Quadrupole-Orbitrap Hybrid Mass Spectrometer

Statement of Work (SOW)

The Human Foods Program (HFP) requires the purchase of a quadrupole-orbitrap hybrid mass spectrometer to support the development of qualitative and quantitative proteomic research methods. These methods are critical for analyzing complex protein mixtures in FDA-regulated foods and human cell samples, aiding in the assessment of toxicological effects of chemical compounds and supporting the development of New Approach Methods (NAMs).

The primary deliverable is a quadrupole-orbitrap hybrid mass spectrometer with specific analytical capabilities, including high mass resolution, increased sensitivity, and high scan speeds. The instrument must support various acquisition modes such as non-targeted, data-independent acquisition (DIA), data-dependent acquisition (DDA), parallel reaction monitoring (PRM), and hybrid PRM-DIA modes.

• Instrument Components: Must include a specific ion source housing, ion source for internal calibrant ions, independent syringe pump, 6-stage split-flow turbomolecular pump vacuum system, high-capacity ion transfer tube, electrodynamic ion funnel, resolving injection filter, bent trap, segmented quadrupole mass filter, high-field orbitrap mass analyzer, and ion routing multipole.

• Data Acquisition System: Integrated computer-based system for instrument control, data acquisition, and analysis, with appropriate software and a method editor application.

• Performance Specifications: High acquisition speed (70 Hz), sensitivity (<1.5 fg), high mass accuracy (<1 ppm), and high resolving power (480,000 at m/z 200).

• Vendor Requirements: The system must be newly manufactured. The vendor is responsible for shipping, delivery, and installation at the FDA/HFP laboratory in College Park, MD. A one-year service contract for parts and labor is required. Personalized, instructor-led training is also required.

• Delivery: Prior to September 30, 2026.

• Place of Performance: FDA/HFP laboratory, 5001 Campus Drive, College Park, Maryland, 20740.

• The instrument must be a new unit, not used or refurbished.

• A three (3) day on-site installation and training for FDA users is required.

• The entire system shall be warranted for parts and labor for twelve (12) months from the date of installation.

• The vendor shall provide trade-in service/deinstallation labor on existing instrumentation.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation (RFQ) for one (1) newly manufactured Quadrupole-Orbitrap Hybrid Mass Spectrometer for the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Human Foods Program (HFP). The instrument is intended for qualitative and quantitative proteomic research methods, specifically for detecting and quantifying proteins in FDA-regulated foods and human cell samples exposed to potentially toxic chemical compounds.

• Instrument Specifications:

  • Acquisition speed: 70 Hz
  • Sensitivity: < 1.5 fg
  • Mass accuracy: < 1 ppm
  • Resolving power: 480,000 FWHM at m/z 200
  • Acquisition modes: DDA, DIA, PRM, and hybrid PRM-DIA

• Services:

  • Delivery and installation at FDA/HFP, College Park, Maryland.
  • One (1) year service contract (parts and labor) post-installation.
  • Uninterruptible power supply.
  • Maintenance consumables kit.
  • Factory warranty preventive maintenance visit.
  • Instructor-led on-site training (3 days).
  • Trade-in service and deinstallation of existing instrumentation.

• Delivery/Performance Location: 5001 Campus Drive, College Park, Maryland 20740.

• Delivery Deadline: No later than September 30, 2026.

• Warranty: One (1) year following Government acceptance.

• Offer Acceptance Period: 120 calendar days from the date specified for receipt of offers.

• Basis for Award: Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA). Offers must meet all salient characteristics to be considered technically acceptable.

• Submission Method: Email to POCs listed in SAM.gov posting.

• Preferred File Format: Searchable PDF and Excel.

• Page Limit: 10 pages.

• Required Submissions: Technical specifications, price quotation, warranty terms, UEI and SAM.gov registration confirmation, lead time for delivery, country of origin.

• Questions Due: May 14, 2026, 10:00 AM EASTERN TIME.

• Set-Aside: Total Small Business.

• NAICS Code: 334516 – Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing.

• Small Business Size Standard: 1,000 employees.

• This solicitation incorporates provisions and clauses by reference. Full text available at acquisition.gov.

• All invoices must be submitted electronically through the Invoice Processing Platform (IPP).

• One or more items are subject to the World Trade Organization Government Procurement Agreement and Free Trade Agreements.

Statement of Work (SOW) / Performance Work Statement (PWS)

The Human Foods Program (HFP) requires the purchase of a quadrupole-orbitrap hybrid mass spectrometer to support the development of qualitative and quantitative proteomic research methods. These methods are critical for analyzing complex protein mixtures in FDA-regulated foods and human cell samples exposed to toxic compounds, aiding in the assessment of toxicological effects and the development of New Approach Methods (NAMs).

The primary deliverable is a quadrupole-orbitrap hybrid mass spectrometer with specific capabilities, including:

• High mass resolution, increased sensitivity, and high scan speeds.
• Ability to analyze complex protein mixtures across a wide dynamic range.
• Operational flexibility in various acquisition modes (e.g., DDA, DIA, PRM).

The instrument must include:

• Ion source housing with auto-connected gas/voltage, HESI spray insert, and calibration probe.

• Ion source for internal calibrant ions.

• Independent syringe pump controlled via data station.

• Vacuum system with a 6-stage split-flow turbomolecular pump and single-stage turbo pump.

• High-capacity transfer tube and electrodynamic ion funnel.

• Resolving injection filter and bent trap.

• Segmented quadrupole mass filter with rod-switching capabilities.

• High-field orbitrap mass analyzer with enhanced FT transient processing.

• Ion routing multipole for ion trapping and HCD.

• Integrated computer-based data system with appropriate analysis software.

• Maintenance Consumables Kit.

• Factory Warranty PM and standard preventive maintenance.

• Option for an uninterruptable power supply.

• Delivery: Prior to September 30, 2026.

• Installation and work location: FDA/HFP laboratory facility, 5001 Campus Drive, College Park, MD 20740.

• Warranty: 12 months parts and labor from date of installation.

• Training: 3-day on-site installation and training for FDA users.

• The system must be newly manufactured.

• Vendor must ship, deliver, and install all parts and equipment.

• Vendor must provide a service contract for one year after instrument installation.

• Vendor must provide personalized, instructor-led training at the HFP location.

• Vendor must provide trade-in service/deinstallation labor on existing instrumentation.

Sources Sought Notice

This notice is for market research to identify small businesses capable of providing a quadrupole-orbitrap hybrid mass spectrometer system for the FDA's Human Foods Program (HFP). The requirement includes delivery, installation, integration, software, training, and a one-year warranty for a system supporting proteomics research.

• Supply and delivery of a newly manufactured quadrupole-orbitrap hybrid mass spectrometer system.

• Installation, integration, and system setup at the FDA laboratory in College Park, Maryland.

• System testing, calibration, and performance demonstration.

• One-year service agreement (parts and labor, preventive maintenance, technical support).

• Three-day on-site instructor-led training.

• Trade-in service and deinstallation of existing instrumentation.

• Provision of required consumables, maintenance kits, and an uninterruptible power supply (UPS).

• System must meet high-resolution, sensitivity, and rapid data acquisition specifications for complex protein mixtures.

• Compatibility with existing liquid chromatograph systems and support for multiple acquisition modes (DDA, DIA, PRM).

• Delivery required prior to September 30, 2026.

• Interested parties should submit a Capability Statement.

• Response Due Date: April 27, 2026, 10:00 AM ET.

• Submit electronically via email to Freshta.Javid@fda.hhs.gov with the subject line: "Sources Sought – Quadrupole-Orbitrap Hybrid Mass Spectrometer– HFP-2026-132840".

• This notice seeks to identify small business concerns.

• Capability statement should indicate if the company can perform at least 51% of the work under a small business set-aside.

• NAICS Code: 334516 (Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing), Small Business Size Standard: 1,000 employees.

• This is for market research and planning purposes only; it is not an RFP, IFB, or RFQ.

• The government will not reimburse respondents for costs incurred.

• Responses are limited to 10 pages (excluding cover page and attachments) in PDF or Word format.