Single Source Justification_Redacted.pdf

This is a Determination & Findings document for a sole source acquisition by the US Air Force 10th Contracting Squadron.

The acquisition is for a commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) Liquid Chromatography System to replace existing laboratory equipment at the US Air Force Academy, DFBI. The required bundle includes the Core ExionLC AE System, proprietary software, installation, training, and associated integration kits. The single source justification is based on RFO 12.102(a) (Commercial Products and Services), finding that only one source is available. AB SCIEX LLC is identified as the exclusive authorized source for this complete, integrated system. The core hardware (ExionLC AE System) is sold exclusively by Sciex, and all required proprietary software, training, and specialized integration kits are proprietary to Sciex with no authorized resellers capable of fulfilling the complete requirement. Market research via a Request for Information confirmed that alternative vendors' proposed systems lacked required native compatibility with the existing Sciex QTRAP 5500 Mass Spectrometer controlled by Sciex OS software. Procuring a non-compatible system would require an unbudgeted purchase of new mass spectrometry equipment, invalidate established chemical analysis methods, and necessitate extensive staff retraining. The determination was signed by Tammy L. Martin, Contracting Officer, on July 1, 2026.