ACQ-26-H90 XRay SSJ_Redacted.pdf

This document is a Determination & Findings (D&F) for a sole-source acquisition by the Air Force Technical Center (AFTC/PZZF) to procure a compact, high-precision X-Ray inspection system from Creative Electron, Inc. The Special Instrumentation Diagnostics Engineering and Calibration (SIDEC) Lab requires a fully functional, stand-alone system to replace its existing Printed Circuit Board (PCB) Pick and Place inspection capability, supporting the 812th AITS mission.

The required system must meet strict physical and performance constraints: a maximum footprint of 36" x 36" or smaller, maximum transit height of 48", stationary height of 60", and total weight of 900 lbs or less to ensure safe installation on existing laboratory workbenches. The system must deliver minimum focal spot size of 5 micrometers, support PCB assemblies measuring at least 10" x 12", feature minimum tube voltage of 90 kV to penetrate 0.063" thick boards, operate on standard 115VAC at 60Hz with less than 14 Amps, and include a Microsoft Windows-based control PC, integrated 3D Computed Tomography visualization software, built-in radiation safety interlocks, and on-site installation, setup, and training. The justification for sole-source award cites RFO 12.102(a) (Commercial Products and Services), documenting that Creative Electron's TruView Prime system is the only commercial manufacturer whose product simultaneously meets the Government's mandatory physical constraints and advanced diagnostic software requirements. Alternative systems from Nikon Metrology, JH Technologies, Baker Hughes Waygate, and NETA-Trading all fail critical requirements due to excessive weight, incompatible footprint dimensions, inadequate software capabilities, or ineligibility for federal contracting. The Contracting Officer, Jaymi Taplin, approved this determination on August 18, 2026.