4610--Research: Water Purification System

The Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking information from industry sources to replace an outdated water purification system at the VA Boston HC System Central Biorepository. The replacement system must integrate with the existing plumbing, reservoir configuration, drain routing, electrical supply, and bench layout, and match or exceed the current system's production capacity, water quality specifications, and operational functions. The system must also be compatible with the existing system's footprint to minimize impact on existing infrastructure and operational research disruption. Interested firms must submit information on their company, capabilities, and proposed product, including detailed specifications, cost estimates, and socio-economic status. Some key requirements for the replacement system include: • Producing both Type I (ultrapure) and Type III (reverse-osmosis or pretreated) laboratory-grade water • Achieving Type I water resistivity up to 18.2 MΩ·cm and low total organic carbon (TOC) suitable for sensitive research applications • Providing a continuous production rate similar to or greater than the existing system (approximately 8 liters/hour) • Including point-of-use dispensing capability or an equivalent mechanism • Operating using potable tap water as feed, within standard laboratory feed-water parameters • Functioning within a typical laboratory feed pressure range of approximately 1–6 bar (15–90 psi) • Including or being compatible with pretreatment solutions to handle chlorine, hardness, or particulates as needed • Being compatible with the existing system's installation footprint and utilities, including reservoir compatibility, plumbing, electrical, and bench/physical footprint • Offering automated identification and tracking of consumables, including cartridges and filters • Supporting auditability by providing automatic alerts and basic traceability for consumable replacement history • Being designed for reduced maintenance frequency compared with the current system • Allowing routine maintenance to be performed without specialized tools or facility disruption • Having readily available consumables and service parts