Automated Aqueous Combustion Total Organic Carbon Analyzer

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides a clarification in response to a bidder's question regarding the salt content for the opportunity.

• Question: Please advise the salt content?
• Answer: 0.5 M potassium sulfate

This clarification provides specific technical information that bidders should consider when preparing their proposals or understanding the requirements of the opportunity.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This solicitation is for the procurement of an Aqueous Combustion Total Organic Carbon (TOC) Analyzer for the National Lab for Agriculture and the Environment in Ames, Iowa. The government intends to make one award.

• An automated combustion total organic carbon analyzer capable of accurately measuring carbon in liquid samples.

• Must utilize catalytic (platinum) combustion to oxidize carbon compounds into carbon dioxide.

• Capable of performing TOC (NPOC), TC-IC, TC, and IC assays on liquid matrices.

• Adjustable furnace temperatures from 680° - 1000° C.

• Must remove inorganic carbon via acid solution addition.

• Solenoid actuated micro-pump for acid delivery.

• Flow-through, non-dispersive infrared (NDIR) gas analyzer with automatic temperature and pressure compensation.

• High accuracy over the analytical range (0-20,000 ppm) without dilution (0.5mL sample size).

• Low zero and span drift, with signal noise <= 1 ppm at 370 ppm CO2.

• Detector optical path must be serviceable and cleanable by authorized technicians.

• System must NOT use a multi-port valve or syringe-driver sample introduction.

• Includes autosampler (30 position, 40 mL vials), introduction system, condenser loop, mist trap, permeation dryer, halogen scrubber, sample line filter.

• Concentration range: 0-20,000 ppm without dilution for 0.5 mL injection.

• Carryover: <= 1.0% cross contamination.

• Detection limit: 50 ppb.

• Sample size: 0.5 mL for water, 0.3 mL for high salt samples.

• Precision: <= 2% relative standard deviation for mid-range standard.

• Triplicate analysis time per sample: approx. 15 minutes.

• Sample introduction via sample loop injection system using pressure and valving.

• 10-liter pressurized water reservoir for cleaning.

• Gas flow: 200 mL/min with integrated pressure regulator.

• Pre-programmed method set-up, automatic stand-by mode, built-in rinse station.

• Easy access to internal components.

• Includes a salt kit (0.3 mL sample loop, combustion tube, quart wool, catalyst, injection line assemblies, permeation dryer, condenser loop, SS assembly, Tefzel ferrules).

• Gas supply: Ultra-zero air or UHP oxygen (50-100 psi inlet).

• Software: Export to CSV/PDF, import sample IDs from CSV.

• Small footprint: <= 20" W x 25" D x 28" H.

• Computer, operating software, and monitor included.

• Installation and familiarization training included.

• Minimum 12-month OEM warranty (parts and labor).

• Award Type: Firm-Fixed Price Purchase Order.

• Period of Performance: July 1, 2026, to September 30, 2026.

• Delivery: By September 30, 2026.

• Offer due date: June 5, 2026, 1700 CT.

• Offerors must submit pricing for all items to be considered responsive.

• Evaluation will be based on Technical Approach and Price.

• Award will be made to the offeror representing the best value to the Government.

• Technical Acceptability: Brand name or equal (Teledyne Lotix, Part Number 15-1600-000, Manufacturer Teledyne Labs) or equivalent.

• Price will be evaluated for fairness and reasonableness.

• Tradeoffs will not be conducted.

• NAICS Code: 334516 (Size Standard: 1,000 employees).

• The solicitation is UNRESTRICTED.

• F.O.B. Destination for all deliverables.

• Offerors must hold prices firm for 90 calendar days.

• Questions due by May 22, 2026, 5:00 PM CT to kerrie.hodges@usda.gov.

• The Statement of Work (SOW) is attached and provides detailed requirements.