Brand Name Justification Letter (redacted).pdf

DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE

OKLAHOMA CITY AIR LOGISTICS COMPLEX

(AFMC) TINKER AIR FORCE BASE OKLAHOMA

07 November 2019

TO: AFSC/PZIM

FROM: OC-ALC/OBCA for 76 MXSG

SUBJECT: Brand Name Justification for Handheld X-Ray Fluorescent Spectrometer (XRF)

1. The Analytical Chemistry Section, Oklahoma City Air Logistics Center (OC-

ALC) is responsible for the chemical analysis/identification of solid, liquid, and gas samples that are submitted for incident/crash investigations, failure analysis, first article testing, weapon system project analysis, compressed breathing air, and aviator breathing oxygen. An XRF is an analytical chemistry instrument that identifies each chemical element present is a particular sample. The instrument is also able to determine the quantity of each chemical element present in the sample. A unique characteristic of the

XRF is that it allows a non-destructive identification/analysis of the sample. A handheld XRF is portable and is capable of providing almost instantaneous identification and analysis of the sample. Accurate alloy identification/analysis in the aerospace industry is critical, because the consequences of a mistake or materials mix-up can be extremely costly and even deadly. The 76 MXSG is requesting the one-time acquisition of a

Handheld XRF to assist them in the chemical identification/analysis to support the mission and warfighter.

2. The 76 MXSG requires a handheld XRF that will allow them to perform non-destructive alloy identification/analysis in the field as well as laboratory-like settings. Because the instrument must be able to detect the presence of halides (i.e. Fluorine) on engine surfaces, the XRF must be able to identify/analyze chemical elements as light as Fluorine to as heavy as

Uranium.

3. Bruker Detection Corporation is the only vendor that makes a portable, handheld XRF that is capable of identifying/analyzing chemical elements as light as Fluorine and as heavy as Uranium. U.S. Analytical Solutions LLC, is the only authorized, regional distributor for Bruker Detection Corporation.

Vendor Name: Bruker Detection Corporation

Address: 415 N. Quay St. Kennewick, WA 99336-7783

Contact and Telephone: (509)783-9850

Cage Code: 3CXC5

Type of Business: Large

Vendor Name: U.S. Analytical Solutions LLC

Address: 17159 S. Ivy Circle, Houston, TX 77084-3337

Contact and Telephone: (832)228-5636

Cage Code: 83ZDS

Type of Business: Small

4. Market research was performed reviewing Dynamic Small Business Search and System for Award Management databases using North American

Industry Classification System Code (NAICSC) 334516 looking for companies that could provide a portable, handheld XRF meeting the government’s requirements. A review of small businesses, including 8(a), HUBZone, Service Disabled Veteran Owned Business, and Women Owned

Small Business was conducted. RFI#1400162 was submitted through GSA

EBUY feature to eight (8) vendors in category 66- 615-2 Elemental

Analyzers. No responses were generated. No additional vendors, collected through use of SBA and internet searches, have responded to multiple emails requesting capability. U.S. ANALYTICAL SOLUTIONS LLC is the sole authorized regional distributor of BRUKER DETECTION

CORPORATION. Furthermore, BRUKER DETECTION

CORPORATION’s industry competitors, OLYMPUS AMERICA and

THERMO FISHER SCIENTIFIC, have verified that they do not have products capable of fulfilling the requirements of this acquisition.

5. The Government will continue to conduct market research to determine if any other manufacturers have/can develop comparable units to satisfy future requirements.

6. I have determined, in accordance with FAR Part 13, that the circumstances of this contract action deem a specific brand name to be required.

ANTHONY C. DOLLARD DONALD E. JACKOMIS

Contracting Officer Program Management Specialist

AFSC/PZIM OC-ALC/O