Redacted J and A.pdf

This is a Department of the Air Force Justification for Other Than Full and Open Competition document dated March 2026, with a dollar value under $10M.

The acquisition is for the purchase of an M6A Linac (linear accelerator), a dual-energy x-ray system for high-penetration imaging required by the Air Force Materiel Command (AFMC) at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, to support research on energetic materials. The equipment is highly specialized and exceeds normal x-ray capability, specifically providing 4-9 MeV energy class, industrial duty (non-medical use), high photon flux, and rugged design suitable for mobile/gantry installation. No comparable systems exist that meet the agency's technical requirements for thick-steel penetration scanning; other x-ray equipment is limited to weld inspection and cargo applications. The justification cites 10 U.S.C. 3204(a)(1) as statutory authority, establishing that only one responsible source exists and no other supplies or services will satisfy requirements. A special notice was published on SAM.gov from March 11-17, 2026, soliciting alternative vendors, but no submissions were received. The Contracting Officer (Jane E. Ellison) and Technical Requirements Personnel (Christopher D. Hughes) certified the justification's accuracy on March 23, 2026. The government plans to continue reviewing emerging technology and commercial products to address barriers to competition in future acquisitions.