supplied in electronic and hardcopy

VII. ACCEPTANCE CRITERIA

The Contractor shall demonstrate that all performance specifications are met. Onsite performance evaluation must be within tolerances of final factory testing or better.

VIII. GENERAL INFORMATION

Safety: The Contractor employee shall be responsible for knowing and complying with commercial installation safety prevention regulations. Such regulations include, but are not limited to, general safety, fire prevention, and waste disposal.

Security: NIST is a restricted campus. An identification badge is required for access for entry into buildings and also is shown to the armed Security Police when entering the campus.

Identification Badges: Contractor employees shall comply with NIST identification and access requirements. The Contractor shall provide the name and citizenship information of employees for on-site visits to the NIST Technical Point of Contact (TPOC) prior to arrival. The TPOC will submit the name(s) and citizenship information to the NIST Office of Security in order for a given Contractor employee to enter the NIST campus. The Contractor employee is responsible for absences due to missing or expired identification and access documents. Each Contractor employee shall wear a visible identification badge provided by the NIST Security Office.

Vehicle Registration: All Contractor employees must register their vehicles with the NIST Security Office to gain access to the campus. A valid driver’s license, Government-furnished civilian ID (which in most cases can be a valid driver's license), proof of insurance and current registration must be presented to the NIST Security Office.