Automatic Liquid Sampler for Agilent 8890 Gas Chromatograph

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service (ARS), Roman L. Hruska U.S. Meat Animal Research Center (USMARC) in Clay Center, NE, intends to issue a solicitation for a firm-fixed-price contract to procure brand-name Agilent accessories, specifically an Automatic Liquid Sampler, Split/Splitless Inlet, and a Flame Ionization Detector (FID) compatible with an existing Agilent 8890 Gas Chromatograph.

This procurement is conducted under the authority of FAR 12.102 Restricting Competition for brand-name specific items. The required products must seamlessly integrate and operate with the government’s existing Agilent 8890 infrastructure to support ongoing environmental sample analysis.

Salient Characteristics & Technical Requirements:

ITEM No. 1: Split/Splitless Inlet (Agilent Part No. G3548A) – Quantity: 1
• Must be fully compatible with the Agilent 8890 gas chromatograph.
• Suitable for all capillary columns (50 to 530 μm id).
• Capable of split ratios up to 12,500:1 to prevent column overload.
• Features splitless mode for trace analysis with easily accessible pressure-pulsed splitless performance.
• Maximum operating temperature of at least 400 °C.
• EPC available in two pressure ranges: 0 to 100 psig for columns ≥0.200 mm diameter, and 0 to 150 psig for columns <0.200 mm diameter.
• Gas saver mode to reduce consumption without compromising performance.
• Electronic septum purge flow control to eliminate ghost peaks.
• Total flow setting ranges: 0 to 500 mL/min N2; 0 to 1,250 mL/min H2 or He; 0 to 200 mL/min argon/methane.
• Built-in standard turn-top inlet sealing system for rapid, tool-less liner changes.
• Chemically deactivated weldment and weldment insert.

ITEM No. 2: Autosampler / Automatic Liquid Sampler (Agilent Part No. G4567A) – Quantity: 1
• Must be fully compatible with the Agilent 8890 gas chromatograph.
• Supports standard 2 mL vials and micro vial inserts.
• Minimum capacity of 50 samples.
• Sample discrimination ≤ 10%.
• Fully programmable dispense rate, draw rate, and injection rate.
• Fast injection speeds executed in less than 100 ms.
• Support for 250 and 500-μL syringes via an optional Large Volume Syringe Carriage.
• Equipped with sensors to detect the presence of the Large Volume Syringe Carriage.
• Features a user-changeable syringe carriage and self-aligning injector.

ITEM No. 3: Flame Ionization Detector (FID) (Agilent Part No. G3532A) – Quantity: 1
• Must be fully compatible with the Agilent 8890 gas chromatograph.
• Responds broadly to organic compounds.
• Minimum detectable level (for tridecane) <1.2 pg C/s.
• Linear dynamic range >10^7 (±10%) utilizing a full-range digital data path.
• Data rates up to 1,000 Hz to handle peaks as narrow as 5 msec at half height.
• Standard electronic pneumatic control for three gases: Air (0-800 mL/min), H2 (0-100 mL/min), and Make-up gas (N2 or He, 0-100 mL/min).
• Flameout detection and automatic reignition capabilities.
• Maximum operating temperature of at least 450 °C.
• Configured to be mounted as a third detector on the left side of the GC system.

Installation and Performance Requirements:
The contractor is responsible for the delivery, complete physical installation, and operational verification testing of all three items. The contractor must coordinate schedules directly with the government Point of Contact (POC) to establish a mutually agreeable installation timeline. All equipment must be fully operational and verified by the contractor within the timeline specified below.

Delivery and Place of Performance:
All items must be delivered, installed, and deemed operational within ninety (90) calendar days after contract award.

Delivery Location:
USDA ARS USMARC
844 Road 313
Clay Center, NE 68933

This notice does not constitute a Request for Quotation (RFQ) or Request for Proposal (RFP). No response is required for this pre-solicitation notice unless requesting additional capability verification.