Norway – Laboratory, optical and precision equipments (excl. glasses) – 25/01837 LC-MS/MS (QQQ) - Stage 1

The Norwegian Institute of Marine Research shall procure a new LC-MS/MS (QQQ). In monitoring marine samples, fish feed and seafood, we routinely determine known PFAS, and other analyte groups such as pesticides and pharmaceuticals as well as positive substances such as vitamins, with LC-MS/MS. Our instruments and methods meet current testing requirements in connection with maximum limits for conformity assessment and content declaration for nutrients and vitamins. In order to meet the ever-increasing expectations to detect lower amounts of substances based on levels relevant to toxicological effects and the lack of data for risk assessments, there is a demand for both methodological improvements and the use of more sensitive instruments. LC-MS/MS is a technique under constant development that can currently detect and quantify very small amounts of various compounds in a sample. The instrument will be used for the determination of the most challenging PFAS compounds, in ultra-low amounts in complex matrices. The instrument will be used for both research analyses and testing in our ISO 17025 accredited laboratory. Our role as a supplier of research results, monitoring data and risk assessments to authorities will form the basis for our assessment of the specifications in the table below. This procurement will include an option for an instrument no. 2 which may be purchased later. This instrument may be used for e.g. fat-soluble vitamins which are currently analyzed with LC spectroscopy at the Institute of Marine Research as it is desirable to transfer such analysis methodology of e.g. fat-soluble vitamins and other nutrients to LC-MS/MS. The competition is held in two phases, where phase 1 is a qualification phase and stage 2 is the tender phase. The form of competition is further discussed in point 4.2.