Sole_Source_Justification.pdf

Single Source Justification (Simplified Acquisition)

Section A: General Contract Information

Contracting Activity: AFIT/ENP AFIT/CDE Purchase Request/ Identification Number:

Project/Program Name: 24/7 Condensation Particle Counter and Size Spectrometer

Section B: Description of the Supplies/Services Required

This contract is for purchase of a highly specialized, atmospheric and environmental condensation particle counter and size spectrometer to characterize ultra-fine and nano-sized atmospheric aerosols, which can affect both new DoD directed energy and sensor performance. The particle counter and size spectrometer will be used for characterization of the number concentration of particles (numbers of particles per cubic centimeter of air) and their size distribution , which fall within the sizes defined below. Such data will augment AFIT's Center for Directed Energy (CDE) research for DoD directed energy and sensor system development. Additionally, the aerosol number concentrations and size distributions will support validation of critical models and simulations developed by AFIT-CDE and other DoD organizations. The equipment is to be capable of characterization of the discrete size distribution of particles within the environment. The device must be built to meet the following requirements:

a) Characterize particle number concentrations whose sizes range from approximately 0.0025 through 3 microns

b) Continuous operation for at least seven days without having to "re-charge" the particle condensate so as to enable uninterrupted collection during and over weekends and holidays

c) Water-based: System should use benign (non-chemical) condensing agent (e.g. distilled water) to eliminate environmental impact and health hazards

Section C: Justification for Soliciting from a Single Source

A search for manufacturers of appropriate research-grade atmospheric aerosol equipment to characterize number concentrations and size distributions for particles with diameters ranging from 0.0025 through approximately three microns has been conducted. During market research several vendors were discovered who produced particle counters, but only two whose product line actually were capable of characterizing the size range noted above, TSI, Inc. and Grimm Technologies. A third vendor (Kanomax-USA) was contacted for cost quote, it was found their products were not able to meet the size requirements. Additionally, the vendor did not follow-up with a quote when reminded of the requirement of continuous operation for at least three days. The remaining vendors' products were carefully reviewed and TSI, Inc's (model 3788) and Grimm Technologies (model 5.414) were comparable. However, only TSI, Inc. uses bio-safe water for the critical fluid condensate which is a requirement for safety and future costs. Grimm uses butyl alcohol and confirmed via telephone that they do not produce a water based version. Therefore, the only manufacturer/distributor that can meet AFIT's requirement is TSI, Inc. TSI also confirmed that they are the manufacturer and do not have distributors in an email dated 4JAN18.

TSI, Inc.

500 Cardigan Rd.

Shoreview, MN 55126 TSI.com answers@tsi.com or Richard Cavalere richard.Cavalere@tsi.com

Section D: Efforts to Obtain Competition

A comprehensive market search and survey for potential manufacturers of condensation particle counters was conducted. The following is a list of vendors that were contacted and determined could not satisfy every aspect of the mission requirements as described in section B above, but had products that were similar to the requirements laid out:

1. Kanomax-USA, whose parent company is headquartered in Japan

a. www.kanomax-usa.com

b. Kanomax-USA offers condensation particle counters but their size sensitivity is not sufficient to meet the range noted in Section B above. This fact was discovered after requesting they provide a quote. The source of the discovery was their product catalogue.

c. Kanomax-USA did not reply to the request for quote after being reminded of the multi-day continuous operations requirement.

2. Grimm Technologies, Inc. headquartered in Germany:

a. www.grimm-aerosol.com/

b. Grimm Technologies offers the model 5.414 condensation particle counter which met two of the three requirements listed in Section B above and is also nearly equivalent in price to the system offered by TSI, Inc. However, the model 5.414 is not water-based; indeed it operates on butyl alcohol (aka butanol). When asked whether they sell a water-based system, their representative said no.

Single Source Justification (Simplified Acquisition)

The buyer on the requirements was also able to locate potential providers, but no others were found that meet the requirements. Those are outlined in the market research report.

Section E: Steps to Preclude Future Single Source Awards

AFIT personnel will continue to search the internet, technical journals and attend trade shows in order to stay current on changing technology. As additional sources are discovered, they will be given the chance to bid.

Section F: Contracting Officer's Determination

I have determined, in accordance with FAR 13.106-1(b)(1), that the circumstances of this contract action deem only a single source is reasonably available.

Date

04-Jan-2018

Typed Name and Rank/Grade of Contracting Officer

TOXIE H. COURTNEY III/NH-03

Signature of Contracting Officer

COURTNEY.TOXIE.HALL.III.112

0345288

Digitally signed by

COURTNEY.TOXIE.HALL.III.1120345288

Date: 2018.01.04 10:21:06 -05'00'