Questions Bruker NRR PCA-NIEHS-04776.docx

Question: I have a question about this Contract Opportunity. In the combined synopsis document, there are references to a "Bruker Spatial Biology nCounter Pro System” - this seems like it is a completely different type of instrument. Was that included by mistake, or am I misunderstanding something?

Answer: The Government requires an AVANCE NEO-X 800 MHz console and associated components for use with the customer's existing magnet, together with cryogenic and room-temperature probes, sample automation, temperature-control accessories, workstation/software, and related support. The existing magnet is not manufactured by Bruker. Final mechanical compatibility shall be confirmed before installation. Based on the quoted measured magnet-center-to-base distance, S5 shims may be required. If S5 shims are required and the actual center-to-base distance is 520 mm, the magnet legs may need to be raised approximately 27 mm; any work to lift or modify the non-Bruker magnet shall be separately coordinated with a qualified third party unless otherwise incorporated by written modification.

The required equipment must provide the sensitivity, frequency stability, pulse-sequence capability, probe performance, and integration necessary to operate with the Division’s existing 800 MHz NMR magnet and associated system infrastructure. The console must communicate with and control the existing magnet and associated hardware, while the probe must meet the specific operating frequency, tuning/matching requirements, physical configuration, sample environment, RF performance, and pulse-sequence requirements of the existing 800 MHz system. The 800 MHz specification and required console/probe capabilities are essential to the Government's mission requirements. The Division's research requires the sensitivity and spectral resolution associated with an 800 MHz NMR system and the specific performance characteristics of the required probe. A lower-field instrument or probe lacking the required frequency, sensitivity, bandwidth, multinuclear capability, sample-handling capability, or other required features would not satisfy the Government's scientific requirements. The required configuration is therefore based on functional and performance requirements rather than a preference for a particular commercial brand.

The Contractor shall furnish, deliver, configure, and support the quoted NMR console upgrade and associated components.

2.1 Console, Shim, RF, and Control Electronics

One AVANCE NEO-X 800 MHz standard-bore NMR console (AV4I800), including system control, Ethernet-based device integration, power distribution, and spectrometer timing/control electronics.

BOSS-3 standard-bore shim system, BST standard-bore shim upperpart, two SCB20 shim electronics boards, SmartVT control unit, N2 VT gas separator, and 2H lock unit.

Four TRX1200 RF transceiver channels; one BLABBH2H500/100/150 triple-channel RF amplifier; one BLABB500 broadband RF amplifier; and the quoted 1H, 2H, broadband X, and 13C/15N preamplifier package.

One GAB/3 Z-gradient amplifier and three 5 mm PCTFE standard-bore spinners.

2.2 Workstation and Software

One configured Windows NMR workstation for the AVANCE NEO/NEO-X series and one 24-inch LCD monitor. The quotation identifies an HP Z2 Tower G9-class configuration with Windows 11 Pro and notes that workstation configuration may change without prior notice.

One TopSpin 5.x Basic license for spectrometer control, NMR acquisition, automation interfaces, multidimensional data processing, analysis tools, and Python API capabilities.

One LabScape ProDiagnose connection entitlement for Bruker AutoDiagnose functionality. Use of this platform requires Internet connectivity, compatible TopSpin software, security settings that permit the required communications, and acceptance of Bruker's applicable platform terms.

2.3 Probes and Cryogenic Platform

One 5 mm TCI H&F helium CryoProbe with cooled preamplifiers for 1H/19F, 13C, 15N, and 2H, automated tuning and matching, Z-gradient capability, and the quoted operating range.

One 5 mm TXI 1H/13C/15N room-temperature probe with automated tuning and matching, Z-gradient capability, and the quoted operating range.

One water-cooled CU/5-based helium CryoPlatform package, including the water-cooled indoor helium compressor, cooling-water monitoring kit, insulated helium flexline set, transferline support, CryoProbe mounting system, and helium bottle adapter.

One CryoProbe sample-protection accessory for emergency VT gas and sample lift/ejection support.

2.4 Temperature Control and Sample Automation

One BCU-I VT gas cooler for NMR probe temperature control and one BCU-I cooler configured for SampleJet storage cooling.

One SampleJet configured for 5 mm tubes, including quoted vision-system and storage capabilities, together with the SampleJet temperature-control option.

One 3 mm SampleJet standard-bore spinner/shuttle, one 5x96 rack for 5.0 mm tubes, and one 5x96 rack for 3.0 mm tubes.

2.5 Training and Maintenance Coverage

Two one-day on-site applications/training visits by qualified Bruker personnel, to be scheduled within one year of system installation at mutually agreeable times.

Three quoted units of LabScape Complete maintenance/warranty-extension coverage for the console, CryoPlatform (including annual maintenance), CryoProbe, room-temperature probe, BCU, and cooled SampleJet. The exact coverage term associated with the quoted quantity shall be confirmed in the purchase order/award documentation.

3. Contractor Responsibilities Provide all equipment, accessories, software licenses, and services identified in the accepted quotation and this SOW.

Coordinate delivery and provide installation/commissioning support customarily included with the quoted system, subject to site readiness and the exclusions in Section 5.

Configure the supplied console, workstation, probes, automation, and associated Bruker components for operation with the existing 800 MHz magnet, subject to verified mechanical and technical compatibility.

Perform applicable system checks and demonstrate performance against the specifications applicable to the furnished system and accepted configuration.

Provide the two quoted on-site applications/training days and the quoted maintenance/warranty-extension coverage.

Provide documentation reasonably necessary for installation, operation, and support of the supplied equipment.