SB1341-15-RQ-0913_SOW.pdf

Request for Quotation Number SB1341-15-RQ-0913 Statement of Work

BACKGROUND

The Surface and Trace Chemical Analysis Group in the Materials Measurement Science Division has been collaborating with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for several years on the development of standards and measurement capabilities to facilitate optimization, traceability and best practices in trace contraband detection.

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) research program supports the standards needs for all aspects of trace explosives and narcotics screening - from sampling to analysis - that ultimately leads to improvements in the reliability and effectiveness of trace explosives detection systems, as well as supporting development of next generation detection technologies.

The predominant screening method currently deployed in the field for detection and identification of trace contraband is based on ion mobility spectrometry (IMS) utilizing thermal desorption to release material from swipes followed by radioactive ionization to create ions for analysis. The recent DHS five-year strategic plan calls for improvements in IMS detection sensitivity and accuracy (fewer false positives) while also moving to non-radioactive ionization methods to eliminate the regulatory barriers around shipping and ownership of radioactive materials. Such improvements will require a better understanding of the basic fundamental properties of ion formation using non-radioactive ionization methods and unambiguous detection and identification of ions formed in the IMS system. These measurements are not possible with the current instrumentation at NIST.

SCOPE OF WORK

The existing IMS systems in the Surface and Trace Chemical Analysis Group are, by themselves, not capable of unambiguous identification of ions formed during analysis, a fact that makes optimizing the ionization process for better sensitivity problematic.

NIST requires a research-grade IMS sub-system to physically connect to and interface with an existing AB Sciex Q4000 Triple Quad Mass Spectrometer and JEOL AccuTOF JMS-T100LC Mass Spectrometer (MS) systems to create a unique hybrid instrument (IMS-MS) that allows NIST to investigate and optimize the sampling, detection, and identification of trace contraband materials in systems currently deployed in the field and next generation instruments.

The new IMS-MS must incorporate an IMS component that uses thermal desorption sample introduction, and a corona discharge ionization process. The ionization module must allow introduction of chemical dopants for the study of ionization chemistry. The ability to introduce different gases into the drift tube inside the IMS is also required.

The IMS component must be capable of physically attaching to both an AB Sciex Q4000 Triple Quad Mass Spectrometer and JEOL AccuTOF JMS-T100LC Mass Spectrometer using custom designed and constructed hardware. The IMS software system must supply an appropriate output to the MS system to trigger initiation of MS data collection and syncing of the instruments to facilitate data collection.

SPECIFICATIONS

The Contractor shall provide one (1) IMS system that meets the following minimum technical requirements. The Contractor shall install the instrument and provide training as described below.

System Requirements:

IMS

• The IMS system shall include a thermal desorption subsystem capable of temperatures up to 250C for creating gas phase trace contraband material for analysis by the IMS.

• Ionization of thermally desorbed material for analysis by the IMS shall be accomplished by corona discharge, a non-radioactive method. Ionization must be accomplished without the use of radioactive material.

• The ionization module shall allow controllable introduction of different chemical dopants, including but not limited to N2, O2, water, NH4, methylene chloride, chlorides, nitrates, and methanol at permeation rates of 10 – 10,000 ng/min.

• The IMS shall provide the ability to control the drift gas inside the IMS drift tube to allow use of different gases, including but not limited to air, He, N2, and Ar at flow rates of 10-1000 ml/min.

• The resolving power of the IMS shall be ≥70.

• The IMS system in standalone operation shall have a lower limit of detection of 10 ng TNT (trinitrotoluene).

• The IMS system shall include independent instrument control electronics and software for standalone operation. The IMS software system shall, at a minimum, supply an appropriate output to the MS system to trigger initiation of MS data collection and syncing of the instruments to facilitate data collection.

• The system shall include an operations and maintenance manual covering proper operation, routine maintenance, and trouble shooting for the IMS instrument and controlling software. It shall also include instructions for how to connect the IMS to the MS using the hardware created as part of this award.

IMS-MS Interface

• The IMS system shall include hardware for physically connecting the IMS system to the front end of an AB Sciex Q4000 triple quadrupole mass spectrometer and a JEOL AccuTOF JMS-T100LC mass spectrometer to allow for collection of material desorbed and ionized in the IMS to pass into the MS systems for mass measurement. Images of the existing MS face plates are shown in Figures 1 and 2.

• The IMS-MS system shall demonstrate detection of the TNT-H ion at mass 226 amu in a mass spectrum from ≤20 ng TNT (trinitrotoluene) desorbed and ionized in the IMS.

• The IMS-MS system shall allow collection of mass spectra of ions in the range of mass 1 to 800 amu to be obtained in three different (3) modes: Open Mode for straight MS analysis with no IMS filtering; Faraday/MS Mode for simultaneous acquisition of an IMS spectrum on the Faraday detector and collection of MS spectrum of species present in real time; Gated Mode to collect a mass spectrum of one specified ion mobility.

• The interface hardware shall be detachable from the MS systems when not in use.

• The existing front end of the AB Sciex Q4000 triple quadrupole mass spectrometer and JEOL AccuTOF JMS-T100LC mass spectrometer shall not be modified.

• Separate interface hardware components for physical attachment to the AB Sciex Q4000 triple quadrupole mass spectrometer and the JEOL AccuTOF JMS-T100LC mass spectrometer systems are allowed.

• The dimensions of the interfacing hardware shall not exceed 30 cm x 30 cm in size.

Hardware Interface Design The contractor shall prepare a design of all interface hardware for review by NIST. The design shall be delivered in CAD AND STL format unless otherwise designated by the NIST Technical Point of Contact (TPOC).

The design must be a schematic of the hardware interface that expands upon the technical sketch submitted with the quotation. The design must include plan views, cross-sections, and elevation views of the proposed interface hardware and must be sufficient for NIST to determine that the hardware will be appropriate for the purpose it is intended with respect to all aspects of form, fit, and function.

The contractor shall submit the design to the TPOC at least five days prior to the design review meeting. The TPOC shall provide comments and/or approval of the design. Required changes shall be made at no additional cost to the Government and shall be completed not later than five days after the changes are identified by NIST.

Upon acceptance of the final design, the contractor shall fabricate the interface hardware. The hardware shall be fabricated in accordance with the design. Any potential changes to the design, identified by the contractor or the Government after approval of the design, must be submitted to the TPOC, in writing or phone, as appropriate, within

24-48 hours after the changes are identified. Changes shall not be incorporated to the design without the prior written approval of the TPOC.

Design Review Meeting Not later than 30 days after award, the contractor shall participate in a design review meeting. The meeting shall be conducted via webcast and will be scheduled and hosted by the NIST TPOC. The NIST TPOC and other designated NIST personnel will be in attendance.

The contractor shall determine the personnel that are appropriate to be in attendance at the meeting, however, must have appropriate personnel in attendance to have a technical and logistical discussion about the design, pre-installation fit up, and the schedule for installation.

The Government shall maintain unlimited data rights to the design of the hardware interfaces in accordance with the Rights in Data clause incorporated herein.

Pre-Installation Fit-Up of the Hardware Interface NIST intends that the hardware interface designed and fabricated by the contractor will be sufficient with respect to all aspects of form, fit and function upon delivery. The contractor shall retain all technical and financial responsibility for all hardware interface rework if the interface hardware is not sufficient for use at any time prior to final acceptance of the equipment.

To minimize the risk that rework of the hardware interface is required, NIST prefers that the hardware interface be delivered to NIST for a fit up prior to its completion and final installation of the equipment.

The contractor shall advise the NIST TPOC at what point in the fabrication process this action is appropriate to take place. This discussion can be conducted during the design review meeting.

The contractor shall package and ship the hardware interface to NIST. NIST will pay for shipping to and from NIST, and retain all responsibility for the shipments. The contractor must ship the hardware interface in a manner sufficient to minimize the risk of loss or damage. NIST will fit up the delivered interface to the NIST instruments for which they are intended, advise the contractor of any issues or problems in writing, and return ship the interface to the contractor for rework and/or completion. These actions will be completed by NIST not later than five business days after receipt of the hardware interface.

The contractor shall provide any changes to the design in accordance with the Hardware Interface Design section, complete all required rework on the interface, and complete the fabrication process.

Installation The Contractor shall install the IMS instrument and hardware interfaces in Building 217 at the NIST campus in Gaithersburg, MD. Installation shall include uncrating/unpacking of all equipment, set-up and hook-up of all equipment and hardware interfaces, start-up of the equipment, demonstration of all required specifications and interface function, and removal of all trash.

Training:

The contractor shall provide training at NIST for up to four NIST personnel covering normal operation, troubleshooting, routine maintenance, and attaching/detaching the IMS to both the AB Sciex Q4000 Triple Quad Mass Spectrometer and JEOL AccuTOF JMS-T100LC Mass Spectrometer using the custom interfaces.

Installation and training shall be scheduled, in advance, with the TPOC.

Acceptance:

• The IMS system must meet the minimum required specifications.

• NIST will supply samples that contain 10 ng or 20 ng of TNT for testing the IMS and IMS-MS capabilities in the following manner:

• Using the 10 ng test sample the IMS system in standalone operation must demonstrate a lower limit of detection of 10 ng TNT.

• Using the 20 ng test sample the IMS-MS system must demonstrate detection of the TNT-H ion at mass 226 amu in a mass spectrum of material desorbed and ionized in the IMS.

• Using the 20 ng test sample the IMS-MS system must demonstrate collection of mass spectra of ions in the range of mass 1 to 800 amu obtained in three different (3) modes:

Open Mode for straight MS analysis with no IMS filtering; Faraday/MS Mode for simultaneous acquisition of an IMS spectrum on the Faraday detector and collection of MS spectrum of species present in real time; Gated Mode to collect a mass spectrum of one specified ion mobility.

Warranty:

The Contractor shall provide a one year warranty for the equipment and interfaces. The warranty shall cover all parts, equipment software updates, labor and travel. The warranty shall commence upon successful completion of delivery, installation, training and final acceptance by the Government.

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

All work shall be completed not later than 180 days after award.

PLACE OF PERFORMANCE

All manufacturing shall be completed at the Contractor’s facility.

Delivery, installation, training and acceptance of the instrument shall be accomplished at NIST, Gaithersburg, Maryland. Normal duty hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m.

to 5:00 p.m. with the exception of Federal holidays.

DELIVERABLES

Description Quantity Due Date Design 1 5 days prior to Design

Review Meeting Design Review Meeting 1 Not later than 30 days after award Delivery of in-process hardware interface for fit-up

1 To be determined by the Contractor

Analytical instrument 1 150 days after award of this requirement.

Installation of the analytical instrument

1 30 days after delivery of the equipment.

Operations and maintenance manual for the analytical instrument

1 Due upon delivery of the equipment.

Training of NIST personnel at NIST, Gaithersburg, MD

1 30 days after delivery of the equipment.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Safety: The Contractor employee shall be responsible for knowing and complying with NIST installation safety prevention regulations (http://www-i.nist.gov/mml/safety/policies/index.htm.) Such regulations include, but are not limited to, general safety, fire prevention, and waste disposal.

Patent Rights: The Government retains a Government use license to all inventions arising from this work.

Security: NIST is a restricted campus. An identification badge is required for access for entry into buildings and also is shown to the armed Security Police when entering the campus.

Identification Badges: Contractor employees shall comply with NIST identification and access requirements. The Contractor employee is responsible for absences due to expired identification and access documents. Each Contractor employee shall wear a visible identification badge provided by the NIST Security Office. The badge must show the full name, title, and if required by NIST, the words “Contractor” in front. The Contractor employee shall turn in the NIST identification badge and vehicle pass at the front gate upon completion of the work.

DRAWINGS AND FIGURES

The drawings below are provided in reference to the design of the IMS-MS interface.

These drawings are representative only. The Contractor shall use these drawing for the sole purpose of responding to this solicitation. No other use is authorized without the written approval of the Contracting Officer.

Figure 1. Schematic drawing of AB Sciex Q4000 vacuum interface (http://sciex.com/Documents/Downloads/Literature/instrument-front-end-cleaning-customer-en.pdf) existing curtain plate mounting holes;

8mm dia, ~137mm apart

Figure 2. Image of JEOL AccuTOF JMS-T100LC Mass Spectrometer vacuum interface (http://www.ionsense.com/pdfs/DARTHardwareManual.pdf) existing off‐axis orifice #1 mounting holes

Threaded holes:

M6x35