C26-078 ET Portable Optical Emission Spectroscopy Testing System - 11 - Sources Sought Synopsis.pdf

Sources Sought Synopsis (SSS)

For Competitive Acquisition Efforts

24 March 2026

C26-078 ET Portable Optical Emission Spectroscopy Testing System

This market survey is being conducted to identify potential sources that may possess the expertise, capabilities, and experience to meet the requirements for qualification and production of the C26-078 ET Portable Optical Emission Spectroscopy Testing System for use by United States Air Force (USAF) personnel. The level of security clearance and amount of foreign participation in this requirement has not been determined. Contractors/Institutions responding to this market research are placed on notice that participation in this survey may not ensure participation in future solicitations or contract awards. The government will not reimburse participants for any expenses associated with their participation in this survey.

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Below is a document containing a description of the C26-078 ET Portable Optical Emission Spectroscopy Testing System requirement and a Contractor Capability Survey, which allows you to provide your company’s capability.

a) Tech specification

b) Item Description

2. If, after reviewing these documents, you desire to participate in the market research, you should provide documentation that supports your company’s capability in meeting these requirements. Failure to provide documentation may result in the government being unable to adequately assess your capabilities. If you lack sufficient experience in a particular area, please provide details explaining how you would overcome the lack of experience/capabilities in order to perform that portion of the requirement (i.e., teaming, subcontracting, etc.)

a. Identify any areas of work that your organization believes should be broken out exclusively for Small Business.

3. Both large and small businesses are encouraged to participate in this Market Research.

Joint ventures or teaming arrangements are encouraged.

4. Questions relative to this market survey should be addressed to Mark Todd, mark.todd.7@us.af.mil mailto:mark.todd.7@us.af.mil

PURPOSE/DESCRIPTION

The Government is conducting market research to find suppliers of an ET Portable Optical Emission Spectroscopy (OES) Testing System that can provide production and repair data, relevant expertise, technical capabilities, and prior experience to meet the qualification requirements in Section B (Product/Service Description) of the Market Research Report.

a. Quantity of one (1) Portable Optical Emission Spectroscopy (OES) System.

(1) Portable Optical Emission Spectroscopy

(2) Arc Source

(3) Spark Source

(4) Trolley

(5) Argon Regulator

(6) Standard test probe (hose length 4m)

(7) UV test probe (hose length 4m)

(8) Carbon Analysis in Fe

(9) Calibration Module Fe arc

(10) Calibration Module Al arc

(11) Calibration Module Cu arc

(12) Calibration Module Ni arc

(13) Calibration Module Ti arc

(14) Calibration Module Co arc

(15) Calibration Module Fe spark 4m PGM: Fe-01, Fe10, Fe-30

(16) Calibration Module Fe spark UV PGM: Fe-01, Fe10, Fe-30

(17) Calibration Module Al spark PGM: Al-01, Al-10

(18) Calibration Module Cu2 spark UV PGM: Cu-01,-10,-20,-30,-40,-50,-60,-70,-80

(19) Calibration Module Ni spark PGM: Ni-01,-10,-20,-30,-40

(20) Calibration Module Co spark 4m PGM: Co-01,-10,-20,-30,-40,-50

(21) Calibration Module Ti spark PGM: Ti-01,-10,-20,-30

(22) Battery pack (incl. AC Adapter/Charger)

(23) Metal Database (Combination Ferrous/Nonferrous)

(24) Installation Training (3 days for equaling 24 hours)

CONTRACTOR CAPABILITY SURVEY

Part I. Business Information

Please provide the following business information for your company/institution and for any teaming or joint venture partners:

• Company/Institute Name:

• Address:

• Point of Contact:

• CAGE Code:

• Phone Number:

• E-mail Address:

• Web Page URL:

• Size of business pursuant to North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) Code: 334516

Based on the above NAICS Code, state whether your company is:

• Small Business (Yes / No)

• Woman Owned Small Business (Yes / No)

• Small Disadvantaged Business (Yes / No)

• 8(a) Certified (Yes / No)

• HUBZone Certified (Yes / No)

• Veteran Owned Small Business (Yes / No)

• Service Disabled Veteran Small Business (Yes / No)

• Central Contractor Registration (CCR). (Yes / No)

• A statement as to whether your company is domestically or foreign owned (if foreign, please indicate the country of ownership).

Written responses, no facsimiles please, must be received no later than close of business 10 April 2026.

Please email two (2) your response to:

Attn: Mark Todd Email: mark.todd.7@us.af.mil

Questions related to this market research should be addressed to Mark Todd (405) 739-8311 mailto:mark.todd.7@us.af.mil

Part II. Capability Survey Questions

A. General Capability Questions:

Below is a numbered, compact capability survey (20 questions) tailored for vendors offering one (1) ET Portable Optical Emission Spectroscopy (OES) Testing System. Responses should use a mixed format:

yes/no or short answers in-line, plus attachments or tables where indicated. Number your responses to match the question numbers.

1. Vendor identification — Provide company name, primary contact (name, title, phone, email), company size, and years supplying OES systems. (Attachment: company brochure or capability statement)

2. Product offered — Confirm model name/number of the portable OES system proposed and whether it matches the full item list required (items 1–24 in the buyer’s list). For any item not included, identify as “Not included” and state part number and optional price. (Yes/No + short text + attachment: quote)

3. Arc and spark sources — Confirm the system includes both arc and spark excitation sources.

State any limitations or required changeover procedure/time. (Yes/No + short text)

4. Probes and hose lengths — Confirm supply of a standard test probe and a UV test probe, each with 4 m hose. Describe probe interchangeability, connectors, and spare probe availability.

(Yes/No + short text)

5. Trolley and portability — Confirm the trolley is included and describe system weight, dimensions

(packed and operating), and whether the system meets a ruggedized field use profile (drop, vibration). (Yes/No + short text + spec sheet)

6. Argon supply and regulator — Confirm the argon regulator is included and specify required argon purity, typical consumption rate (L/min), and recommended cylinder sizes. State whether an internal purifier or on-board gas management is provided. (Yes/No + short text)

7. Battery and power — Confirm battery pack and AC adapter/charger are included. Provide battery runtime under normal test conditions (hours), number of battery cycles, recharge time, and cold-weather performance. State if hot-swap batteries are supported. (Yes/No + short text)

8. Element coverage and detection limits — Provide the element list covered (confirm Al through

Zn and all alloying elements relevant to Fe, Al, Cu, Ni, Ti, Co series). Give detection limits (ppm or % w/w) for key elements including carbon in Fe and light elements measured by UV probe.

(Table attachment preferred)

9. Carbon-in-iron capability — Confirm carbon analysis in Fe is supported. Provide measurement method, expected accuracy and precision (e.g., ± ppm or ± %), applicable sample prep, and any limitations (coatings, rough surfaces). (Yes/No + short text + calibration/performance data)

10. Calibration modules — Confirm supply and compatibility of the listed calibration modules (Fe arc, Al arc, Cu arc, Ni arc, Ti arc, Co arc, Fe spark programs, Al spark programs, Cu2 spark UV programs, Ni spark, Co spark, Ti spark) and list the exact program identifiers supplied. (Yes/No + table/attachment: calibration list)

11. Calibration traceability and standards — Provide evidence of calibration traceability (e.g., NIST-traceable standards), frequency of recommended recalibration, and whether calibration modules are stored onboard or require external files. (Short text + attachment: calibration certificates)

12. Metal database and alloy identification — Confirm the Metal Database (ferrous/nonferrous combination) is included. State number of alloys, ability to add/customize alloys, and method for database updates. (Yes/No + short text)

13. Software and data output — Describe the analysis software, supported output formats (CSV, PDF, XML), connectivity options (USB, Wi-Fi, Ethernet), and onboard data storage capacity.

State whether remote diagnostics or software updates are supported. (Short text + attachment:

software spec sheet)

14. Performance validation — Provide representative performance data (accuracy, precision, repeatability) from independent testing or manufacturer validation for arc and spark modes and for UV probe measurements. (Attachment: validation report or test data)

15. Environmental and operating conditions — State operating temperature and humidity ranges and any required environmental controls for accurate measurement. Note IP rating or ruggedization specifications. (Short text + spec sheet)

16. Training and installation — Confirm three (3) days (24 hours) installation and training are included. Describe training content, maximum trainee count, travel requirements, and whether training materials (manuals, SOPs, videos) will be provided. (Yes/No + short text)

17. Warranty and support — State warranty length (confirm minimum 1 year), what the warranty covers, typical lead time for spare parts and repair, available service tiers, and availability of maintenance contracts. (Short text + service level attachment)

18. Consumables, spare parts, and accessories — Provide a list of recommended consumables and spares (including costs): electrodes, calibration standards, gaskets, probes, fuses, etc. State expected lifetime of key consumables and typical per-year consumption assumptions.

(Attachment: spare parts list and pricing)

19. Safety and regulatory compliance — Confirm compliance with relevant standards and certifications (e.g., CE, RoHS, ISO 9001) and provide MSDS for any hazardous consumables (if applicable). Include any export controls or restrictions. (Short text + attachments)

20. Pricing, delivery, and lead time — Provide firm pricing for the complete system (itemized against buyer’s numbered list 1–24), optional items if any, total delivered price (DDP or specify terms), estimated delivery lead time after order, and payment terms. (Attachment: itemized quote)

B. Commercial Questions:

1. Are there established catalog or market prices for our requirement? If you offer this product and/or service to both U.S. Government and commercial sources, is the same workforce used for both the U.S. Government and general public? Is our requirement offered to both under similar terms and conditions? Briefly describe any differences.

2. Describe your standard warranty and return process for goods and services furnished to the government for items similar in nature to this requirement.