Near Infrared Analyzer

Project Title[EB1] 

Foss DS3F Near Infra Red Analyzer

General Information

1.0 Background and Purpose

The overall goal of near infrared (NIR) testing in grain products (corn and pulses) is to provide information regarding chemical composition, such as moisture, oil, protein, starch, and other quality control parameters. NIR spectroscopy is a non-destructive and cost-effective method for analyzing grain parameters and can be compared to results provided by grain elevators, feed mills, seed breeders, ethanol plants, other research laboratories, and the livestock industry. This project is linked to CRIS “Development of Aflatoxin Resistant Corn Lines Using Omic Technologies”.

2.0 Definitions

NIR = Near infrared spectroscopy

Contractor Requirements

3.0 Technical Requirements / Tasks

Quality control: The NIR grain analyzer must be compatible for regulatory compliance and must be compatible with other USDA-ARS laboratories for standardization and calibration of data.

The vendor will provide a NIR grain analyzer that is a global standard for grain analysis and is versatile including a wide variety of commodities for sample analysis. The NIR grain analyzer will provide grain composition qualities including moisture, oil, protein, and starch that is rapid and reliable. The vendor additionally will provide calibration sets for the equipment. The NIR grain analyzer can analyze both whole and ground grains and pulses, at both large and small sample sizes, and for whole or ground material. The NIR grain analyzer should include calibration sets for each type of product (ground and whole, different types of grains and pulses), lamps, training, installation services, as well as sample size cups that can adjust for the weight of the sample or type of material.

The vendor should be able to send the NIR technology to our laboratory and make sure all its components are functional.

The vendor will answer any questions that the USDA-ARS scientists might have about the NIR technology.

4.0 Deliverable / Schedule

Item No.

Deliverable

Objective

Due

1

Detailed explanation of data quality from the NIR grain analyzer via email and zoom meetings

Quality control review to determine compatibility with the objectives of the USDA-ARS scientists. Case examples of successful and published manuscripts from the contractor data should be given.

Prior to moving forward with the contract

2

Proposed Project Plan

Providing NIR grain analyzer technology

No later than one (2) month after contract award

3

Proposed Project Plan

Performing chemical composition analysis of grains and pulses using the NIR grain analyzer in laboratory

No later than (2) month after the vendor has delivered and installed the robotic technologies if in person demonstration is provided, you should include that also.

5.0 Government Furnished

N/A

6.0 Travel

N/A

7.0 Contractor’s Key Personnel

N/A

8.0 Security Requirements

Access to SRRC labs will be provided by the Admin Office.

9.0 Data Rights

All data generated from the NIR grain analyzer will belong to the USDA-ARS.

10.0 Section 508 - Electronic and Information Technology Standards

N/A

11.0 Performance Requirement Measures

Performance Objective

Required Task or Deliverable

Performance Standard

Method of Surveillance

Positive/Negative Incentive

% for NOT meeting the Task

Quality control

Documents with extensive explanations about use of the NIR grain analyzer will be given by the vendor via email or zoom meetings to answer any further questions. Case examples of successful and published manuscripts using the contractors’ methods should be discussed.

99% availability, as described herein.

N/A

N/A

Providing NIR grain analyzer technologies

The NIR grain analyzer will be delivered to the USDA-ARS laboratory.

99% availability, as described herein.

N/A

N/A

Performing quality testing on the NIR grain analyzer

A quality test will be performed to ensure that the NIR grain analyzer works and is compatible with the types of grains and pulses utilized in the laboratory.

99% availability, as described herein.

N/A

N/A

 [EB1]I am unsure of the project title that the NIR will be used for.