Single Source Justification.pdf

Single Source Justification (Simplified Acquisition)

Contracting Activity: 10th Contracting Squadron, US Air Force Academy, CO

Project Name: Atomic Force Microscope

Description of the Requirement:

The USAFA Department of Chemistry (DFC) has a requirement to purchase one complete

Atomic Force Microscope (AFM) system capable of imaging and measuring nanomaterial samples with sub‐nanometer resolution. This AFM System is used in support of various cadet chemistry classes, cadet capstone and research programs. This system will also enable to the school to meet and maintain the American Chemical Society (ACS) accreditation. The Atomic Force Microscope (AFM) is a complete system capable of imaging and measuring nanomaterial samples with sub‐nanometer resolution. The system provided should be a complete system inclusive of all necessary items, such as computers, software, hardware, and accessories for all the specified imaging modes.

Justification for Soliciting from a Single Source:

DFC requires an AFM that provides ease of use for amateur users, without compromising the quality of the outputs used in department research. The customer identified that the nonspecialist user demographic and educational research environment the AFM must function within necessitate and justify limiting competition to one AFM manufacturer. The inclusion of the restrictive requirement specifications reduce the probability of artificial results due to novice‐user manufactured errors, increasing output quality and consistency, ensuring highly reproducible research data is produced. These unique specifications will also prevent the mishandling of precision parts, such as cantilevers and magnetic mounts, avoiding any accidental damage of the AFM mechanisms, reducing operational costs by prolonging the life of the equipment. Specific technical specification justifications for each of the unique characteristics:

Decoupled XY‐sample and Z‐tip scanner:

A decoupled xy‐ and z‐scan scheme is essential to ensure flat scans. I.e. the artificial bow introduced by the scan mechanism is minimal. Any coupled tip or sample scanning mechanism will introduce bow. That bow will introduce imaging artefacts and measurement errors that are impossible to remove. A coupled scan mechanism will also introduce xyz‐crosstalk which will result in measurement errors.

A dedicated z‐scanner moving only the tip will allow for a high‐resonance frequency. It additionally allows for a very small orthogonality error. Both allow the AFM to respond very fast to changes in topography during imaging. A fast response allows for ii) faster scanning and ii) enables “true non‐contact” imaging which prolongs tip life, reduces operational cost and produces highly reproducible data.

Automated, fast, soft tip approach:

A fast tip‐sample approach saves tremendous waiting time. In addition to fast, tip‐sample approach should also be “soft” to preserve a sharp tip. This cannot be done in contact mode but requires true non‐contact capabilities.

Pre‐mounted cantilevers:

Precision, pre‐mounted cantilevers allow users to simply exchange cantilevers using their hands thus eliminating the use of tweezers and danger of mishandling. A magnetic mount, without any spring clips, avoids any accidental damage of the mounting mechanism. Additionally, cantilevers can be exchanged without removing the AFM head, which eliminates the risk of breakage.

Given the highly technical nature of the instrument, the environment and limited capabilities of the target user, inclusion of these restrictive requirement specifications are justified. No other device was identified as capable of satisfying the Government's need.

IAW FAR 13.106‐1(b)(1), it was determined that the circumstances of this contract action result in the identification of a single source capable of fulfilling the Government's requirement: Park Systems, Inc. a large business. Park Systems, Inc. does not have an FSS or GSA schedule.

Park Systems is a large business manufacturer and sole distributor of the Park NX10

Complete AFM System. Park Systems authorizes third party vendors to sell their products in the Pacific Northwest and East Coast regions of the United States. However, Park

Systems does not have authorized third party vendors for the region where USAFA is located, resulting in the manufacturer being the single source capable of furnishing the

Park NX10 Complete AFM System. Park Systems provided a letter dated 23 June 2020, confirming that all sales of their products are exclusive to the manufacturer.