Thermogravimetric Analyzer

Please ensure that if the notice falls within the bounds of the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), include the following requirements in the description:Estimated quantity of commodity: 1Duration of contract: 2023-01-26 to 2023-03-31Time frame of delivery: Before 2023-03-31Any conditions for participation of suppliers not specified in solicitation documentation:Natural Resources Canada/CanmetMINING/Lands and Mineral Sector has a requirement for the supply of a Thermogravimetric Analyzer (TGA) including Desktop Touch Screen and Personal Computer (PC) or equivalent such as an embedded computer with touch screen. The requirement also includes the installation and training and must meet all the mandatory specifications as described below. The Analytical Chemistry Laboratory (ACL) of CanmetMINING requires a Thermogravimetric Analyzer system for the quantification of weight loss or gain as a function of temperature rise during a preconfigured heating program in an atmosphere-controlled environment.Samples submitted to the ACL originate from various projects at CanmetMINING (CMIN) supporting research into Critical Mineral extraction and purification from low grade ores or mining waste.Solid samples are routinely submitted for elemental quantification and in particular their Silicon content by Inductively Coupled Plasma type instruments. Other solid samples are submitted for elemental scans by Wavelength Dispersive – X-ray Fluorescence Spectrometry. In both cases, solid samples must undergo a heating program to calculate the loss of mass, termed loss on ignition (LOI), from the elimination of moisture, sulphur, oxygen and other volatile elements. This step is essential not only to prevent surface etching of platinum crucibles or molds from unoxidized elements, but also to back calculate the true elemental concentration of the starting sample.Due to the reduced staff capacity at the ACL, an instrument is required that is automated, combined with an autosampler and is capable of unattended operation.PART 4 - EVALUATION PROCEDURES AND BASIS OF SELECTION4.1 Evaluation Procedures(a) Bids will be assessed in accordance with the entire requirement of the bid solicitation including the technical and financial evaluation criteria.(b) An evaluation team composed of representatives of Canada will evaluate the bids.4.1.1 Technical Evaluation4.1.1.1 Mandatory Technical CriteriaThe following requirements are the mandatory technical evaluation criteria which will be evaluated during the Bid Evaluation. In addition the Contractor will be required to meet all of the mandatory technical requirements for the duration of the Contract. Bidders are requested to cross reference the mandatory technical criteria in a concise format by using page, paragraph(s) & sub-paragraphs as applicable to their supporting technical documentation.1) Instrument (Bidders should provide the specifications of their proposed equipment that meets each criteria):ItemCriteriaReference TO SUBSTANTIATION IN the Technical Bid.M1Thermogravimetric Analyzer (TGA)M2The TGA must be equipped with at least a 20-position auto sampler.M3The TGA must be equipped with at least three (3) independent software-controlled mass flow controllers with gas flow between 0 to 200 mL/min.M4The TGA must be delivered with gas regulators for each of the required gases for its operation, such as Oxygen, Air and Nitrogen. The regulators must have a step-down gauge appropriate for the inlet pressure requirement of the instrument.M5The TGA must be equipped with an integrated analytical balance capable of routinely weighing between 0 and 2 grams and periodically up to 5 grams of the starting material and with a resolution of at least 0.0001 g and with a precision of 0.02% RSD for a 1 gram inert sample.M6The TGA’s oven must have a range from ambient (room temperature - RT) to between 1000 to 1100 0C .M7The TGA must provide a ramp rate of at least 15 0C/min in the ambient to 100 0C range and at least 50 0C/min in the 100 to 1000 0C range.M8The TGA oven temperature accuracy must be at least 2% of the setpoint or +/- 2 0C; whichever is greater.M9The TGA oven temperature stability must be at least 2% of the setpoint or +/- 2 0C; whichever is greater.M10The TGA must be supplied with a dedicated computer/monitor operating the latest version of Windows along with dedicated TGA operating software or an integrated computer with user input capability such as a touch screen, keyboard, mouse, etc.M11The TGA must be supplied with sufficient consumables to analyze at least 500 samples. This includes disposable weighing boats or crucibles and any chemicals that are required. M12Installation and training must be provided as part of the packageM13The instrument must CSA approved2) Bidders’ offers:ItemCriteriaReference TO SUBSTANTIATION IN the Technical Bid.M1aWarranty and the option to purchase an extended warranty of up to 1 yearM1bOption to purchase a second TGA unit if the winning bid is half of the allowed budget for this purchase.A.1.DeliveryThe Contractor must provide one Thermogravimetric Analyzer system including all of the partsand components as identified at Annex B, Basis of Payment to the location listed below:Natural Resources Canada555 Booth StreetOttawa ON K1A 0G1CanadaDelivery must occur on or before March 31, 2023.A.2 ManualsThe Contract must deliver one (1) complete set of user documentation, in English, in either electronic or hard copy with the deliverables.A.3 InstallationThe Contractor must install and configure all the deliverables at the delivery location specified in the Contract.A.4 TrainingThe Contractor must provide on-site user training for 5 end users in English. Training must include operation and manipulation of the equipment.All costs associated with the on-site training must be included in the price.A.5 WorkstationA.5.1 The workstation must have all software required, as per the mandatory requirements, pre-installed and tested as functioning by the Contractor.A.5.2 The workstation must allow for full functionality of the software and allow the end user to control the Thermogravimetric Analyzer for the duration of the contract.