Milli-Q® IQ 7003 Water Purification System or Equal

Description: 

This is a Sources Sought notice. This is NOT a solicitation for proposals, proposal abstracts, or quotations. The purpose of this notice is to obtain information regarding the availability and capability of all qualified sources to perform a potential requirement.

This notice is issued to help determine the availability of qualified companies technically capable of meeting the Government requirement, to determine the method of acquisition, and availability of domestic sources manufactured in the United States in sufficient and reasonably available commercial quantities and of a satisfactory quality.  It is not to be construed as a commitment by the Government to issue a solicitation or ultimately award a contract.  Responses will not be considered as proposals or quotes.  No award will be made as a result of this notice.  The Government will NOT be responsible for any costs incurred by the respondents to this notice.  This notice is strictly for research and information purposes only. Small businesses are encouraged to respond.

For equipment/supply requirements, responses must include the place of manufacturing (i.e. address if supply/equipment is a domestic end product and include country of manufacture). For equipment/supply requirements, small businesses must also address the size status of the manufacturer under the applicable NAICS code (i.e. address Non-Manufacturer Rule).

Background:  The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is an agency of the Department of Health and Human Services and the Federal focal point for health research. Its mission is to seek fundamental knowledge about the nature and behavior of living systems and apply that knowledge to enhance health, lengthen life, and reduce illness and disability.

The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), which is an Institute within the NIH, seeks to reduce the burden of neurological disease through supporting and conducting basic, translational, and clinical research on the healthy and diseased nervous system, fostering the training of investigators in the basic and clinical neurosciences, and seeking better understanding, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of neurological disorders.

Purpose and Objectives: The synaptic communication between the millions of neurons in the human brain is what allows it to function normally. Understanding the chemical basis of synaptic transmission under normal and abnormal circumstances is the aim of NINDS’ Synaptic Transmission Section, which investigates the molecular mechanisms underlying SNARE complex formation and interaction in cultured neurons from the hippocampus and adrenal medulla. This section’s research could help in the diagnosis and treatment of prevalent neurological conditions like Alzheimer's disease.

The fields of synaptic transmission and exocytosis research will both benefit from a quality ultrapure water source. A high-quality and reliable ultrapure water source is crucial for NINDS’ research as without it cell culture, molecular, and biochemistry experiments would be impossible to perform.

Project requirements:

• Must have the ability to produce Type I ultrapure water.
• Must provide easy Volumetric Water Dispensing, with ultrapure water flow rates adjustable from drop-by-drop to 2 L/min.
• Complete process monitoring system systematically must check water temperature, pressure, and conductivity, using calibrated meters at different steps.
• The ultrapure water system must be able to recirculate water to maintain high water quality during periods of non-use.
• Must be able to select a Unique Range of Final Polishers, to adapt to specific application(s). Millipak (bacteria removal), Biopak (to remove RNAse, DNAse, and Pyrogens), LC Pak for production of UHPLC or LC-MS grade water.
• To avoid maintenance errors and to improve traceability, the internal primary consumable water purification cartridges must have a built-in RFID tag
• Must include 5” capacitive touch screen interface that allows easy interaction with system and provides pertinent data, including step-by-step graphical maintenance protocols.
• Must include low voltage DC pump (<50 decibels at 1m) for virtually silent operation
• The ability to accurate Temperature Measurement of +/- 0.1 degrees Celsius to improve the precision of Temperature Compensation at 25 degrees C
• Must include extensive service software program thereby providing all pertinent service information
• The system must have built-in mercury-free, Xenon eximer UV lamps with a two-year life time, emission at 172 nm and 265 nm wavelengths for oxidation and bactericidal functions.
• The ability to purify water in a first step using unique Jetpore ion-exchange resin, synthetic activated carbon, and UV lamp at 185 nm to reach a resistivity of 18.2 MΏ.cm at 25◦C and a TOC value <5ppb. Monitored by advance analytical techniques.
• The ability for the system to give a TOC result from an A10 TOC monitor that is calibrated to international norms and standards.

Anticipated period of performance: N/A

Other important considerations: N/A

In case domestic sources are available and capable of fulfilling the Government’s need, and a future solicitation is published, the Government will use evaluation preferences in accordance with FAR 25.