SATPC0039938 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 Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc.

only for Thermo Scientific Nicolet iS50 FTIR Spectrometer - Aligned Tri-Detector, Gold Optics, No Beamsplitter & warranty purchase . The total estimated cost of this effort is and the estimated period of performance or lead-time for delivery is 30 days ARO.

OR

Brand Name Justification:

☐I recommend that NASA, NASA Shared Services Center negotiate only with vendors who can provide the subject band name from Manufacture Namefor the 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.

The acquisition of this Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectrometer will replace the existing unit of the same brand and model, currently in use at the JSC Environmental Chemistry Laboratory. This instrument is essential for analyzing gases intended for human consumption across the Center.

The upgraded system introduces key enhancements, including an Automatic Beamsplitter Exchanger (ABX) and a Diamond Attenuated Total Reflectance (ATR) module. These features will significantly reduce analysis time, increase throughput, and expand the lab’s analytical capabilities to include solid and liquid samples, in addition to gases.The current FTIR spectrometer has demonstrated exceptional reliability and accuracy, handling the rigorous demands of processing nearly 1,000 samples annually.

Thermo Fisher has consistently provided outstanding technical support and service, helping to minimize downtime and ensure continued operational readiness. Given its proven performance and the critical nature of the analyses performed, this instrument remains the optimal solution for the lab’s ongoing mission requirements.

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

Selecting a different vendor would significantly disrupt the analysis of gases used in human studies at Johnson Space Center. The current system is fully compatible with established protocols, and Environmental Chemistry Laboratory personnel are already proficient with its hardware and software.

Transitioning to a different brand would require extensive method development and validation to ensure equivalent accuracy and reliability, an effort that could delay operations by 4 to 12 months. Even after this development period, there is a risk that the alternative system may not meet performance requirements, potentially necessitating the procurement of yet another instrument. Furthermore, software

Page 2 V2.0 3-15-2017 provided by a different vendor would likely be incompatible with the existing Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS). Adapting to new software would require over a month of additional training and reformatting to ensure proper data output and reporting.By maintaining the current brand and model, the laboratory can reduce the total transition time from an estimated 5–13 months to less than one month, thereby minimizing schedule disruptions and preserving operational continuity.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS:

10/6/2025 Date

Thermo Scientific is the sole source provider for the Nicolet iS50.