Size Exclusion Chromatography with Multi-Angle Light Scattering (SEC-MALS)

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service (ARS), Southern Regional Research Center (SRRC) intends to issue a solicitation for the procurement of one (1) Size Exclusion Chromatography with Multi-Angle Light Scattering (SEC-MALS) detector instrument. This system will be utilized for the automated measurement of molecular weight and branching characteristics of scientific samples, such as polysaccharides. Delivery Destination USDA ARS Southern Regional Research Center (SRRC) 1100 Allen Toussaint Blvd New Orleans, LA 70124 Minimum Technical Requirements The required instrument must meet or exceed the following technical specifications:

Application & Methodology: Designed for size exclusion chromatography with light scattering detection to measure molecular weight and branching characteristics for scientific samples (e.g., polysaccharides).

Automation: Fully automated with respect to sample analysis (must include an autosampler) and data collection, requiring minimal manual user input beyond initial instrument setup and sample preparation.

Components & Consumables: Must include all necessary components and consumables required for immediate operation, primarily including columns optimized for typical molecular weight measurements in size exclusion chromatography.

Chromatography System: Equipped with all necessary pumps and temperature controllers required for high-performance liquid chromatography analyses.

Detection Suite: Must feature an integrated or modular detector array including Refractive Index (RI), Viscometry, and Multi-Angle Light Scattering (MALS) detectors capable of performing precise molecular weight and branching quantification.

Software & Interfacing: Includes all necessary software for data collection, advanced analysis, and data export, along with any associated user licenses and cables required to interface with standard IT hardware.

Support & Training: Purchase must include professional installation, operational training for staff, and all necessary initial consumables for validation and startup.

Warranty & Lifecycle Service: Includes a standard manufacturer warranty and/or service plan, with explicit options to procure future renewable and/or recurring service contracts for the operational life of the equipment. Submission Requirements for Interested Vendors This notice is for planning purposes only and does not constitute a formal Request for Quote (RFQ). Interested capabilities-ready vendors should submit a response containing the following information:

Company Profile: Name of Company, Unique Entity ID (UEI), and Country of Origin for any proposed line items.

Business Size: Identify company socio-economic status and business size (e.g., Small Business, 8(a), WOSB, HubZone, Large Business) relative to NAICS code 334516. Point of Contact: Company POC name, title, phone number, and email address.

Technical Offer Overview: Brief description of the proposed equipment confirming it meets the minimum requirements.

Delivery Schedule: Estimated delivery lead time to the New Orleans, LA destination from the date of contract award. Response Instructions Please submit capability statements and requested vendor information via email to angela.carey@usda.gov no later than the response date listed above. Please reference "ARS_1173071 SEC-MALS System" in the subject line.