questions_and_answers.docx

Amendment 1 Questions and Answers

1. Question: What sort of inlet are they currently using to connect the Gerstel unit to the GC. We believe that this inlet could be different for different GC manufacturers, so if you could let us know if the current inlet is compatible with Thermo’s GC that would be great. If the current inlet is not compatible, we will add the Gerstel compatible inlet to our quote.

A: The existing CIS4 is compatible with the existing Agilent 6890 GC.

2. Question: What sort of other inlets would they like? Would they like a SSL, PTV, etc.?

A: SSL

3. Qustion: Would they like any other detection techniques besides the MS: FID, TCD, ECD, NPD, FPD, etc.?

A: FID

4. Qustion: Would they also be interested in doing liquid injections on the LC?

A: We are requesting a GC, not LC. We have existing liquid injection capability on the existing Gerstel rail.

5. Question: I would also like to request a 5 day extension from the current submission deadline, April 18, 2016 at 3 pm Eastern

A: An extension will be granted

6. Question: The specification sheet states, “The GCMS software must automatically integrate with Gerstel Maestro software to control the existing CIS4 that uses liquid nitrogen and Peltier cooling. In addition, the software must only use one sequence table to control the MPS items and GCMS runs.”

a. Could we have some clarification on how each of these elements (CIS4 control and one sequence table) are to be set up? I have been in contact with the Gerstel Product Manager and from Xcalibur (Thermo’s software), it looks like we can control both units (GC-MS & Gerstel) from a single sequence table; however, for the control of the existing CIS4 unit, both Gerstel Maestro and Xcalibur will have to be open at once. The Gerstel Product Manager also said that this is the same way the other main GC-MS manufacturers control the Gerstel instrument, but we just wanted to clarify J.

A: NIST requies one method file that controls the GCMS and Gerstel unit so we don’t have to keep track of multiple methods for each run.

7. Question: The specification sheet also states, “The new system must have the ability to automatically spike five thermal desorption tubes with internal standards.”

a. This spec pertains to an accessory for the Gerstel MPS (the “rail”) that allows the user to spike up to 5 tubes using a liquid syringe. This is supplied by Gerstel. Is this to be added to the quote? Or was this listed as a feature of the existing Gerstel system?

A: This is part of the minimum specifications.