SOW FOR RFQ.pdf

Request for Quotation Number 1333ND24QNB640681

Statement of Work

BACKGROUND

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), Surface and Trace Chemical Analysis Group

(STCAG), completes a number of research projects in the area of forensic science – specifically chemical analysis of forensic samples.

Forensic science research within the Surface and Trace Chemical Analysis Group is experiencing increased growth, and there is need to procure new technologies for projects that are aiding federal, state, and local forensic laboratories. One required technology is a gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS) system which represents the current state-of-the-art in these laboratories. A number of research projects, namely in the areas of fire debris, drugs, explosives, and trace evidence analysis are planned that require the use of a GC-MS system representative of those commonly used in the field.

The system must be capable of electron ionization (EI) to allow for detection of fire debris and drugs. The system must also be capable of simultaneous analysis using flame ionization detection (GC-FID) to allow for screening in confirmation of samples in a manner identical to practicing forensic laboratories. Additionally, the system must have capabilities to use hydrogen as the carrier gas.

PURPOSE

The Government has a requirement for an Agilent GC-MS system, including delivery, installation, training and warranty.

BRAND NAME JUSTIFICATION

This is a brand name only procurement. Only the make and model of equipment, identified herein, will be considered for award.

Ongoing research within the STCAG supports forensic science laboratories at the local, state, and federal levels.

All laboratories supported by the Group operate Agilent GC-MS systems with either MassHunter of

ChemStation software. Research projects with these laboratories involve the sharing of analytical methods and datafiles, to improve measurement science. In order to be able to analyze data from these laboratories in their native format, and to provide data to these laboratories in a format that they can interact with, the data must be collected with the same Agilent GC-MS system so as to function consistently and produce the same data files.

NIST’s use of its GC-MS system facilitates the transfer of analytical methods developed at NIST to other laboratories using these systems. These method transfers are crucial for the development of more sensitive, rapid, and objective analytical methods for forensic chemistry.

The STCAG has also developed a number of internal data processing tools, analysis methods, to assist in the batch processing of GC-MS data collected on NIST instruments from laboratories and programs across the country. Tools are designed to handle native Agilent file formats. Procuring a non-Agilent system would require a duplication of cost and effort associated with retooling and redevelopment of tools to handle different file formats and would hinder NIST’s ability to provide real-time information to entities across the country.

EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS

The Contractor shall provide one gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS) system equipped with two capillary columns, two autosamplers, a flame ionization detector (FID) and a single quadrapole mass spectrometer (MS).

The MS component must be capable of electron ionization (EI). Modules required to use hydrogen as the carrier must be included.

All necessary software and computer workstations must be included along with an additional hardware license, to allow for data analysis on a second computer is required.

All equipment must be new. Used or remanufactured equipment shall not be considered for award.

Mass Spectrometer

• Must be an Agilent 5977C single quadrupole mass spectrometer detector (MSD) with a pump capable of handling column flow rates up to 50 mL/min

• Must be equipped with electron ionization (EI) mode and a Hydro-Inert source

• Must have a dual filament source to prolong operational up-time

• Must have a mass resolution of 0.4 Da or lower FWHM in autotune mode

• Must have a temperature-programmable inert ion source capable of reaching temperatures up to 300 °C

• Must be able to obtain transfer line temperatures up to at least 325 ºC

• Must have a mass range of at least m/z 5 to m/z 1000

• Must have a SIM scan speed of 0.1 msec and a SIM capacity of at least 100 SIM groups

• Must have a mechanism for automated SIM setup capable of converting full scan methods to SIM methods

• Must have programmable sleep/wake modes capable of putting the system into, and bringing the system out of, a power saving mode as well as being able to time program sequences, tuning, etc.

• Must have a linear dynamic range of at least 1.0 x 106

• Must have a mass scan rate of at least 20,000 Da/s

• Must have a sensitivity of at least 1 pg with a signal to noise of at least 1500:1

• The system must include an operations and maintenance manual covering proper operation, routine maintenance, and trouble shooting for the instrument and controlling software

• The manual may hard copy or electronic format (or both).

Gas Chromatograph

• Must be an Agilent 8890 gas chromatograph with dual column capability

• Must be capable of supporting instalation and simultaneous operation of at least two detectors, one of which is a mass spectrometer, without impact on performance

• Must have two split/splitless (SSL) injectors capable of pressures from 0 psi to 100 psi

-Inlets must have a pressure accuracy of <± 2 % and a flow accuracy of <±5 %

-Must have the ability to control inlet temperatures (up to at least 325 °C) with at least 0.5 °C increments

• Must have two columns pre-installed:

-30 m x 0.25 mm x 0.25 µm DB-5 (or equivalent) column

-30 m x 0.25 mm x 0.25 µm DB-35 (or equivalent) column

• Must have one flame ionization detector (FID)

-Must be capable of data collection at a rate of at least 1000 Hz

-Must have automatic flame ignition, flame out detection, and flame re-ignition

-Must have a sensitivity of at least 5 pg

• The gas chromatograph must have a browser interface that provides access to:

-Built-in self-guided diagnostics and maintenance capabilities

-Method and sequence editing without the need for a data system

-Easy access to logs and complete user documentation

• Must be able to perform the following inlet diagnostic checks automatically: leak test, pressure decay test, split vent restriction test, gas supply pressure check, and septum purge flow test

-Must have a graphical browser to show the progress of the diagnostic check

• Must have an oven ramp rate of at least 50 ºC/min

• Must have an oven temperature range of at least 50 ºC to 325 ºC

-Must be able to cool the oven from 350 ºC to 50 ºC in under five minutes

• Must have a pressure control of at least ±0.001 psi across 0 psi to 150 psi

• Must use hydrogen carrier gas

-Must have GC firmware that can determine that if a hydrogen carrier gas set point is not attained within a specific period of time, then the GC will alert the user via an audible alarm. If, after a period of time, the set point is still not reached, then the GC will shut down

• Must have on column injection capabilities

• Must have a peak area repeatability of < 0.5% RSD

• Must have a retention time repeatability of <0.001 min or <0.01%

• Must have pre-programmed leak tests

• Must include consumables kit with replacement septa, injector liners, column nuts, etc.

Autosampler

• Must provide two Agilent 7693A autosamplers (one for each SSL injector) with integrated control of the autosamplers through the software

• Must be capable of completing autosampling, standard dilution, standard addition, sequential dilution, and derivatization

• Must have the ability to do user-defined sandwich injections

• Must have sampling tray(s) for at least 100, 2 mL liquid vials

• Must be capable of sampling from as little as 0.5 µL of solution

• Must have solvent wash stations

• Must have at least one additional liquid syringe

• Must have an injection reproducibility of less than 0.5% RSD

• Must be capable of pre and post injection rinsing, sample pre-washes, and pre-injection sample pumples

Computer and Software

• Must operate using ChemStation software to allow for transfer of methods with collaborating laboratories

• Must create datafiles capable of being analyzed by MassHunter software, to allow for exchange of datafiles with collaborating laboratories

• Must include computer and monitor for use with the instrument

• Must be capable of evaluating blank run datafiles for peak areas, peak heights, and signal levels

• The purchase will include software for operation of the instrument as well as data analysis

-Must meet NIST network security requirements

• The software must allow for seamless integration and automation between the GC, the MS, and the autosampler units under one program

• The software must allow for the setup of automated run cycles

• The software must have quantification capabilities

• The software must come with NIST mas spectral library. At least one additional license or copy of the data analysis software must be provided to allow for analysis of data on another computer(s).

INSTALLATION

The Contractor shall install the equipment at the NIST campus in Gaithersburg, MD. Installation shall include, at a minimum, uncrating/unpacking of all equipment, set-up and hook-up of the instrument, start-up, demonstration of all equipment requirements identified herein, and removal of all trash. The Contractor shall provide all samples required for on-site demonstration of the of all specifications Identified herein.

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).

TRAINING

The Contractor shall conduct training at NIST, Gaithersburg, MD.

Training shall include the following:

-A minimum of four hours of familiarization training with a software and hardware specialist covering normal operation, troubleshooting, and routine maintenance; and

-Additional on-site in-depth training for up to three NIST personnel covering normal operation, system/solution functions, data administration, troubleshooting, and routine maintenance.

Training shall be provided during normal business hours and shall be coordinated with the NIST TPOC. The training shall be completed no later than 60 days after successful completion of installation and demonstration of equipment requirements.

WARRANTY

The Contractor shall provide at least a one (1) year warranty on all parts, materials, and labor for all equipment.

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

Delivery, installation, demonstration of equipment requirements and training shall be completed not later than four months from the date of award.