The USDA, ARS, BARC Human Nutrition Research Center, intends to solicit and negotiate with only one source under the authority of FAR 13.106-1(b), "Soliciting from a single source" based upon only one responsible source capable of meeting the Government's requirement. The USDA intends to solicit and negotiate with Thermo Electron North America LLC for a 'Q Exactive Mass Spectrometer'. This notice of intent is not a request for competitive proposals. However, all inquiries received within 7 days after date of publication of this market survey will be considered by the Government. A determination by the Government not to compete based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. Information received will normally be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement. Any resulting procurement would be conducted in accordance with FAR Part 13. An award notice for Thermo Electron North America LLC may be posted on FBO in the near future.

Requirement:

A hybrid orbitrap mass spectrometer that performs both conventional MS/MS experiments (neutral loss scanning or precursor ion scanning functions, or conventional MRM experiments), while also allowing high resolution accurate mass measurements (without the requirement for internal mass calibrants) is required. It must have a scan speed that is fast enough to be compatible with Ultra-Performance Liquid Chromatography (UPLC), which is at least 12 Hz acquisition speed. It must have a high mass range to allow identification of high molecular weight triacylglycerol oxidation products (oligomers), at least 6,000 amu. It must also have the high resolution associated with proprietary 'orbitrap' technology, or at least 140,000 full width at half mass (FWHM) combined with mass accuracy of 1 part in a million (1 ppm) with internal calibration, or 3 ppm without internal calibration.

Also note that the government will be transitioning research methods to UPLC as soon as possible and must have an instrument that will be forward compatible with this technology.

Bid Protests Not Available