SATPC0039364 Tab 06 RDSS..pdf

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NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION

NASA SHARED SERVICES CENTER

RECOMMENDATION AND DETERMINATION TO SOLICIT FROM ONE SOURCE

OR BRAND NAME

PICK ONE

Sole Source:

☒I recommend that NASA, NASA Shared Services Center negotiate with Kimball Physics only for: EGH- 8103 electron source and customization package The total estimated cost of this effort is and the estimated period of performance or lead-time for delivery is within 21 weeks after receipt of order.

OR

Brand Name Justification:

☐I recommend that NASA, NASA Shared Services Center negotiate with only with vendors who can provide the subject band name from Manufacture Name for Enter Supply or Service to be procured. The total estimated cost of this effort is Enter Dollar amount and the estimated period of performance or lead-time for delivery is Date.

This recommendation is for the acquisition of supplies or services determined to be reasonably available from only one source/only one manufacture. Competition is impractical for the following reasons (please answer the questions below):

1. What are the reasons for soliciting only the suggested source/suggested brand name? Please provide the unique characteristics of the items or services along with the supporting rationale and the market research performed to substantiate your reason for the suggested source/brand name.

NASA Langley Research Center is currently seeking to purchase a high-energy electron source for performing electron-induced fluorescence within ultra-high-vacuum environments. Specifications for the electron source are as follows: (a) the electron source shall be self-contained and constructed such that the body of the gun is exposed to ambient conditions and the output of the source connected to a vacuum chamber, (b) output voltages shall be variable from 10 to 100 kV, (c) output current shall be variable up to 1 mA (continuous) or 30 mA (pulsed), (d) the electron source shall be able to operate in either a DC mode or a pulsed mode with pulses less than 2 μs in duration at 5 kHz, (e) the electron source shall have the ability to focus the beam (electrostatically or magnetically) to a 1 mm diameter at optimal focus at 200 mm, and (f) electron source must remain operable at internal pressures up to 10^-4 Torr. While other companies manufacture electron sources, most that are high power (such as the one specified) are for industrial purposes and have poor beam quality and stability requirements. Scientific electron sources generally operate at lower energies, currents, and have lesser durability for other common uses (for example, electron microscopes).

Kimball Physics is only major manufacturer of scientific electron sources that can guarantee the performance at the level required as per the specifications given and has the best reputation among scientific electron source manufacturers. Furthermore, NASA Langley Research Center own other electron sources manufactured by Kimball Physics, and while these sources are not of the type needed, the newer hardware (controllers and power supplies) will be compatible with these other sources should they be needed for future use. Additionally, Kimball Physics is a USA-based company and can readily provide support for the electron source after delivery.

2. What is the impact to the government if another vendor/brand was used? Include any dollar, schedule, or compatibility impacts if possible.

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Kimball Physics is the only known manufacturer that can provide a scientific electron source with the desired performance and technical support. Spectroscopy of electron-induced fluorescence will be performed under a range of conditions, and the character of the fluorescence is highly dependent on the quality and reliability of the electron source. If a different vendor is used, the electron source would likely not be able to perform as specified, and the experiments would not be adequate to simulate the desired conditions, leading to extended delays in the project until rectified or replaced. There is also a concern of mechanical compatibility with the vacuum chamber with which the gun will interface, since many industrial electron sources utilize proprietary UHV connections when interfacing with hardware. Using such connections would result in additional cost to the government. The electron source specified and proposed by Kimball physics would meet these needs without additional adaptation, reducing costs in constructing the system. Additionally, NASA Langley Research Center owns other electron sources (not suitable for this application) that will be compatible with the new hardware that will be supplied with the electron gun (power supplies and controllers). Finally, Kimball Physics is a USA-based company and can provide ready support for the new electron sources, which foreign or smaller companies may not be able to provide, causing extended downtime in the setup and continuation of this project, which is on an expediated timeline.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS:

None

Technical User Name Date

Title

Office