Nitrogen Generators

Summary (Newest Update)

Background The Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Office of Acquisitions and Grants Services (OAGS), is conducting market research to identify qualified sources capable of providing laboratory nitrogen generators. The goal is to support mass spectrometry operations at the FDA's Office of Science and Engineering Laboratories (OSEL) in Silver Spring, MD. The FDA/OSEL/DBCMS utilizes mass spectrometry systems for identifying and characterizing biological and chemical components in medical devices, requiring a stable supply of high-purity nitrogen gas. Work Details The contract requires the purchase and installation of the following nitrogen generators: 1. High-Flow Nitrogen Generators — Two (2) Units: - Maximum Flow Rate: 70 L/min - Nitrogen Purity: Up to 99.5% (minimum ~95% at max flow); hydrocarbon-free (<1 ppm) - Output Pressure: Up to 116 psi (8 bar) - Air Compressor: Integral/built-in — no external compressor required - Moisture Removal: Two-stage moisture removal system - Particulate Filter: Triflex particulate filter (<0.02 µm) - Interface: Full color, high resolution touchscreen with system control, performance monitoring, diagnostics, and service scheduling - Power / Voltage: 230 VAC / 50–60 Hz; Dual trap transformer (190–250V building supply) - Power Consumption: ~2,530 VA - Noise Level: <60 dB(A) at continuous use - Dimensions (max): Less than 23"W × 20"D × 40"H - Technology: ECO (Electronic Compressor Optimization™) for low energy consumption - Compatibility: LC/MS and LC/MS/MS instruments from multiple vendors including Agilent, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Waters - Warranty: 3-year manufacturer warranty. 2. Low-Flow Nitrogen Generator — One (1) Unit: - Maximum Flow Rate: 35 L/min - Nitrogen Purity: Up to 99.5% (minimum ~95% at max flow); hydrocarbon-free (<1 ppm) - Output Pressure: Up to 116 psi (8 bar) - Air Compressor: Integral/built-in — no external compressor required - Moisture Removal: Two-stage moisture removal system - Particulate Filter: Triflex particulate filter (<0.02 µm) - Interface: Full color, high resolution touchscreen with system control, performance monitoring, diagnostics, and service scheduling - Power / Voltage: 120 VAC - Power Consumption: ~2,530 VA - Noise Level: <60 dB(A) at continuous use - Dimensions (max): Less than 23"W × 20"D × 40"H - Technology: ECO (Electronic Compressor Optimization™) for low energy consumption - Compatibility: LC/MS and LC/MS/MS instruments; sample evaporation and auxiliary lab applications - Warranty: 3-year manufacturer warranty. Period of Performance The geographic location(s) the product will be delivered to or performed at Place of Performance FDA/OSEL, Building 64, Room 4082, Silver Spring, MD 20993 Bidder Requirements The contractor must provide on-site delivery and installation by manufacturer-certified field service engineers. They must also conduct post-installation performance testing to verify specifications for each unit. A three-year warranty covering all defective parts, labor, and travel is required. Technical support must be available Monday through Friday during business hours with emergency service response within specified timeframes. Incumbent Analysis (see Incumbents section for more detail) This opportunity appears to have a confirmed incumbent based on prior FDA/OAGS awards for nitrogen generator equipment to Peak Scientific, including contract 75F40123P00474 (Infinity XE6040) valued at $28,608 for 09/29/23–03/31/24. A closely related follow-on award to the same awardee (Peak Scientific) is also shown under contract 75F40124P00228 (DM-Nitrogen Generator for MS systems) valued at $27,138 for 07/03/24–07/04/25. The prior work is described as nitrogen generators supporting mass spectrometry systems and aligns with the current requirement for laboratory nitrogen generators with installation, performance verification, and warranty coverage, suggesting continuity of the same type of equipment used in FDA OSEL/MS operations.