LA3500C RFT for Two (2) new High-Performance Mass Spectrometry System(s) for Research Applications for the Technology Services Directorate in Galway (TSDG)

Tender description

Suppliers are invited to tender for Mass spectrometry infrastructure that will be used to expand the mass spectrometry (MS) core facility at the University of Galway. The primary purpose of this facility is to provide MS as a service to all researchers across the university. Market research in the format of an MS core user survey was carried out to outline the needs of our researchers. In summary, the MS core user survey data clearly indicated that the MS core will receive a high volume of samples and will have to cater to diverse yet overlapping needs. For this reason, we are tendering for as defined below. MS Core Systems definitions: MS Core System 1: One (1) mass spectrometer and two (2) high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) systems. MS Core system 1 will serve as the flagship MS platform for the research facility, supporting a wide range of bespoke applications. It will be deployed across diverse experimental workflows including but not limited to; metabolomics, lipidomics, proteomics. The instrument must be sensitive and support high quantitative accuracy, high resolution and robust performance across samples of varying complexity. Two chromatography systems are required to support multi-omic analysis and robust separation of analytes in complex background matrices. Versatile flow rates are required to support throughput and technical depth. The HPLC systems are defined here as MS Core System 1- HPLC 1 and MS Core System 1- HPLC 2. • MS Core System 1- HPLC 1 will be used to support top down and bottom-up proteomics. • MS Core System 1- HPLC 2 will be used to support metabolomics lipidomics. MS Core System 2: One (1) mass spectrometer and at least one (1) high performance liquid chromatography system. This system will function as a workhorse instrument, primarily supporting small molecule research and lower-complexity samples. It must be highly sensitive and capable of accurate quantitation across a broad dynamic range. Additionally, it should offer overlapping capabilities with Instrument 1 where possible, to provide analytical continuity and increase laboratory flexibility. At least one chromatography system is required to support robust separation of small molecules. Suppliers please note Since both of these devices are frequently used in one experimental workflow, both devices must be provided as one unit for optimal integration and manufacturer support and service. Thus, submitted tenders MUST include both devices.