66 -- Visible/Near-infrared spectrophotometer systems

The USDA-ARS U.S. Meat Animal Research Center intends to procure two identical spectroscopy systems for on-line prediction of beef tenderness. Minimum systems requirements include1. A post-dispersive Vis/NIR Spectrometer with spectral range of 350-1050 nm. 2. 3 nm resolution (sampling interval of 1.4 nm) 3. Automatic offset correction 4. Standard SMA 905 connector for compatibility with a multitude of Fiber Optic probes. 5. Small footprint of less than 5 inches in width. 6. 5 year warranty on all moving parts 7. Industrial hardened casing. 8. Fast Scan Speed. Must be able to collect and average 20 spectra per carcass and perform slice shear force prediction using a Camo Unscrambler PLS model with a total sampling and output time of less than 5 seconds. 9. Large sample area sampling probe, with no window to come in contact with samples, with at least a 5-meter extension from spectrometer. 10. Compatible with Camo Unscrambler software (and models). The system must include accurate transfer of models that have been developed using a Model A108310 LabSpec Pro portable spectrophotometer (ASD; Analytical Spectral Devices, Inc.; Boulder, CO) which was equipped with a ASD Model 135090 2-m long fiber optic jumper cable attached to a ASD Model A122000 high-intensity reflectance probe, that served as an external light source (2900° K color temperature quartz halogen light) to illuminate the object of interest. 11. Lap-top computer interface or suitable alternative