Vendor_Questions_and_Answers.doc

Vendor Questions

N6264518R0061 Liquid Chromatography/Mass Spectrometer

1. As this is an RFP, will you be willing to look at an alternate technology to the QTof called an Orbitrap. This is a higher resolution and provides greater depth of coverage with peptides. It also offers greater dynamic range in the quantitation experiment than the QTof. If you will consider an Orbitrap, then I will have more questions, as we offer different models. Your statement about proteins and no request for processing software for identification of unknowns makes me wonder the goal of these experiments.

Answer: For mass spectrometry applications on our various research projects, Q-TOF technology is fully sufficient with respect to resolution, mass accuracy and dynamic range. Currently we are not focusing on structure variance, composition, or isomer analysis of chemical compounds, which Orbitrap is capable of. Furthermore, we routinely identify and quantify very large numbers of samples at high-throughput levels, and many of these samples are not that clean. Therefore, we feel Q-TOF technology better meets our needs than Orbitrap, and a mass spectrometer with Q-TOF rather than Orbitrap technology is requested.

Regarding the last statement, “Your statement about proteins and no request for processing software for identification of unknowns makes me wonder the goal of these experiments,” please read our Statement of Work, page 1, which indicates we are requesting both computer hardware and software, including applications for proteomics, metabolomics, and biopharmaceutical process. Wondering about the goals of these experiments, please read page 1, Background, of our Market Research Memorandum, and the Objective on our Statement of Work.

2. Do you need a gas generator or will the facility be using a house gas (nitrogen & zero air)?

Answer: We are requesting a nitrogen generator. Please read SOW, 3. 2)

3. How much training (in days) will be required?

Answer: 5 days on site training

4. Does the system have to be new or can it be refurbished?

Answer: I would leave this to the discretion of government contracting experts and how this would affect warranties, service life, etc., and the overall value to the government.

5. Do you need a UPS system or does the facility have back-up generators?

Answer: UPS is required.

6. How many years of service need to be included?

Answer: Period of performance is for one year. First year should include delivery, set-up, training, warranty, service, and support for the entire first year. All future years’ service will be contracted and paid for separately on a year by year period of performance basis, per our budgeting and spending requirements.