Liquid Chromatograph (LC) coupled with Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometer (ICP-MS)

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention intends to award a sole source firm fixed price purchase order to Agilent Technologies, Inc. for the Liquid Chromatograph (LC) coupled to Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP) Mass Spectrometer (MS ).

The Agilent 1260 Infinity III liquid chromatograph (LC) coupled with the Agilent 7900 inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometer (ICP-MS) provides a fully integrated LC-ICP-MS system that is compatible with the existing laboratory instrumentation and software platform (Agilent MassHunter) currently in use within the Respiratory Health Division/Field Studies Branch laboratories. This compatibility enables seamless integration with established analytical workflows, including instrument control, data acquisition, and data analysis, without requiring modification of existing methods or retraining of laboratory personnel. The Agilent system uniquely allows: (1) Direct integration with existing MassHunter software used across current laboratory instrumentation (2) Continuity of validated analytical methods and workflows  Minimization of training requirements and operational downtime (3) Consistent data processing and reporting across platforms (4) No other identified vendor provides an LC-ICP-MS system that integrates with the existing MassHunter software environment. As a result, only the Agilent system can meet the requirement for full system integration, continuity of operations, and efficient implementation within the existing laboratory infrastructure. Market research identified one vendor, as the only other vendor capable of providing an LC-ICP-MS system with similar analytical capabilities. However, the identified vendors system does not meet the Government’s requirements for compatibility with existing laboratory instrumentation and software. Specifically: (1) The system does not integrate with the Agilent MassHunter software platform currently used for instrument control and data analysis  (2)Implementation would require retraining of laboratory personnel on a new software system (3) Existing analytical methods and workflows would require modification, revalidation, or redevelopment (4) These changes would introduce delays in operational readiness and increase the risk of disruption to ongoing research activities (5) In addition to technical and operational limitations, the system was approximately $100,000 higher in cost than the Agilent system, without providing equivalent compatibility or operational efficiency. Selection of a non-compatible system would result in increased costs, extended implementation timelines, and potential impacts to data consistency and research continuity. Based on these factors, this vendor is not considered a reasonable alternative, and Agilent Technologies, Inc. is the only source capable of meeting all Government requirements.

This contract action is for supplies/service for which the Government intends to solicit and negotiate with only one source under the authority of Revolutionary FAR Overhaul 6.103-1 (SAP).

This notice of intent is not a request for competitive quotations; however, all quotations/responses received within 15 days of the issuance of this notice shall be considered by the government.  A determination by the government not to compete this proposed contract based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the government.  Information received will normally be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement.  Any quotation/response should be emailed to contract specialist at email qsx8@cdc.gov by June 13, 2026 before 10am EST.