SSJ for SEM Maint_Redacted.pdf

5.2 Specific Characteristics of the Unique or Highly Specialized Item or Service:

6. Check all applicable statements:

The material or service must be compatible in all aspects (form, fit, function) with existing systems presently installed. The new product(s) / service(s) must coordinate, connect, or interface with existing systems.

A patent, copyright, proprietary data, or licensing agreement limits competition.

These are "direct replacement" parts/components for existing equipment.

NPS requires annual service and maintenance support for our Scanning Electron Microscope. This instrument is highly sophisticated, unique and critical at NPS Physics Department. More than half of the faculty in the department and their students rely on using scanning electron microscope for their thesis, teaching classes, and reimbursable research projects.

ThermoFisher Scientific (who acquired original manufacturer, FEI) is the only company with access to the parts and software required for servicing the instruments to maintain and warrant the maintenance of the equipment.

Furthermore, the manufacturer will not share proprietary information (including access passwords) and parts necessary for repair of the instrument with a third-party.

See Sole Source Declaration letter dated 1/28/2020 (Attachment).

6.1 Compatibility Statement:

6.2 Copyright / Proprietary Data / Licensing Agreement Statement:

Due to the sophistication of the instrument and safety concerns during the servicing process, a potential third-party servicing company might not have access to the parts, and more importantly administrator passwords required for repair.

Instrument details needed for successful service are proprietary information by the manufacturer.

7. Brand Name (if applicable, detail why the procurement is restricted to a specific brand name manufacturer):

8. Additional information supporting a sole source acquisition:

FEI Company, a part of Thermo Fisher 5350 NE Dawson Creek Drive

Hillsboro, OR 97124-5793 Phone: 503-726-7500

Fax: 503-726-7509 www.fei.com

January 28, 2020

Naval Postgraduate School Contracting & Logistics Management 1 University Circle Monterey, CA 93943-5000 831-656-6128 mihui.toves@nps.edu

To Whom It May Concern:

This letter is to confirm that FEI Company (“Company”) is the only authorized repair and maintenance service provider in the United States for the Inspect F50 (“Equipment”), a sole source product, manufactured exclusively by Company.

Due to the highly specialized and technical expertise required for the services, there are no subcontracting possibilities offered for such repair and maintenance service. Engineers providing maintenance and repair services for the Equipment are Company personnel specifically trained in the manufacture, installation and maintenance of such Equipment.

Should you have any further questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me or visit our website at www.fei.com. Thank you for your interest in our products and services.

Sincerely,