Orbitrap Mass Spectrometer & Maintenance

Subject to final approval, Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) intends to make an award on a sole source basis in accordance with FAR 6.302-1, for the purchase of OrbitrapTM mass spectrometer along with a Vanquish Flex ultra-high performance liquid chromatograph.

The proposed acquisition is to acquire an ultra-high performance liquid chromatograph (UHPLC) with a high-resolution accurate mass (HRAM) mass spectrometer (MS) with the following capabilities: A UHPLC with an operating pressure rating up to 15,000 psi and compatible with the corresponding MS, and a HRAM-MS equipped with a quadrupole- OrbitrapTM that has a resolving power of 120,000 at 200 m/z and requires no external gases other than nitrogen.

The proposed contractor’s unique qualifications and the nature of the acquisition require use of the authority cited as follows:

1. Thermo Fisher Scientific is the only manufacturer of an orbital ion trap (OrbitrapTM) mass spectrometer. TTB currently owns and operates an OrbitrapTM mass spectrometer for the sample screening of pesticides, limited and prohibited ingredients, and adulterants and contaminants.
2. The OrbitrapTM is the only benchtop mass spectrometer capable of reaching a resolving power of 120,000 at 200 m/z, requires no external gases other than nitrogen, and can maintain a mass accuracy of < 1 ppm RMS for at least 5 days.
3. All currently used compound databases, acquisition methods, processing methods, and report templates were developed and validated using Thermo Fisher Scientific software specific for OrbitrapTM data files. A change in HRAM technology would eliminate the ability to continue current operations and would lead to significant man hours in re- development and re-validation of all acquisition and processing methods and compromise our access to compound databases.
4. Currently, Thermo Fisher Scientific Compound Discoverer software is used for targeted and non-targeted compound identification and confirmation using custom analytical workflows that are specific for TTB’s needs. A change in HRAM technology would eliminate the ability to continue current use of this software. Additional expense and significant man hours would be required to regain these capabilities on another platform.

TTB will consider written responses received no later than 9:00 am ET on Monday, August 4, 2025.  Responses must include sufficient evidence that clearly shows their capabilities to provide the above requirements.  If no written response is received that clearly demonstrates an ability to meet these requirements, it is more advantageous to the Government, and is received by the deadline, TTB, shall make award on a sole source basis to Thermo Electron North America LLC /Thermo Fisher Scientific.

The period of performance for the purchase order/contract is anticipated to be a 12-month base period with an optional three (3) year extended warranty.

NO SOLICITATION IS AVAILABLE. A request for more information, or a copy of the solicitation, will not be considered an affirmative response to this Special Notice. Telephone responses or inquiries to this Special Notice will NOT be accepted.

All responsible sources may submit a capability statement, proposal, or quotation, which shall be considered by the agency. Fiscal Service will consider responses received no later than 9:00 am ET on Monday, August 4, 2025. Responses shall be submitted electronically to purchasing@fiscal.treasury.gov, SS-FIN-25-069/Attn: JSmith – DCarozza. Responses must include sufficient evidence that clearly shows your company is capable of providing the requirements described in this notice. Responses received will be evaluated; however, a determination by the Government not to compete the proposed procurement based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. If no written response is received by the aforementioned deadline that clearly demonstrates an ability to meet all requirements, and that is more advantageous to the Government, Fiscal Service will make award on a sole source basis to Thermo Electron North America LLC / Thermo Fisher Scientific.

Qualified contractors must provide the following:

1. The name and location of your company, contact information, and identify your business size (Large Business, Small Business, Disadvantaged Business, 8(a), Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business, HubZone, etc.). Please ensure contact information includes the name of the point of contact, email address, and telephone number should the Government have questions regarding individual responses.2.
2. UEI
3. Specific details of the product(s) that your company offers in regard to this notice.
4. Whether your services are available through a Government contract vehicle or Open Market.

       5. A brief capabilities statement (not to exceed 5 pages) that includes a description of your company's standard line of                       business, as well as a list of customers your company currently provide cable service.

The following file extensions are not allowable and application materials/data submitted with these extensions cannot be considered:

.bat, .cab, .cmd, .com, .cpl, .dot, .dotx, .exe, .hqx, .hta, .mim, .mp3, .mp4, .pif, .rar, .scr, .vbs, .uu, .uue, .vbs, .wsf, xxe,.wmv, html, mhtml, and .zip files

The allowable Microsoft Office and Adobe PDF file types as follows:

Microsoft Office (.doc, .docx, .xls, .xlsx, .ppt, .pptx) and Adobe PDF (.pdf) are acceptable.

No other information regarding this Special Notice will be provided at this time.