Technical_Specifications.pdf

Technical Specifications Automated Solid Phase Extraction System

I. Introduction and Background

The per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) analytical laboratory at the USGS Eastern Ecological Science Center – Leetown Research Laboratory (EESC‑LRL) conducts scientific investigations supporting national priorities related to PFAS fate and transport, occurrence, exposure, risk evaluation, and method development. Researchers rely on the PFAS lab to provide cutting-edge techniques to deliver high-quality and accurate data. Fulfilling these priorities requires advanced instrumentation to improve sample preparation efficiency.

II. Purpose of the Acquisition

The purpose of this acquisition is to procure an automated solid phase extraction system such as the Promochrom SPE-03, OR SIMILAR, to provide efficient sample preparation for analysis of PFAS in a wide range of matrices including but not limited to water, and soil, tissue, and plant extracts. This instrumentation will provide improved PFAS sample preparation efficiency to fulfill annual workplan commitments and support the mission of the U.S. Geological Survey.

III. Scope of Need

The contractor (vendor) shall provide all items necessary to deliver a fully functional automated solid phase extraction system that meets the requirements listed below.

IV. Technical Specifications

The system must meet, at a minimum, the following requirements:

• Must be able to support trace-level PFAS analysis and contain minimal Teflon/fluorinated parts or other potential sources of PFAS contamination.

• Must be able to comply with all parameters of EPA method 1633 including method background, PFAS recovery, and reproducibility requirements.

• Must demonstrate that the system produces clean blanks for PFAS samples. System must not produce background greater than or equal to 0.5 ng/L in a typical water sample (e.g. 50-500 mL) for any single PFAS measured by EPA method 1633.

• Ability to handle sample matrices with heavy particulate matter. System should manage to capture particulate matter in samples and elute particulate matter with solvent to produce a “whole sample” concentration.

• Must have ability to automatically rinse sample bottles with elution solvent and utilize a shaking mechanism to remove PFAS stuck on container side walls.

• Must be able to process at least 8 samples in parallel.

RFQ 140G0126Q0165

• Must have capability for nitrogen gas drying of SPE cartridges.

• Must be able to handle sample volumes ranging from 0.5mL to 1000mL.

• Must be able to handle all standard sizes of SPE cartridges (1, 3, 6, 12, 20 mL).

• Must be able to automate the collection of at least 2 elution fractions.

• Must be able to complete sample extraction with minimal user interaction once sample processing procedure begins.

• Seller shall provide remote support for system after installation by either phone, email, or video conference.

V. Deliverables

The contractor shall provide:

• Automated solid phase extraction system

• All accessories, documentation, and software licenses needed to run PFAS water samples.

• Warranty from date of acceptance covering parts and labor

• Delivery to: USGS EESC‑LRL, 11649 Leetown Road, Kearneysville, WV 25430.

VI. Period and Place of Performance

Delivery shall occur within the standard vendor lead time following issuance of a purchase order.

Delivery location:

USGS Eastern Ecological Science Center Leetown Research Laboratory 11649 Leetown Road Kearneysville, WV 25430

VII. Government Responsibilities

The Government will provide laboratory space, network access, trained personnel for operation, and necessary utilities for instrument installation and operation.

VIII. Acceptance Criteria

Acceptance will occur once the instrument arrives undamaged, passes startup diagnostics, matches all specifications in the vendor quote, and all software are confirmed operational. System will be returned at no expense to the USGS if background metrics for PFAS samples specified above are not met.

IX. Security Requirements

Instrument installation must comply with USGS IT and laboratory security policies. No sensitive data will be accessible to the vendor.

RFQ 140G0126Q0165