The US EPA intends to procure on a sole source basis a ThermoFisher Scientific QExactive Benchtop Quadrupole Orbitrap Mass Spectrometer (MS), Accela UHPLC system from THERMO ELECTRON NORTH AMERICA LLC. for the Office of Research and Development (ORD), National Exposure Research Laboratory (NERL). This system shall include electrospray ionization (ESI) and atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (APCI) sources, Xcalibur software, gas phase chromatography interface, and all software and accessories necessary to detect and analyze mass spectra from a wide range of endogenous metabolites (i.e., biochemicals) present in a variety of biomatrices (e.g., biofluids, tissues, etc.) with a high degree of resolution, accuracy, and sensitivity. EPA intends to use the GSA Schedule of ThermoFisher GS-24F-0026L for the main unit and intends to add the following non-schedule items to the resultant order as these items are to be integrated into the main unit in order to meet the need s of the Agency. These open market items include: Kit, Column SW 10Port VLV, A/S, RoH; Column Oven 300; CTC Mount; Heat Exchanger Low Volume; Generator, Nitrogen, NM32LA, RoHS; SW, Sieve 1.3 SP2 For Metabolomics On; EXACTFINDER 2.0; ISQ Trace 1300 PERF BUNDLE ? 120 V; Trace 1300 SSL W/BKF Injector Module; GC/GCMS Start-up Kit; RSH LIQUID TOOL: D7 57 MM; RSH LIQUID TOOL: D7 85 MM; RSH Agitator Adapter for 2ML Vial; and RSH VORTEXER. This system is needed to enhance the analytical capabilities of EPA researchers within the CSS National Research Program. Chemical compounds to be routinely measured within the CCS program often have highly similar molecular mass at very low concentrations in biological matrices so EPA requires an instrument capable of generating spectra characterized by high mass resolution, mass accuracy, sensitivity, and wide dynamic range. Similarly biological compounds to be routinely measured within a single sample can widely vary in concentration and ionizability such that a large dynamic range and the option for analyses by multiple ionization sources is a critical need. The attributes of the requested instrumentation are of utmost importance for the success of the research as it will both decrease the ambiguity involved in chemical identification (high resolution and accuracy) and the detection limits (sensitivity), while increasing the comprehensive nature of the analyses (dynam ic range and multiple ionization modes). EPA is limited by the amount of benchtop space available in its laboratory facility to house the instrument. The relatively small footprint of the ThermoFisher QExactive Benchtop Quadrupole Orbitrap Mass Spectrometer system is a critical consideration as laboratory space is minimal and any additional laboratory space is expected to be consumed by sample processing and storage instrumentation. The ThermoFisher QExactive Benchtop Quadrupole Orbitrap Mass Spectrometer system provides the level of resolution, accuracy, sensitivity, throughput, and dynamic range essential for the detection and discrimination of the types of biological compounds (i.e., biochemicals) being investigated by ERD researchers within EPA?s space limitations. The fast polarity switching capabilities and rapid rate of detection characteristic of this instrument are required to meet the high throughput nature of the research for which it will be used. Further, the fast polarity switching offered by the Q Exactive will allow for a reduction in analysis time and solvent use. Both types of ionization (ESI +and ESI -) are needed for more comprehensive chemical detection. The use of fast polarity switching will provide for the acquisition of both types of data on the same sample thereby reducing LC solvent use. Therefore, the item is also more efficient and will reduce the environmental impact (in accordance with environmental management systems guidelines) when compared to instruments. THIS NOTICE IS NOT A REQUEST FOR QUOTATIONS. However, any firm that believes it is capable of meeting this EPA requirement must submit technical documentation to establish its assertion. This documentation must be submitted to the POC within 15 days of the electronic posting of this notice. Telephone requests will not be honored. A determination not to compete the proposed requirement based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the EPA. Information received will normally be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement or to proceed on a sole source basis. The anticipated award date is October 25, 2012.

Bid Protests Not Available