National Cancer Institute, Research Contracts Branch, PSAS, 6120 Executive Blvd, EPS/Room 638, Bethesda, MD 20892-7227

66 -- MICROM MAGIC HPLC SYSTEM SOL RFQ90036-NS DUE 012999 POC Patricia Haun, Purchasing Agent, (301) 402-4509 The Laboratory of Pathology (LP), Division of Clinical Sciences (DCS), National Cancer Institute (NCI) plans to procure a Microm Magic HPLC from Microm BioResources, Inc., 1945 Industrial Drive, Auburn, CA 95603. The Laboratory of Pathology is studying the field of proteomic biology, which attempts to dissect cancer progression in terms of relative abundances of proteins displayed by adjacent normal and tumor cells in tissue samples at any given time. The use of laser capture dissection is used to allow the isolation of pure populations of normal and cancerous cells. The differences in protein expression are then analyzed by carrying out two dimensional gel electrophoresis on the normal and malignant samples. The next task involves identifying the proteins that are different between normal and malignant cells to gain an understanding of how transformation took place. The solution to protein identification is to digest proteins of interest in situ and use HPLC coupled to mass spectrometry to separate and identify the resulting fragments. In order to carry out the above studies, an HPLC instrument that can give the highest sensitivity of detection to an existing Finnigan LCQ mass spectrometer is required. This arrangement will allow NCI to separate and introduce the protein proteolytic fragments into the mass spectrometer for sequence analysis in a manner that will provide high sensitivity. The required HPLC must be compatible with the existing Finnigan LCQ with Windows NT for control and data management. The system must be fully integrated with Windows NT control of binary gradient pumps, a 10 port injection valve, dual wavelength detector, and a 4- channel data system. The HPLC system must be able to deliver solvents and make gradients cleanly and at very slow rates. In particular, the system must achieve a minimum of 0.2ul/min. To allow reproducible gradients from 20 to 1000 ul/min without flow splitting, and with a splitter 0.1 to 20 ul/min. for the much higher sensitivity of mass spectrometer operations. In addition, the system must provide optimum mixing of gradient delay and providing rapid system equilibration even at low flow rates. The system must also have a chemically inert flow path for the mobile phase which allows minimum operation from pH 2 to 12, and it must eliminate metal ion contamination from decreasing the sensitivity of detection. The system must also have a built in washing system for pistons, valves, and columns. It must allow multiple manipulations to be made on samples such as concentration, desalting or detergent removal on sample volumes from 0.5 to 500 ul. The system must also insure reproducible runs through temperature controlled column compartments which provide thermal equilibration for mobile phase, injector, column, and detector flowcell, with a capacity to hold various column sizes. The HPLC must also have an integrated, programmable UV/V detector with flow cells for analytical, microbore, and capillary columns allowing for versatility of operation. The ability to attach a column to the flow cell is also necessary to minimize band spreading when connected to a mass spectrometer. This insures sensitivity of sample detection. Since the HPLC must be compatible with the existing Finnigan LCQ (Windows NT) and it must achieve a minimum of 0.2ul/min. to allow reproducible gradients from 20 to 1000 ul/min. without flow splitting, and with a splitter 0.1 to 20 ul/min. for the much higher sensitivity of mass spectrometer operations, Michrom BioResources is the only source known to NCI that can meet the above requirements. If any interested party believes it can at least meet the above requirement, it may submit a statement of capabilities. The statement of capabilities and any other information furnished must be in writing and must contain material in sufficient detail to allow NCI to determine if the party can perform this requirement. Capability statements must be received in the contracting office by 1:00 p.m. EST, on January 29, 1999. If you have any questions, please contact PatriciaHaun, Purchasing Agent on (301) 402-4509. A determination by the Government not to compete this proposed requirement based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. Information received will be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement. Posted 01/11/99 (W-SN286812). (0011)

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