JA.Redacted.pdf

JA WORKING.dg_sfb.v4 pg. 2

Electron Backscatter Diffraction (EBSD) Detector Systems are offered by many vendors, but only two are capable of operating by direct electron detection that allow for detecting electrons with unusually low energies (down to 3 keV) as NRL requires. This direct detection technology is necessary for collecting EBSD patterns using the low currents required for analyzing beam-sensitive materials (<100 pA) and for detecting electrons with unusually low energies (<10 keV), which is expected to enhance the spatial resolution of the EBSD technique.

NRL also requires the EBSD system to include a GUI-based software that both controls the detector and collects, analyzes, and simulates the EBSD patterns. Gatan, Inc., is the only source that can meet the technical specifications while also providing a GUI-based software to collect and analyze EBSD patterns by performing image registration, processing and mathematical transformations to detect and quantify details within the captured patterns that tell us about the local crystal structure of the material. This functionality is necessary because NRL has three separate sections who will be using this detector on a variety of materials. Each section needs its own researchers to be able to execute and analyze these measurements on their specific materials. The NRL users have varying degrees of experience with EBSD and the GUI-based software would enable various researchers from different sections to use this system without the need for comprehensive and expensive training.

While various EBSD systems are available on the open market, only Gatan, Inc., meets the NRL’s requirement to provide a system that allows for low energy detection and provides an integrated suite of GUI-based software.

The required proprietary GUI software developed by Gatan cannot control a non-Gatan EBSD detector. As such, market research indicates other companies’ similar products, or products lacking the particular features outlined above, do not meet, or cannot be modified to meet the Division’s needs.

6. A description of efforts made to ensure offers/quotes are solicited from as many potential sources as is practicable, including whether a notice was or will be publicized in FEDBIZOPPS (as required by FAR 5.2) and, if not, which exception under 5.202 applies. A Request for Information was posted on July 24, 2023, on SAM.gov (N00173-23-RFI-CY24) with a response date of August 8, 2023 in an effort to ensure offers/quotes would be solicited from potential sources. One response was received from Gatan Inc. As such, there is no clear and convincing evidence that competition would be advantageous to the Government.

We also conducted market research by searching the websites of companies that provide EBSD systems to determine which companies offer a commercial product that operates via direct electron detection, which is a new technology for EBSD

7. The anticipated dollar value of the proposed acquisition, including options if applicable, and a determination by the contracting officer that the anticipated cost to the government will be fair and reasonable. The anticipated dollar value of the proposed acquisition from Gatan, Inc., is $481,113.90. The contracting officer determines that the anticipated price will be fair and reasonable based on the fact that this cost is lower than the price estimate of $487,000 that was developed based upon a market survey of potential vendors offering commercially available EBSD systems based on direct detection of electrons.

8. A description of the market research conducted and the results or the reason market research was not conducted. Market Research was conducted by the Technical Representative online at manufacturer’s websites including Thermo Electron, Zeiss, and JOEL. The Technical Representative read the specifications of each direct electron detector system they offer and found that there are similar systems available but market research indicates those instruments are lacking the particular features outlined in the Technical Specifications Sheet. They do not meet, or cannot be modified to meet the NRL’s needs. The EDAX Clarity Super EBSD Analysis System sold by Gatan Inc., is the only direct electron system that can meet the requirements. In order to meet the requirements for the system, the Technical Representative requested

JA WORKING.dg_sfb.v4 pg. 3 budgetary quotes from the two vendors who are able to produce direct electron detectors sensitive to electrons with energies in the 3-30 kV range and to beam currents <100 pA, Gatan, Inc., and Direct Electron. Other EBSD vendors (Thermo, Zeiss, and JEOL) are still using the older technology of converting electrons to light for detection instead of direct detection of electrons. Gatan, Inc. offers a package consisting of the direct electron detector hardware along with GUI-based software for data acquisition, analysis, and EBSD pattern simulation. Direct Electron offers only the direct electron detector without GUI-based software for pattern simulation and analysis and recommends using open-source, command-line-controlled software for these functions. Gatan, Inc., was able to meet the requirement for $481,113.90, while Direct Electron was able to meet approximately 80% of the requirement for an estimated $492,000. The additional 20% is software integration of open-source code that would either have to be performed by NRL staff or would decrease the productivity of users of the system, as they would have to learn the command-line interface of the open-source code.

9. Any other facts supporting the use of sole source. The existence of the open-source, command-line-controlled analysis software reduces the general need for companies to develop GUI-based software that includes state-of-the-art analysis techniques because EBSD specialists are able to invest the time to learn the nuances of this open-source software. However, this situation provides a barrier to entry for novice users from other fields. Therefore, the system described herein from Gatan Inc. was required because the GUI-based form of this analysis software, which has significant value in making state-of-the-art analysis accessible to all of NRL’s materials researchers and not just to its EBSD experts.

10. A listing of the sources, if any, that expressed, in writing, an interest in the acquisition.

Gatan, Inc.

5794 W. Llas Positas Blvd.

Pleasanton, CA, 94588. Also, Direct Electron, 13240 Evening Creek Drive, Suite 311, San Diego, CA, 92128.

11. A statement of any actions the agency will take to remove or overcome any future barriers to competition before any subsequent acquisition for the supplies or services required. It is likely that future acquisitions will be competed using full and open competition and commercial item acquisition procedures prior to subsequent acquisitions if sources can meet the required specifications outlined in Technical Specifications. The Contracting Officer is not aware of any specific actions that would further remove barriers from competition.