NASA/George C. Marshall Space Flight Center, Procurement Office, Marshall Space Flight Center, AL 35812

66 -- PROTEIN PURIFICATION SYSTEM SOL 8-1-9-10-C3280 DUE 073099 POC Glen A. Alexander, Contract Specialist, Phone (256) 544-3797, Fax (256) 544-9354, Email glen.alexander@msfc.nasa.gov -- Valerie N. Holmes, Contracting Officer, Phone (256)544-0314, Fax (256)544-9354, Email valerie.holmes@msfc.nasa.gov WEB: Click here for the latest information about this notice, http://nais.nasa.gov/EPS/MSFC/date.html#8-1-9-10-C3280. E-MAIL: Glen A. Alexander, glen.alexander@msfc.nasa.gov. This notice is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items prepared in accordance with the format in FAR Subpart 12.6, as supplemented with additional information included in this notice. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; quotes are being requested and a written solicitation will not be issued. This procurement is being conducted under the Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP). We require the ability to purify biomolecules from complex starting materials derived from cell lysates, tissue homogenates, recombinant protein expression systems and other sources. The system we will purchase must be able to perform separations based on a variety of sample characteristics, such as molecular weight, net surface charge, and hydrophobicity, while retaining biological activity. We may want to automate the running of large open columns on the system, as well as a variety of gel filtration media. We require a flow rate range of .01-100 ml/min at pressures ranging from 0-1500 psi. The system must have the capability of interchanging pump heads as a future option. Because the resolution we require may necessitate the use of very precise, shallow gradients, the system must be a two-pump gradient system, with dynamic mixing, as evidence suggests that this configuration produces the highest accuracy and precision in gradient formation. Because we will be using salt buffers, the entire wetted flow path of the system must be inert to halides. The controller must allow programs to be time-based, volume-based, or column-volume based. In order to facilitate cleaning, storage, and selection of our various chromatographic columns, the system must include two motorized valves, one for the column inlets and one for the column outlets. This is also necessary so that the desired column may be selected without removing the tubing and fittings by which the column is plumbed into the flow path, since such removal of fittings risks introduction of air into the column. The system controller must allow the userto be entering details of the next purification at the same time the current separation is being done, or to simultaneously be integrating and evaluating the results of earlier runs. If desired the user must be able to leave the controlling program and enter into word processing, spreadsheets, etc. that lie outside the operating program. Control of up to four motorized valves, chart recorder, fraction collector, dynamic gradient mixer, and two pumps must all be possible from the system controller. The pumps, UV and Conductivity monitors, valves, and fraction collector must all be specified for use in a cold room at 4 degrees C. The controller must accept seven input signals (e.g. 3 UV wavelengths, conductivity, pH, temperature, pressure). It must be capable of plotting, and integrating these signals, as well as using them to trigger sub-routines in the programming when the signal exceeds a preset threshold, to allow the automation of multi-dimensional separations. The system must include one automatic three-position injection valve (load, inject, wash positions), which will allow for automated sample loading . The system controller should allow for the automation of the optimization of separation parameters (e.g. sample volume, flow rate, gradient slope, buffer pH ). This should allow a small amount of sample to be consumed in optimization of the purification scheme, after which the best regime can be scaled up on the same LC system. Column equilibration before and after sample injection and elution must be capable of being monitored, with a feed-back loop to the control system, so we can be certain equilibration is completed without consuming excess volume of sometimes expensive buffers. The documentation of each run should be automatic and exhaustive, so that for purposes of subsequent replication and eventual publication, no detail is left unrecorded. Post-run chromatographic analysis and reporting functions should also be included. In order to protect our columns, the system must have a settable pressure limit system, which will stop the pump and generate an audible and visual warning in the event pressure exceeds the preset limit. We also require that the controller allow the user the option of including in his/her chromatographic methods, commands which will automatically reduce the flow rate if an over-pressurization occurs as sample is being applied or eluted from the column. Additional variables which should also be programmable to trigger sub-routines (e.g. new tube on fraction collector; valve changes; etc.) should include UV or conductivity signals. The controller should permit automatic running of up to 32 different chromatographic programs in a user-designated sequence, changing any single or several variables of choice. It must turn off the pump flow when a signal is received from the fraction collector indicating there no tubes remaining, so that valuable sample is preserved. The system must automatically and continuously record throughout each chromatographic run the following parameters: flow rate,auto-scaled UV signal (which can also be set to a defined range by the user if desired, with all data still being collected), actual and programmed conductivity of the eluent, eluent pH (with both ion concentration and temperature being accounted for), system pressure, accumulated time and volume of the run, all valve positions and changes in position, and activity of a fraction collector. It must allow these recorded data to be called up later for interpretation and to aid in future replication of results. It must also allow for post-run analysis of chromatograms, export data to other spreadsheet programs, and generate custom written reports. The system must have the ability to be interfaced with an autosampler and be controlled from the system software. The system must have the ability to perform buffer blending and do this in a manner that is based on pKa and accounts for both ion concentration and temperature. The system must have an eight line buffer valve that allows for cleaning in place programs as well as automated Gel Filtration and Affinity techniques. The evaluation software must be capable of custom reports, HETP calculations, Sigma, Resolution and Histograms in addition to overlaying multiple runs and performing numerous manipulations. The software must contain template protocols for purification of synthetic peptides, labelled synthetic oligonucleotides, native peptides, and protein fragments in addition to templates for general chromatographic techniques e.g. gel filtration, RPC, affinity, IEX, HIC and CIP. The software must have on-line HELP that pertains to the all portions of the program. The software must provide buffer preparation protocols on line and an advisor program that has online part numbers, column and media information and troubleshooting. The software and system must be capable of validation by FDA standards. All data must be easily exportable into ASCII format for importation into alternative programs ie Excel or Word for publication and presentation. The system must allow for manual intervention while a programmed method is running. The systems UV detection lamp must turn on and off automatically when the system is running saving on lamp life in addition to being automatically calibrated every time the lamp turns on. At each start-up each instrument must perform an automatic self-diagnostic test and calibrate appropriate settings ensuring top performance throughout the day-to-day operation. The system must require minimal bench space. The system must be also mounted on a swivel base allowing accessibility to all sides of the system. The system must allow peak fractionation based on slope of threshold. The system must have an outlet valve allowing for sample collection to be done with included fraction collector or through alternate outlet valve ports for larger sample collection. System should provide a free-standing computer with at least the following specifications: a 350 MHz Pentium II processor, 100mHz bus speed, 512 KB cache, 6.4 GB Ultra ATA hard drive, 3.5" 1.44 floppy drive, 24X CD-ROM drive, Iomega internal ZIP100 drive (IDE version), ATI Rage PRO Turbo AGP 2X enhanced graphics, 4MB video SGRAM-ESS ES1869 embedded sound card, 1 AGP expansion slot, 2 ISA expansion slots, 5 PCI expansion slots, 2 serial and 1 parallel port, 104 key enhanced keyboard, PS/2 style mouse, PCI network interface card, 17 inch Compaq V75 monitor or equivalent, and Microsoft Windows NT 4.0 Workstation 4.0 software and documentation. Computer should have Standard three year limited warranty (first year on-site). Computer must be able to perform true multi-tasking to outside applications i.e. word processing. Installation of purification system and training must be provided by the vendor, at no additional cost. The system quoted should include spare parts we are likely to need during the first 12 months of operation. The system must have a 1 year warranty on all parts and service. The provisions and clauses in the RFQ are those in effect through FAC 99-12. This procurement is a total small business set-aside. See Note 1. The SIC code and the small business size standard for this procurement are 3821 and 500, respectively. The quoter shall state in their quotation their size status for this procurement. All qualified responsible business sources may submit a quotation which shall be considered by the agency. Delivery to MSFC is required within 45 days ARO. Delivery shall be FOB Destination. The DPAS rating for this procurement is DO-C9. Quotations for the items(s) described above are due by Close of Business, July 30, 1999, and may be mailed or faxed to the identified point of contact by the date/time specified and include, solicitation number, FOB destination to this Center, proposed delivery schedule, discount/payment terms, warranty duration (if applicable), taxpayer identification number (TIN), identification of any special commercial terms, and be signed by an authorized company representative. Quoters are encouraged to use the Standard Form 1449, Solicitation/Contract/Order for Commercial Items form found at URL: http://procure.arc.nasa.gov/Acq/Forms/Index.html to submit a quotation. Quoters shall provide the information required by FAR 52.212-1. Addenda to FAR 52.212-1 are as follows: MSFC 52.213-91. If the end product(s) quoted is other than domestic end product(s) as defined in the clause entitled "Buy American Act -- Supplies," the quoter shall so state and shall list the country of origin. The Representations and Certifications required by FAR 52.2l2-3 may be obtained via the internet at URL: http://ec.msfc.nasa.gov/msfc/pub/reps_certs/sats/ FAR 52.212-4 is applicable. Addenda to FAR 52.212-4 are as follows: MSFC 52.232-90, NFS 1852.246-71, FAR 52.204-4, 52.211-15, and 52.247-34. FAR 52.212-5 is applicable and the following identified clauses are incorporated by reference: FAR 52.222-21, 52.222-26, 52.222-35, 52.222-36, 52.222-37, and 52.225-3. Questions regarding this acquisition must be submitted in writing no later than Close of Business July 19, 1999. Quotations are due by COB July 30, 1999. Selection and award will be made to the lowest priced, technically acceptable quoter. Technical acceptability will be determined by information submitted by the quoter providing a description in sufficient detail to show that the product quoted meets the Government's requirement. Quoters must provide copies of the provision at 52.212-3, Offeror Representation and Certifications -- Commercial Items with their quote. See above for where to obtain copies of the form via the Internet. An ombudsman has been appointed -- See Internet Note "B". It is the quoter's responsibility to monitor the following Internet site for the release of amendments (if any): http://procurement.nasa.gov/EPS/MSFC/class.html. Potential quoters will be responsible for downloading their own copy of this combination synopsis/solicitation and amendments (if any). See Note(s). Any referenced notes can be viewed at the following URL: http://genesis.gsfc.nasa.gov/nasanote.html Posted 07/08/99 (D-SN351924). (0189)

Loren Data Corp. http://www.ld.com (SYN# 0392 19990712\66-0023.SOL)