Exploris 240 Gas Chromatograph Orbitrap Mass Spectrometer

NASA/GSFC has a requirement for an Exploris 240 Gas Chromatograph Orbitrap Mass Spectrometer.   

NASA/GSFC intends to issue a sole source contract to acquire the Exploris 240 Gas Chromatograph Orbitrap Mass Spectrometer from Thermo Electron North America LLC under the authority of 10 U.S.C. 2304(c) (1), as implemented by FAR 6.302-1, “Only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements.”

Thermo Electron North America LLC shall provide the materials and labor to deliver and install the Orbitrap Mass Spectrometer, which provides for simultaneous in situ measurements of organic compounds, site-specific isotope composition and fragmentation patterns for small molecules separated by gas chromatography.

The rationale supporting the use of 10 U.S.C. 2304(c) (1) is justified because Thermo Electron North America LLC is the only organization qualified to provide the Exploris 240 Gas Chromatograph Orbitrap Mass Spectrometer system assembly that meets the following:

1. A gas chromatograph (GC) equipped with both a programmable temperature vaporizing (PTV) injector and a split/splitless (SSL) injector module. Both modules must be capable of integrated electronic gas control with both constant and programmable flow and pressure modes as well as Leak Check and Column Evaluation capabilities. The PTV must be capable of a maximum temperature of 450°C for large volume and on column injection while the SSL must be capable of a maximum temperature of  400°C and compatible with Merlin Microseal septa.
2. The GC must include a vacuum interlock that allows for source maintenance and switching between electron and chemical ionization without breaking vacuum.
3. Mass spectrometer with a mass range from m/z 30-3,000 with resolution up to 240,000 at m/z 200 and a scan rate of 40 Hz for m/z 200 with a resolution of 7,500. The mass spectrometer must have an analytical dynamic range of >106 and sensitivity of at least 100 fg octofluoronaphthalene with electron ionization and 10 pg benzophenone with chemical ionization.
4. The suite must come with a software license for Chromeleon and a 3D/MS spectral license as well as the most recent NIST MS library. This software will enable control of the instrument and 3D, GC-MS, and LS-MS data acquisition.
5. A complete CFR part 1194 compliant, IPv6 capable, Dell Optiplex MiniTower workstation to operate the software and the instrument.
6. The necessary pumps, filters, cords, and kits to operate the system.
7. Familiarization training is required for potential users of the instrument suite with the 3-day onsite support.

Thermo Electron North America LLC is the only organization qualified to provide these requirements based on their unique knowledge, extensive experience, and expertise that will ensure successful achievement of technical performance requirements.

The period of performance for this contract is approximately 3 years after award, with the contract award expected in November 2023.

The Government does not intend to acquire a commercial item using FAR Part 12.   

Interested organizations may submit their capabilities and qualifications to perform the effort electronically via email to Shanita Boykin or Shanita.L.Boykin@nasa.gov not later than May 12, 2023 at 4:30 PM,  ET.  Such capabilities/qualifications will be evaluated solely for the purpose of determining whether or not to conduct this acquisition on a competitive basis.  A determination by the Government not to compete this acquisition on a full and open competition basis, based upon responses to this notice, is solely within the discretion of the Government.

NASA Clause 1852.215-84, Ombudsman, is applicable. The Center Ombudsman for this acquisition can be found at http://prod.nais.nasa.gov/pub/pub_library/Omb.html