SATPC0041289 Tab 10 BNJ_Redacted.pdf

Page 1 V2.0 3-15-2017

NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION

NASA SHARED SERVICES CENTER

RECOMMENDATION AND DETERMINATION TO SOLICIT FROM ONE SOURCE

OR BRAND NAME

PICK ONE

Sole Source:

☐I recommend that NASA, NASA Shared Services Center negotiate with Vendor Name only for Enter Supply or Service to be procured. The total estimated cost of this effort is Enter Dollar amount and the estimated period of performance or lead-time for delivery is Date.

OR

Brand Name Justification:

☒I recommend that NASA, NASA Shared Services Center negotiate only with vendors who can provide the subject brand name from Andor (An Oxford Instruments Company) for Andor iStar sCMOS Camera and Support. The total estimated cost of this effort is and the estimated period of performance or lead-time for delivery is 18-20 Weeks ARO.

This recommendation is for the acquisition of supplies or services determined to be reasonably available from only one source/only one manufacture. Competition is impractical for the following reasons (please answer the questions below):

1. What are the reasons for soliciting only the suggested source/suggested brand name? Please provide the unique characteristics of the items or services along with the supporting rationale and the market research performed to substantiate your reason for the suggested source/brand name.

The purchase an intensified Andor sCMOS Camera (iStar sCMOS ISTAR-SCMOS-18U-74) is required for laser-induced fluorescence measurements in the near-IR. This camera offers the best performance for detecting low-signal NIR fluorescence in high-background environments. Its low noise floor and ultrashort exposure times are critical for isolating signal from background. Key required features include a compact, integrated camera-intensifier unit with fiber coupling, high-resolution monochrome sensor (>5.5 MP, 6.5 µm pixels), NIR sensitivity (800–825 nm, ≥18% QE), sub-2 ns gating, fast phosphor decay (≤200 ns to 10%), and ≤400 ns interframe time. NASA Langley already owns the UV-enhanced version of this camera, and a second unit would enable simultaneous UV/NIR detection. It will also be paired with an existing Andor Kymera spectrometer for NIR fluorescence spectroscopy. Using the same camera type ensures reliable synchronization and compatibility, whether in dual-camera or camera-spectrometer setups. A 12-month Priority Support contract directly from the manufacturer is essential for integration with the existing camera or spectrometer, and ongoing performance assurance.

2. What is the impact to the government if another vendor/brand is used? Include any dollar, schedule, or compatibility impacts if possible.

Based on the camera specifications provided above, the requested Andor iStar sCMOS camera is the best option for performing fluorescence measurements in the NIR. A primary motivation for this camera purchase is to perform multi-channel measurements by pairing it with a UV-optimized Andor iStar sCMOS camera that NASA Langley already owns. If a different vendor or brand is used, then the multi-channel measurements would not be feasible in such a robust manner, the camera would not use the same hardware and software controls, and valuable data products would not be obtained. The camera will also be paired with an existing Andor Kymera spectrometer for 0-D and 1-D NIR optical emission spectroscopy in various luminous flowfields. Using an Andor camera with an Andor spectrometer will eliminate unnecessary integration tasks, thereby saving Government resources. Furthermore, support from Andor through the 1-year Priority Support contract is essential to ensure that the two-camera system