This Request for Proposal (“RFP”) is an invitation to prospective Proponents to submit Proposals for the provision of a size exclusion chromatography (“SEC”) system for synthesizing pendant polymers with chromofores which absorb in the visible spectrum. These novel materials will be integrated into electronics devices such as organic light emitting diodes and organic photovoltaics. The instrument will be installed in a research environment at the University of Ottawa.
General Description:
The SEC system proposed will determine molecular weight and polydispersity of polymers while providing in-line absorption characteristics. The equipment will help researchers identify if they have successfully attached pendant chromophores onto polymers and identify the size, composition and uniformity of the resulting polymer prior to device integration.
Demo or refurbished equipment may be accepted. A Proposal for a demo or refurbished piece of equipment may be considered, as long as it is certified “equal quality” to new. The equipment must meet all the provided specifications, features and terms and conditions stated in this RFP. The University of Ottawa reserves the right to consider Proposals submitted using ‘demo’ and/or refurbished equipment.
In Appendix I, it is described what the University considers to be equivalent quality to new. In order for the University to consider a demo or refurbishment “Equivalent in Quality” the unit must meet the minimum criteria set out in the Appendix I to be considered compliant.
Mandatory Minimum Specifications
1. Size Exclusion Chromatography System
1.1 Must be equipped with at least a binary pump
1.2 Must be able to sustain flow rates from up to 5 mL/min, and pressure up to 5 MPa
1.3 Must be equipped with a column compartment with thermostat control from room temperature to 40 °C
1.4 Column compartment must be able to accommodate at least 2 columns and 1 guard column. The system should also be equipped with switching valves (equivalent or superior)
1.5 Must accommodate sample volume of 10-300 μL with average polymers ranging from MW = 500 to 50000 g/mol.
1.6 Must be equipped with an autosampler for at least 25 samples
1.7 Must be equipped with a RI detector.
1.8 Must be equipped with a full spectrum Photo diode array (PDA) detector; full UV-Vis absorption spectra at each elution time (not just one wavelength at a time)
1.9 System must include a computer, screen and appropriate software for data
acquisition and analysis
1.10 Software updates and licenses must be included
2. Organizational Environment
2.1 Must be CSA approved or have an accepted CSA-equivalent labelling that is listed at the following Electrical Safety Authority link: https://www.esasafe.com/electricalproducts/marks
2.2 Must accommodate electrical requirement of 100-240V
3. Other Requirements
3.1 Installation and training must be included.
3.2 Must include one (1) year warranty on parts and labor.
3.3 Must include a technical support plan, including free telephone and/or web support for the life time of the system.
Rated Criteria
1. Performance and Robustness
1.1 Describe the range of the thermostat control for the column compartment (in
degrees Celsius)
1.2 Describe pressure range for the flow rates (provide max flow rate in mL/min and
max pressure in MPs)
1.3 Describe any self-cleaning system, including extent of user input required
2. Operations and Maintenance
2.1 Describe the supplier’s track record for producing high-quality, high-resolution
research equipment
2.2 Describe the general ability of the system and its individual components to demonstrate quality and robustness.
2.3 Describe the expected lifetime of system given regular use and user Maintenance.
3. Detection Mode
3.1 Describe in addition to the PDA and RI detector if a MALS unit can be added to the system for true MW determination. If not, can a RALS or LALS be included? Describe the number of angles of the light scattering detector that can be included.
Maximum points will be given if a MALS with >19 angles is included. Fewer points will be given for RALS or LALS.
The price(s) for MALS, RALS or LALS add-ons must be included as optional add-on pricing only, at Appendix G- Price Schedule Form at Part B) Options, and not in Part A of Appendix G.
3.2 Describe the absorption wavelength range (in nm) for the full PDA detector
Maximum points will be given for 200-1000 nm (or wider)
3.3 Describe the spectral resolution for the full PDA detector (in nm)
Maximum points will be given for <1.2 nm
4. Operations and Maintenance
4.1 Describe the number of columns and their MW range which are provided with installation at no extra cost.
Maximum points will be given for 8 extra spare columns at no extra cost.
4.2 Describe response time for technical support
4.3 Describe your ability to provide additional extended warranty at no extra cost. Maximum points are for 4 extra years.
4.4 Describe what is included in the warranty (i.e. preventative maintenance, cost of
parts, repairs, replacements, travels, shipping, technical support, onsite troubleshooting and maintenance, software upgrades, etc).
5. General
5.1 Describe shortest guaranteed lead time, in weeks, and opportunities and costs for expedited delivery. Equipment is required as soon as possible. Points will be awarded for shortest guaranteed minimum lead time included in price.
Refurbished Equipment Requirements
1. Must be equal quality to new equipment.
2. Must be no more than three (3) years old from start of equipment lifecycle to RFP Submission Deadline.
3. Must include same manufacturer warranty as offered for new equipment.
4. Proponent must be authorized by the manufacturer to sell the equipment for the next 5 years.
5. Proponent must be authorized by the manufacturer to sell replacement parts for the next 5 years.
6. Proponent’s service technician(s) must be certified by the manufacturer to service the equipment for the next 5 years.
7. Equipment parts must be available for the next five (5) years.
8. Must have calibration Certificate from the manufacturer.
9. Must have and provide a letter from the manufacturer confirming the information above.
