Statement of Work.pdf

Statement of Work for ION CHROMATOGRAPH SYSTEM 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 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: In the past, soluble non cell wall carbohydrates and starch was not a major focus of this project. Current in house high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) and colorimetric procedures were adequate to quantitate total non specific components. With additional directions in alternative and innovative uses for forage and other plants we have the requirement of the quantitation of these specific non cell wall carbohydrates. Ion Chromatography (IC) is the accepted methodology over standard HPLC systems. IC achieves separation and detection of compounds by the use of ions and polar molecules (i.e., chemical detection) where as HPLC typically utilize UV and other wavelength detectors (i.e., light adsorption or absorption) where the compounds of interest are not active.

This SOW and attached documentation is for an UPGRADEABLE IC system that is able to do carbohydrate analysis. The system is planned to be upgraded to identify and quantify proteins at a later date when funds become available.

Purchased components in this SOW need to be upgradeable within the module, not by simply purchasing new modules or adding on modules.

CONTRACTOR REQUIREMENTS

3.0 Technical Requirements/Tasks:

We require a ion chromatograph system in order to analyze the carbohydrates (upgradeable to analyze proteins) in forage and other plant samples with following details:

• Single manufacturer system

• Single electrochemical detector for carbohydrates. Must be upgradeable within existing module to two (2) electrochemical detectors with separate distinct sample pathways being able to run in series or in parallel when needed, one for carbohydrates, one for amino acids. Options should exist for a conductivity type detector to be added at a later date.

• Detectors are auto ranging and be thermally controlled or in a thermally controlled component.

• Detector range-2.0 to 2.0V in 0.001 V increments (potential), digital output

0.0008 pC to 200 uC, analog output 0.00008 pA to 74 uA

• Detector electrode options of gold, platinum, silver and carbon

• Single variable speed pump system flow rates of 0.001 to 10 ml/min. Must be upgradeable within existing module to dual variable speed pumps with independently programable gradient flows and eluent switching.

• Minimum of 4 eluent channels

• Inline degassing

• 100% non metallic fluid paths, corrosion resistant, wide solvent compatible, compatible pH 0-14, 5000psi working pressure

• Ability, at a future date, to change from standard bore (4mm column) to microbore (2mm column) system

• All pump components to be pressure rated to a continuous 5000 psi

• Column and valve heater sub ambient to 40C, upgradeable within existing module to two independent column heaters

• Column compartment to fit industry standard 4mm x 25mm analytical columns with guard column

• Integrated/dedicated software package for all variable/module control (i.e., thermal areas, pump speeds, system alarms, autosampler, data output etc), data collection and data analysis. Software to be Windows 10 (or 11) PC based operating and separate from module systems (not run on a module).

Must be able to operate offline 100% of the time, requiring no network or internet connections for updates, data storage, data handling or data manipulations.

• Include PC computer and monitor and all cables

• Data is required to be 100% Microsoft office suite compatible requiring no user custom data scripting to achieve this compatibility

• Consumable items monitoring system able to track items beyond standard electrolytic consumables

• Liquid leaks alert detector system programmable to be able to alert user and shut down system if required

• Autosampler able to inject once and split to two columns or inject two as distinct separate injections, full or partial loop injections.

• Automated pistol seal wash

• Sample tray temperature control of sub ambient to 80C

• Hold at least 100x 2ml common glass sample vials (rubber or silicon septa, screw or crimp top types).

• Maximum injection volume >5000ul, variable programable injection volumes 1ul to + 5000ul ranged

• Be able to perform automated dilution of sample for injection

• Standard power requirements, 110V US

• System weight not to exceed 600lb inclusive

• Total physical dimensions not to exceed 48”w x 34”d x 30”h to fit on existing bench space

• Installation/warranty is to be performed by OEM certified personnel.

Minimum of 1 year hardware and onsite support included.

• Familiarization of system included at time of installation

• Offer multiple off warranty support options both rapid and normal response time, phone, in person or on line.

• Training and support to be offered by OEM certified personnel. Include offsite training after approximately 3-6 months after installation for one person offsite, 4 person onsite. .

• Analytical technical for application specific help included for minimum of 1 year

• Minimum 10 year guaranteed instrument use and support by company from date of delivery

4.0 Government Furnished:

NA

5.0 Deliverables / Schedule:

USDA-ARS, 1991 Upper Buford Cir, 411 Borlaug Hall, St. Paul, MN 55108 Indoor delivery, requested city delivery truck with lift gate (no building dock available) Delivery: 60 days after receipt of order

Items deliverable:

All modular systems of pump, detector, autosampler, eluent system, all non metallic fluid lines, computer systems and software to install for system operation and data analysis.

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 data management plan.

10.0 Section 508 – Electronic and Information Technology Standards: NA