M5L OCEC instrument equipped with the automated sample loader manufactured by Sunset Laboratory, Inc

The purpose of this procurement action is to purchase a new M5L OCEC instrument equipped with the automated sample loader manufactured by Sunset Laboratory, Inc. The Dust Division's carbon laboratory is responsible for performing diesel particulate matter (DPM) analysis on samples collected by MSHA Metal/Nonmetal (MNM) inspectors in support of the Agency's Health Enforcement Program. The laboratory currently owns three M4L OCEC instruments for DPM analyses. Two of the three instruments have been in service for more than 8 years. The third instrument is two generations older than the model that is being sought in this requirement and has been in service for 12 years. The average life of service for laboratory equipment is 10 years. The oldest instrument has been in and out of service over the last 6 months and has not been as reliable. Sunset Laboratory is the manufacturer of the only lab-based Thermal/Optical carbon aerosol analyzers for measuring organic, elemental, and total carbon deposited on filters using the NIOSH 5040 Analytical Method for Diesel Particulate Matter (DPM). MSHA's standard operating procedure, P-13, for analyzing health enforcement samples collected by MSHA inspectors to monitor miners' exposures to DPM is based on the NIOSH 5040 method.
The total cost of the M5L instrument with sample autoloader, including shipping and installation.