Attachment 1_Specifications_1232SA26Q1186.pdf

This document is a Statement of Requirements for the acquisition of a Secondary Electrospray Ionization (SESI) ionization source by the Agricultural Research Service (ARS).

The ARS seeks to procure one SESI ionization source system with all required accessories to support advanced real-time chemical analysis research, specifically for volatile organic compound (VOC) detection, metabolomic profiling, and food analysis applications. The complete system must include the ionization source, all operational accessories (power supplies, cables, tubing, fittings), adapters for interfacing with existing mass spectrometers (Thermo IDX or Exploris-240 platforms), user interface and control software, operational license, firmware updates valid for the warranty period, on-site installation and configuration, system verification testing, on-site or virtual training for ARS scientists, and a minimum one-year manufacturer warranty with technical support. The ion source must meet specific technical capabilities including real-time ionization of vapor-phase analytes, high-temperature stability, fast response time suitable for transient VOC detection, compatibility with ARS mass spectrometer platforms, safe laboratory operation, and CE safety certifications. The system must employ Secondary Electrospray Ionization technology with nano-electrospray capabilities, achieve high ionization efficiency with soft ionization to minimize fragmentation, support detection of molecular masses up to 600 Da, allow seamless sample flow introduction, operate at atmospheric pressure without vacuum-side ionization, enable stable electrospray plume generation, and support continuous real-time volatilomics workflows for biomarker discovery and metabolic profiling. Delivery is required within 60 days after receipt of order to the USDA ARS Beltsville Human Nutrition Research Center in Beltsville, Maryland. Acceptance criteria require successful demonstration that the system operates according to manufacturer specifications, produces stable and reproducible signals, integrates properly with ARS mass spectrometry systems, and passes functional tests jointly conducted by contractor and ARS personnel.