RFB00360 Amendment 1 - Q -A.docx

This amendment document contains questions and answers related to UW-Madison's Request for Bids (RFB #2024-UWMSN-00360-RFB) for the purchase of an Optical Emission Spectrometer. The University of Wisconsin-Madison is soliciting bids for analytical laboratory equipment capable of performing trace metal analysis on various sample types. The laboratory anticipates processing 10 to 200 samples weekly and requires equipment that can analyze samples in inorganic acid solutions including hydrochloric acid, nitric acid, sulfuric acid, and oxalic acid. The equipment must be compatible with the laboratory's existing peristaltic pump system and capable of quantifying trace metals including chlorine to measure salt content in biomedical buffering solutions. Lab staff will continuously monitor the equipment during analysis operations.

Key technical considerations identified through the Q&A include balancing sample material waste generation with sample volume requirements, particularly if FAST-type machines are proposed that utilize greater quantities of sample material. Bidders should note that samples are consistently composed of inorganic acids rather than varying viscosity types, and the current laboratory infrastructure employs peristaltic pump aspiration systems. Prospective bidders must submit responses through the online procurement platform at https://bids.sciquest.com/apps/Router/PublicEvent?CustomerOrg=UWisconsin, with inquiries directed to Jennifer Quinn at jenn.quinn@wisc.edu and copied to Janet Bresnahan at janet.bresnahan@wisc.edu.