BNJ.pdf
PDF 108 KB Posted
- Attached to
- Handheld Analyzer
- Solicitation number
- FA812626Q0036
About this file
This is a Brand Name Justification document issued by the Department of the Air Force, Headquarters Air Force Sustainment Center (AFMC) at Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma, dated March 25, 2026, for contract opportunity M26-110.
The Air Force seeks to procure a Thermo Fisher Scientific Niton XL5 Plus handheld X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analyzer for use by the 76 Maintenance Group Squadron. The requirement is for a portable, handheld device capable of conducting non-destructive elemental analysis of materials in field and laboratory environments to identify and verify elemental composition of mission-critical assets. The justification identifies the Niton XL5 Plus as the only instrument meeting the government's minimum requirements due to its unique combination of a powerful 5W X-ray tube and proprietary Geometrically Optimized Large Area Drift Detector (GOLDD+) technology. The critical differentiating capability is the analyzer's ability to accurately quantify light elements—magnesium, aluminum, silicon, phosphorus, and sulfur—without requiring external vacuum pumps or helium purge systems, a capability essential for identifying specific alloys and materials critical to Air Force operations. Market research confirmed that no other manufacturers produce handheld XRF analyzers with this specific combination of technologies. The justification cites compliance with FAR 13.106(b)(1) and states that the government will continue conducting market research for future acquisitions and will competitively solicit this requirement if other vendors develop equivalent technology.
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Other files
| File | Type | Posted |
|---|---|---|
| BNJ_redacted.pdf | ||
| FA812626Q0036 Solicitation.pdf | ||
| Item Description - Redacted.pdf |
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Text version
DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE
HEADQUARTERS AIR FORCE SUSTAINMENT CENTER (AFMC)
TINKER AIR FORCE BASE OKLAHOMA
25 March 2026
TO: AFSC/PZIMB
FROM: OC-ALC/OBCA for 76 MXSG
SUBJECT: Brand Name Justification for M26-110 Handheld XRF Analyzer
1. This requirement is for a portable, handheld X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analyzer to conduct immediate, non-destructive elemental analysis of materials in field and laboratory environments. The acquired item, a Niton XL5 Plus handheld XRF analyzer, will be used to rapidly identify and verify the elemental composition of mission-critical assets, ensuring material integrity, safety, and operational readiness.
2. The Niton XL5 Plus is the only instrument that meets the government's minimum requirements due to its unique and proprietary technology. The analyzer's powerful 5W X-ray tube, the most powerful available in a handheld device, is combined with a proprietary Geometrically Optimized Large Area Drift Detector (GOLDD+). This synergistic pairing delivers superior performance, enabling faster analysis times and more precise results compared to conventional analyzers.
A critical and differentiating capability is the analyzer's ability to accurately quantify light elements such as magnesium (Mg), aluminum (Al), silicon (Si), phosphorus (P), and sulfur (S) without the need for cumbersome vacuum pumps or helium purge systems. Conventional analyzers from other manufacturers cannot perform this function under field conditions, as the weak fluorescent X-rays from light elements are typically absorbed by the air. This capability is essential for identifying and verifying specific alloys and materials critical to our mission. The GOLDD+ technology is a proprietary and trademarked innovation exclusive to the Thermo Fisher Scientific Niton line and is the only technology that can meet the requirement of identifying the Periodic Table elements from #12 Magnesium, through #92 Uranium.
3. Therefore, it is requested that the Thermo Scientific Niton XL5 Plus brand name is procured to meet all the requirements of the program office and subsequently the warfighters. This is the only known brand
-based analysis of light elements without external equipment.
4. Market research was conducted to identify handheld XRF analyzers capable of meeting the government's requirements. This research confirmed that while several manufacturers produce handheld XRF analyzers, none offers the specific combination of a 5W X-ray tube and the proprietary GOLDD+ detector technology. This unique combination is the only solution capable of meeting the critical need for analyzing light elements without external pumps or gas purge systems. The Government will continue to conduct market research for future acquisitions and will competitively solicit this requirement if other vendors develop technology that meets the Government's minimum technical needs.
File details come from the government source that posted it. Updated .