Description
The USDA, Agricultural Research Service (ARS), intends to negotiate solely with Wyatt Technology Corporation, Santa Barbara, California to furnish, deliver and install a new DAWN EOS - Light Scattering Detector System and Accessories at the USDA, ARS, NAA, Eastern Regional Research Center (ERRC), 600 E. Mermaid Lane, Wyndmoor, PA 19038. The USDA, ARS, ERRC, Fats, Oils, and Animal Coproducts Research Unit (FOAC) has determined that the Wyatt Technologies DAWN EOS light scattering detector and Optilab interferometric refractometer will be used in conjunction with another DAWN EOS to determine the absolute molar masses of the bacterial polymers studied in our lab. The current DAWN EOS system is used in our lab to determine polymer molar mass utilizes a polystyrene calibration curve and the unknown molar masses are determined by comparing retention times through a column. Since polystyrene is completely different structurally than the polymers that we are interested in, the molar masses derived from our current system are inaccurate. The DAWN EOS detector measures the light scattered by a polymer at 18 different angles. When used in conjunction with the Optilab refractometer we will be able to determine accurate absolute molar masses and also determine other parameters (radius of gyration, branching properties, etc.) about the polymers that we are presently unable to determine. For FOAC's intended applications, an instrument with 18 different angles is critical since it determines the reproducibility of the measurements, accuracy of the molar mass, size determination. The DAWN EOS Detector System includes the following accessories and components: 1) Peltier driven temperature regulation from approximately -15 degrees Celsius to +80 degrees Celsius (+/- 0.1 degree Celsius); 2) ASTRA Software (windows based). The data acquisition software package is windows-based data collection and analysis program for HPLC light scattering that determines number, weight and z-average molecular weights and rms sizes and their distribution; 3)Optilab DSP -Interferometric Refractometer for use at 690nm; 4) Wyatt Comet - Cell Operation and Maintenance-Enhancing Technology Device; 5) Chromatographic (Hydrophobic PVDF, 02.um.) Filter Kit; 6) Ambient Cell Cleaning Kit; 7) DNDC Kit; 8) Technical Support to include unlimited free telephone, e-mail and FAX support for one year; 9)Installation; 10) 3-day training (including air-fare) in Santa Barbara, CA prior to delivery and installation; and 11) one set of the operations, repair and maintenance manuals, service instructions, and software operating instructions. In addition, a one-year parts and labor warranty on the equipment is required. The Contractor shall also provide a copy of any available extended warranties and costs. DELIVERY shall be F.O.B. Destination, within Consignee's Premises AFTER October 15, 2002, as mutually agreed with the Contracting Officer's Technical Representative who will be named at time of award. The Government has determined that Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, standards 1194.21 through 1194.25 applies to the above system. INSTALLATION shall be completed not later than two weeks after delivery. The Government shall purchase the required PC and printer. Companies with the demonstrated capability and financial capacity to provide and service such equipment, warranty must submit a written substantive statement outlining the Company's and systems' capabilities, available service agreements and consumables (including price lists) and the required p.c. and printer specifications to the Contracting Officer within 5 days of publication of this notice. This is not a request for proposal. No solicitation is available.