Multi-cell DSC Complete System

The USDA, Agricultural Research Service intends to issue and award to TA Instruments in New Castle, Delaware on a sole source basis. Award will be made pursuant to 41 U.S.C.253(c)(1)--Only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements. The U.S. Department of Agriculture proposes to sole source purchase a Multi-cell DSC Complete System (115V). Description of Supplies/Services: The TA Instruments Multi-cell Differential Scanning Calorimeter, Model 4100, meets the following specific design and performance specifications which are not offered at all, or cannot be met/exceeded by any other current commercial source which is required to meet the Center’s mission. The model 4100 MC-DSC is a unique, scanning microcalorimeter, which is designed to accommodate a wide range of samples, including both solid and liquid forms. To accommodate this range of application, the microcalorimeter uses removable samples ampoules, which are offered in various materials of construction, including primarily Hastelloy, glass and steel (for high pressure). 1. The MC-DSC is absolutely unique in that it can accommodate three (3) sample ampoules simultaneously, tested in independent sample measurement cells, against a common reference ampoule. 2. Some models of commercial microcalorimeter, specifically those designed exclusively for protein/solution analysis, offer higher levels of specific sensitivity and baseline stability. However, the MC-DSC is the ONLY commercial scanning microcalorimeter that can accommodate BOTH liquid and solid form samples, that provides the sensitivity of <10ucal/degC, or baseline reproducibility of <25ucal at heating rate of 1degC/min. This level of sensitivity and baseline stability is essential for both low-energy transition detection and quantification, and also to accommodate small sample volumes, when necessary. 3. The MC-DSC is the only commercial scanning microcalorimeter that can accommodate samples as large as 1ml in volume. This capability is crucial in two aspects: (1) to allow large volume of samples to be used, when available, to enhance the total heat evolved during phase transformations and improve the specific sensitivity to, and resolution of these transitions; (2) to allow the use of optional high-pressure and perfusion ampoules to be used, in which the large head-space available in a 1ml ampoule can be used to accommodate either pressurization of the ampoule, or to allow gas and/or liquid to be perfused into the ampoule during testing to elicit a desired phase change in the sample. The Multi-cell DSC Complete System (115V) shall be installed, delivery FOB, to the USDA, ARS, SRRC, New Orleans, Louisiana. Responses are to be received within 15 days of this notice. The NAICS Code/Size is 423490. This procurement will be processed pursuant to FAR part 12, Acquisition of Commercial Items. No telephone inquiries will be accepted. No solicitation will be issued. Questions can be e-mailed [email protected].