The University of York is looking to purchase a gas chromatography system (including auto-sampler and sample preparative system) coupled with a high mass accuracy mass spectrometer, with electron impact ionisation source. The instrument will be used for the trace detection of organic compounds in ambient air, exhaust emissions and aerosol samples. The mass spectrometer must be capable of obtaining spectra with low ppm mass accuracy over the range 0-1000 Da and with a data acquisition rate of at least 20 spectra per second. The instrument must have picogram on-column sensitivity. Capabilities such as MS/MS, Chemical Ionisation, Field Ionisation or the ability to perform GCxGC-MS are considered highly desirable. Maintenance contracts for the instrument for a period of three years following installation are of interest as part of the purchase package. The estimated value of this requirement is 300 000 GBP. The deadline for registering an interest in this scheme is 12:00 on Tuesday 7.5.2013.

We will be looking to issue the tender documentation to the shortlisted candidates by mid May 2013, with the contract being awarded by end of July 2013.