Redacted Single Source Justification .pdf

Single Source Justification (Simplified Acquisition)

Section A: General Contract Information

Contracting Activity: AFLCMC/PZI Purchase Request/ Identification Number:

Project/Program Name: Nano-Aerosol Profiler

Section B: Description of the Supplies/Services Required

AFIT requires an atmospheric Nano-Aerosol Profiler system of form, fit, and function appropriate to field test environments and capable of fully characterizing atmospheric aerosol loading, including total aerosol concentration and size statistics (distributions) for aerosols with diameters ranging from sub-ten nanometer through single microns. By doing so, the AFIT's graduate students and staff will be able to profile over 99% (as compared to less than 1% currently) of typical atmospheric aerosols distributions. The system should comprise a dedicated ultra-fine aerosol concentration 'counter', and sizer(s) to quantify aerosol sizes. The Nano-Aerosol Profiler should use distilled water as its working fluid and be of form and small size footprint to allow easy installation within existing AFIT climate-controlled, all-weather enclosures specifically configured for outdoor testing.

Section C: Justification for Soliciting from a Single Source

The Nano-Aerosol Profiler capability is anchored on an integrated suite of instruments including: a.) a dedicated, rapid-response, water-based condensation particle counter (CPC) characterizing aerosol concentrations of very small size (approximately five nanometer diameter) in very dynamic conditions for long periods of time; and b.) aerosol sizing instruments which through combinations of electrical mobility size classification/condensation particle counting and optical aerosol spectroscopy are capable of providing aerosol size distributions spanning 10nm through 3000nm. Requirements of additional significance are that the system's condensation-based components use distilled water as their active working fluid, and the profiler be capable of operating within a small confined space inside a climate controlled, all-weather enclosure. Thus, the total system's size footprint must be no larger than 17x18.5x20 (LDH) inches.

As detailed in the Market Research Report, only Aerosol Dynamics, Inc. offers an instrumentation suite matching the Government's requirements. Aerosol Dynamics, Inc.'s Nano-Aerosol Profiler System includes a CPC component dedicated solely to measuring aerosol concentration, and sizing instrumentation which uses combinations of electrical mobility size classification/water-based condensation particle counting and aerosol optical spectroscopy to quantify the size distribution. AFIT's existing nano-aerosol concentration and sizing instrumentation is centered on aerosol growth via water-based condensation as well as aerosol optical spectroscopy. To ensure consistency of all previous and future research, AFIT intends to stick with these core tools.

While Aerosol Dynamics has numerous patents underlying the Nano-Aerosol Profiler requirement, of greatest significance is the exclusive licensing right tied to the aerosol sizing instrument referred to as the Spider-Differential Mobility Analyzer (DMA). The Spider- DMA, and the underlying aerosol size classification through electrical mobility in combination with water-based condensation particle counting, is the key and most complex component of the Nano-Aerosol Profiler aerosol sizing capability. Significantly, the Spider-DMA uses a condensation particle counting tool to quantify the relative size distribution as stipulated in the Nano- Aerosol Profiler's requirements documentation. Additionally, the Spider-DMA's unique, compact size enables a total system solution meeting the restrictive size footprint requirement noted above. Lastly, Aerosol Dynamics, Inc. holds eight patents and has sub-licensing rights for the water-based CPC, which is the other key component of the Nano-Aerosol Profiler.

In sum, compatibility risk is of key significance. AFIT's current aerosol research revolves around water-based condensation particle (aerosol) counting and aerosol optical spectroscopy involving significant amounts of individuals' time and funding.

Introducing alternative approaches, effectively non-compatible techniques at this stage will lead to re-tracing years of research, data collection, and data analysis involving significant numbers of researchers and equipment investment.

Section D: Efforts to Obtain Competition

The Spider-DMA uses a water-based condensation component to carry out its aerosol sizing capability. An extensive market search found no other manufacturer/distributor, which offers a Spider-DMA equivalent having the form/fit/function necessary to meet the Nano-Aerosol Profiler combined requirements. As an example, the market research identified ,