Specifications.doc

Specifications Project: Forage Quality and Enhanced Use of Forage Research

GENERAL INFORMATION

1.0 Scope of Work: We investigate forage plants in terms of animal nutrition characteristics, protein sources for food stock and biochemical new and innovative/alternative uses for forage plants. Most research is centered within the alfalfa research project, however there are other plant species that are of interest for current and future projects. Research is conducted in conjunction with plant breeders to select for specific desired traits. Research is both lab and field based.

2.0 Background: This purchase is for a replacement of an very old single tube spectrophotometer (spec), replacing the analog device with a micro plate reading spec able to scan up to 384 samples in about 3 minutes, compared to about 72 samples in tubes taking about 65 minutes. In addition to the higher sample throughput, the new device is safer for the end user, with less handling of concentrated acids and in much smaller volumes compared to the single tube spec. The device MUST fit in the same physical space as the device it is replacing, approximately 40cm x 33cm x 35cm because of benchtop space restrictions.

CONTRACTOR REQUIREMENTS

3.0 Technical Requirements/Tasks:

We require the following to read spectral data in forage and other plant samples with following details:

· Single manufacturer system

· System must physically fit into dimensions of 40cm w x 33cm d x 35cm h

· Multi mode absorbance, florescence and luminescence detection capabilities

· Separate light paths/sources for absorbance and fluorescence

· Absorbance reading 200-1000nm

· Read 6, 12, 24, 48, 96 and 384 well microplates, up to 4 cuvettes

· Micro volume 2ul plate reader

· Long life Xenon flash lamp light source

· Bandpass of <= 5nm in absorbance

· Thermal regulation of samples from 4C+ ambient to 45C

· 96 well 27sec and 384 well plate 81 sec read time in speed mode

· Linear, orbital and double orbital shaker features

· Top of plate read mode

· Dedicated software for instrumentation and data management and analysis including data recovery and saving

· Data analysis, multiple standard curves, multiple plots, 4 and 5 parameter log curve fitting, BOOLEAN operation capabilities

· Custom design for user assays, protocols, reports, graphs and summaries

· Software keys for 4 computer systems

· Data is required to be 100% Microsoft Excel compatible requiring no user custom data scripting to achieve this compatibility, XLS,TXT and XML formatted files.

· Standard power requirements, 110V US

· On site installation and familiarization provided by OEM

· Warranty work is to be performed by OEM certified personnel.

· Minimum of 1 year warranty

· Minimum of 1 year access to technical/application support from manufacturer company

4.0 Government Furnished:

NA

5.0 Deliverables / Schedule:

USDA-ARS, 1991 Upper Buford Cir, 411 Borlaug Hall, St. Paul, MN 55108 Indoor delivery

Delivery: 60 days after receipt of order Items deliverable:

All items listed including accessories 6.0 Travel: NA 7.0 Contractor’s Key Personnel: NA 8.0 Security Requirements: NA 9.0 Data Rights:

Data produced by this analytical equipment will be maintained by Dr. Jo Heuschele and other scientists at the Plant Science Research Unit in accordance with their and USDA data management plans.