NIHLM2015552_-_SOW_AvanceIII_600_console.pdf

STATEMENT OF WORK

(07-11-2014)

1.0 PURCHASE ORDER TITLE

Avance III HDTM digital NMR console for 600 MHz Bruker NMR Spectrometer (Serial number BH085801 / NIH Decal number 01256884)

The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), a component of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), will acquire an Avance III HDTM digital NMR console to replace an existing Bruker 600 MHz spectrometer (Serial number BH085801 / NIH decal number 01256884) to benefit two NIDDK Laboratory of Chemical Physics (LCP) NMR research programs focusing on HIV-1 biology, AIDS, and AIDS-related proteins. Currently, these sections – the Protein NMR Section and Biophysical NMR Spectroscopy Section - have equal shared use of an outdated 600 MHz NMR spectrometer. In fact, lack of access to state-of-the-art hardware has become a limiting factor in the ability of the NIDDK to move these studies forward.

2.0 BACKGROUND

NIDDK’s LCP studies the structure and dynamics of proteins, protein-protein complexes, and protein-nucleic acid complexes using multidimensional nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, and develops and applies novel NMR and computational methods to aid in these studies.

Over the past half-dozen years, the use of solution NMR in studying the molecular processes underlying viral replication have expanded from determination of static structures to the study of the transitions between key states in the viral replication process. Examples of this work include NIDDK studies of gp41-mediated membrane fusion, RNA packaging, formation of the HIV-1 capsid shell, and analysis of the conformational space sampled by the protein domains of intact HIV-1 Gag. Technically, the requisite experiments push the limits of what is feasible with available hardware, and, in terms of sensitivity, the observation of transient intermediate states requires lengthy acquisitions.

The new generation Avance III HDTM digital NMR console offers the best price/performance, and has become the instruments of choice for biological NMR studies, with significant implications on scientific advancement. The acquisition will move science forward in support of the mission of the NIH and NIDDK to improve the health of the nation and to lead research in pursuit of that mission. Purchase of the Avance III HDTM digital NMR console therefore will greatly benefit the research programs of both Sections, each of which has a priority focus on HIV-1 biology.

Without the purchase of the Avance III HDTM digital NMR console upgrade that supports the existing NIDDK 600 MHz NMR spectrometer and meets specifications and requirements that ensure operability and continuity, the NIDDK research will be significantly delayed, impacting NIDDK’s ability to move forward scientific research.

3.0 OBJECTIVE

The 600 MHz NMR spectrometer equipped with the Avance III HDTM digital NMR console shall be fully compatible with all nine other high-resolution solution NMR spectrometers presently in use in NIDDK’s Laboratory of Chemical Physics. These are all of the Bruker Avance III console type. The new instrument shall have 3-axis pulsed field gradient capability and the same operating and pulse programming software as the existing instruments in use in NIDDK’s LCP. All specifications (Attachment A) shall be met and guaranteed on-site upon delivery. These NIH-mandatory specifications shall also be confirmed and demonstrated by the Contractor at the time the contract bid is submitted.

These mandatory specifications represent key requirements for the full functionality of the spectrometer, both in terms of performance and compatibility with the existing spectrometers. Moreover, these specifications are designed to ensure that the most complex NMR experiments (both developed and to be developed) can be performed optimally.

The Contractor shall deliver and install the Avance III HDTM digital NMR console to 9000 Rockville Pike, Building 6, B127, Bethesda, Maryland 20892. All associated crates and packing materials shall be removed from the premises of 9000 Rockville Pike, Building 6, B127, Bethesda, Maryland 20892 and the grounds of the NIH campus by the Contractor.

The Avance III HDTM digital NMR console shall also come with a 1-year manufacturer’s warranty against failure in parts or operation.

5.0 TASKS AREAS

Independently, and not as an agent of the Government, the Contractor shall perform task assignments in the following Task Areas

5.1 Task Area 1 – Installation - The Contractor shall fully install the system and ensure that the system meets all the mandatory specifications on-site. Acceptance of the Avance III HDTM digital NMR console by the NIDDK shall occur once the system: 1) is set up in 9000 Rockville Pike, Building 6, B127, Bethesda, Maryland 20892; and 2) the Contractor demonstrates on-site that all specifications (vendor and NIH-mandatory specs) are met and the system is fully functional with regard to all capabilities.

5.2 Task Area 2 – Delivery – The Contractor shall be responsible for all customs paperwork and documentation and for the payment of all import and duty taxes associated with equipment or parts for an Avance III HDTM digital NMR console being shipped from outside the United States. In the event the Contractor elects to hire a broker for such services, the Contractor shall be responsible for the payment of any associated broker services. The quote shall specify and itemize all associated costs in U.S. dollars.

6.0 PURCHASE ORDER TYPE

This purchase order will be a firm fixed price, with payment terms per the vendor allowance based on whether it is a small business (net 15), or a large business (net 30).

7.0 PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

The expected completion of this PO is no later than nine (9) calendar months, or 270 days, from the date on which the contract is awarded. The completion of this PO includes delivery, installation, setup, and removal of debris from packing.

8.0 INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE

The Project Officer and/ or the Project Officer Supervisor will perform inspection and acceptance of materials and services to be provided. Inspection and acceptance will be done AFTER all materials are unpacked, installed, and test run for operation. Receiving will be completed no later than 7 days following date of Delivery, and DOES NOT constitute acceptance and Delivery. Acceptance and Delivery will be complete once the signed packing slip is provided to the Contractor.

Typically, NIH often has paid an up-front fraction at time of ordering, and up to ~80- 90% upon delivery and installation, with the remainder (~20-10%) paid once all specifications have been met. The latter can sometimes take months or longer, even while NIH already has full use of the instrument. For an example of how this was handled for the purchase of our 900 MHz spectrometer, please see Section B.3 in the attached contract2.pdf file.

Inspection and acceptance will be performed at the place of installation. - National Institutes of Health, NIDDK, 9000 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, Maryland 20892.