Single Source Justification (SSJ) Redacted.pdf

This is a Single Source Justification (Simplified Acquisition) document for a federal contract award under the Revolutionary Federal Acquisition Regulation Overhaul (RFO) 6.103-1.

The Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT) is procuring a High-Performance Liquid Chromatograph-Mass Spectrometer (HPLC-MS) system with all associated equipment, labor, software, installation, and training services. The current HPLC-MS (Agilent 1260 Infinity), which is approximately 13 years old, has become unreliable and incompatible with outdated operating software. The system is essential for the analytical chemistry mission to analyze organic chemicals in water, including chemical warfare agents, pesticides, and other toxic substances. The contracting activity is AFLCMC/PZIBA, with Purchase Request/Local ID Number F4F5EN6152A001, dated July 14, 2026.

The justification for single-source procurement from Agilent Technologies is based on the requirement for standardization with the existing proprietary system, as switching manufacturers would necessitate extensive re-validation of analytical methods, significant personnel retraining, and unacceptable mission delays and cost duplication. A Sources Sought notice was published June 17, 2026 with a response deadline of July 2, 2026. One late submission was received and technically evaluated; however, the vendor's proposed system requiring 230V power was deemed incompatible with the laboratory's available 110V power supply. The Government confirmed that Agilent Technologies is the only responsible source capable of meeting critical technical requirements. Future acquisitions will prioritize functional and physical characteristics over brand-name specifications and monitor emerging technologies to encourage competition and prevent vendor lock-in.