SOW.pdf

STATEMENT OF WORK

Thermogravimetric Analyzer

I. BACKGROUND INFORMATION

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)/Material Measurement Lab/Chemical Sciences Division (CSD) is involved in the development of Standard Refence Materials (SRMs) that require extensive analysis to provide traceability to the International System of Units (SI). For many SRMs or other research materials, we need to evaluate impurities such as water, carbon dioxide, or other volatile materials. Currently, thermogravimetric analysis methods are used to assess a wide variety of materials from pure compounds to complex organic mixtures to inorganic mixtures such as cements. However, due to ageing equipment, and current experimental requirements for higher temperatures than current capabilities, we are looking to purchase a new thermogravimetric analyzer (TGA) that will help service current and future needs. Our current needs are to have a TGA that is high accuracy with high throughput for large numbers of samples.

For future needs, we are looking for a TGA that has the capability of adding on instrumentation to determining the identity of evolved gases such as a mass spectrometer.

II. SCOPE OF WORK

The Contractor shall provide a Thermogravimetric Analyzer, installation, training, and a minimum warranty of one (1) year.

III. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

Delivery shall be made within 60 days of award.

IV. SPECIFICATIONS

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

System Requirements

General:

• Shall be a benchtop TGA.

• The TGA system must be new, current production model, off the shelf system.

• The TGA shall be provided with a computer, software, and related peripheral devices for routine operation of system.

o Software updates for the system shall be provided free of charge for two years after installation of the instrument.

• TGA must have a working temperature range from room temperature to 1000 °C or higher.

• The furnace for the TGA should not have to be swapped out to meet the temperature range requirement.

• Must have a temperature accuracy of ±1.5 °C or better.

• Must have a temperature precision of ± 1 °C of better.

• Temperature calibration must be able to be verified by user and calibrated by user as necessary.

• Must have sample mass capabilities of 1000 mg or more.

• Sample mass resolution of 0.1 µg or better.

• System software must allow for the automated input of sample masses from balance.

• Mass validation and calibration should be able to be performed by user. Calibration should be available using internal calibration masses as well as the ability to calibrate the mass measurements using external mass sets.

• The TGA furnace should allow for multiple gas types to be used (e.g., inert, oxidizing, reducing).

• The TGA must have an interface for a mass spectrometer for future expansion of the system.

• The TGA must have an autosampler for at least 20 samples.

• If the TGA furnace requires external cooling, the system must be provided with an appropriate cooling unit.

Installation:

The Contractor shall install the instrument in Building 227, Room B330 (or other designated space), at NIST Gaithersburg, MD. Installation shall include, at a minimum, uncrating/unpacking of all equipment, set-up and hook-up of all equipment, start-up, demonstration of equipment operation, and removal of all trash. Instrument will operate to manufacturer’s specifications for installation to be considered completed.

Installation will take place during normal business hours, between 8:30 am and 5:00 pm Eastern Time, Monday through Friday except Federal Holidays, and will be coordinated with the NIST Technical Point of Contact (TPOC). Installation is to occur within 60 days of award. Result of replicate titrations must demonstrate conformance to specifications.

Warranty:

The Contractor shall provide, at a minimum, a one-year warranty for the equipment and updates for the related software. The warranty shall cover all parts, labor, and travel. The warranty shall commence upon successful completion of delivery, installation, training and demonstration of all required specifications.

Training:

Contractor shall provide training for up to 4 NIST personnel covering normal operation, troubleshooting, and routine maintenance. Training will be provided during normal business hours, between 8:30 am and 5:00 pm Eastern Time, Monday through Friday, except Federal Holidays, and will be coordinated with TPOC to ensure maximum availability of NIST personnel. Training is to occur within 10 days of installation. The training may be completed on-site at NIST immediately after installation and demonstration of specifications, if both parties are in agreement.

V. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE

Installation of the instrument and training 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.

VI. DELIVERABLES

Description Quantity Due Date

Analytical instrument One (1) 60 days after award of this requirement

Installation of the analytical instrument Once 60 days after award of this requirement

Operations and service manuals for the analytical instrument

One (1) during instrument installation

Training of NIST personnel at NIST, Gaithersburg, MD

Once within 10 days of installation

VII. ACCEPTANCE CRITERIA

Equipment must meet the specifications listed in section III. Upon installation, the Contractor shall demonstrate that all performance specifications are met.

VIII. OTHER GENERAL INFORMATION

Safety: The Contractor employee shall be responsible for knowing and complying with commercial installation safety prevention regulations. Such regulations include, but are not limited to, general safety, fire prevention, and waste disposal. During installation and training, the Contractor will comply with all NIST safety policies.

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

Identification Badges: Contractor employees shall comply with NIST identification and access requirements. The Contractor shall provide the name and citizenship information of employees for on-site visits to TPOC 5 days prior to arrival. The TPOC will submit the name(s) and citizenship information to the NIST Office of Security in order for a given Contractor employee to enter the NIST campus. Contractor employees must wear a visible identification badge provided by the NIST Security Office.

Vehicle Registration: All Contractor employees must register their vehicles with the NIST Security Office to gain access to the campus. A valid driver’s license, Government-furnished civilian ID (which in most cases can be a valid driver's license), proof of insurance and current registration must be presented to the NIST Security Office.