66--Automated Sample Preparation System

NAICS Code: 334516 Request for Quotation No. RFQ-GA-03-00025 for Automated Sample Preparation System. The EPA, Region 4 is looking to purchase an automated sample preparation system to facilitate the sample preparation of environmental samples for the analyses of dioxins, furans, PCBs and persticides for the Environmental Chemistry Laboratory, John C. Stennis Space Center, MI. Presently, the Enviromental Chemistry Laboratory's sample preparation procedure involves several clean-up steps prior to the actual analyses of samples. Colllectively, they are performed to remove co-extracted material and/or chemicals that interfere with the final analytical step. These procedures include an acid/base silica step, an alumina column step and a carbon column procedure. The automated system should be one that can perform at least these three steps automatically and sequentially on at least 4-6 samples without having to be attended by a technician. Moreover, the system must meet or exceed the present criteria which is measured by the recovery of carbon 13 labeled surragates that are added to the sample prior to the initiation of the samples preparation procedure. These recoveries must be equal to or greater than 75%. The system must also be able to perform the entire operation without introducing contamination that would interfere with ultra-trace analyses. Vendor quotations to the above RFQ are required to be submitted by close of business on 03/20/2003. Quotations may be submitted electronically to [email protected] or hard copy via fax to (404) 562-8370 or mailed to EPA Reg. 4 Procurement Section, Attn: Deborah Davidson, 61 Forsyth St. Atlanta, GA 30341. This is a small business set-aside. competition. The size standard under the NAICS is 500 employees. Vendors are requested to provided their TIN and the necessary documention/literature to substantiate the system proposed meets or exceeds the above mentioned criteria. Any questions should be directed to either Deborah Davidson at (404) 562-8373 or [email protected] or Anita Wender at (404) 562-8392 or [email protected].