Sole Source Justification memo for XRF repair signed_B2626391.pdf
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- Attached to
- PWD BLS MICRO SS
- Solicitation number
- B2727377
- Issued by
- Pennsylvania
About this file
This is a Sole Source Justification memorandum submitted by Benjamin C. Jewell, Water Commissioner, to Ronald Hovey, Procurement Commissioner, dated February 6, 2026, for the repair of a Rigaku NEX DE VS X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) spectrometer operated by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection's Bureau of Laboratory Services. The XRF spectrometer is a critical analytical instrument housed in the Materials Analysis Section and is used for qualitative and quantitative elemental analysis of solid and liquid materials, including metals, polymers, chemical formulations, corrosion scale samples, and unknown liquids and solutions. The instrument supports multiple investigative and research projects and collaborative efforts with internal and external stakeholders. The spectrometer has become non-operational due to detector failure, which has significantly impacted laboratory operations by reducing the lab's ability to test infrastructure and component materials, delaying data collection on lead pipe corrosion scales, and requiring urgent samples to be analyzed externally at increased cost and with longer turnaround times.
The estimated cost of repair is approximately $11,000, which represents a substantial savings compared to the cost of purchasing a new XRF spectrometer at roughly $70,000. The repair will be performed by the manufacturer, who is identified as the sole source provider capable of conducting the work. The repair is justified as cost-effective and will restore full analytical functionality while extending the operational lifetime of the instrument by several years. The manufacturer has confirmed that repair is both technically feasible and reliable, and the instrument's core components remain in good condition. The memorandum emphasizes that repair will preserve prior method development, calibration data, and user familiarity while maintaining the instrument as the current model available.
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Text version
Benjamin C. Jewell, Commissioner
MEMORANDUM
To: Ronald Hovey, Procurement Commissioner From: Benjamin C. Jewell, Water Commissioner Date: February 6, 2026 Subject: Sole Source Justification for Repair of Rigaku NEX DE VS X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) Spectrometer
The purpose of this memorandum is to justify the repair of the X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectrometer currently housed in the Materials Analysis Section of the Bureau of Laboratory Services. The instrument is a critical component of our analytical capabilities and is essential for maintaining core competencies, departmental support services, and ongoing research activities.
The XRF spectrometer is used for qualitative and quantitative elemental analysis of solid and liquid materials, including metals, polymers, chemical formulations, corrosion scale samples, and unknown liquids/solutions. It supports multiple investigative or research projects and collaborative support efforts with internal and external stakeholders. Recently, the instrument has become non-operational due to detector failure, rendering it unavailable for use. To restore full analytical functionality, the detector needs to be replaced by the instrument manufacturer.
The unavailability of the XRF spectrometer has a significant negative impact on laboratory operations:
• Reduced Capability: The lack of a functional XRF reduces the lab’s ability to test infrastructure and component materials like cement and metal alloys.
• Research Delays: Instrument downtime has resulted in delays to data collection of lead pipe corrosion scales, project results, and future planning.
• Increased Costs and Inefficiencies: Urgent samples must be analyzed externally, leading to increased analytical costs, longer turnaround times, and potential risks to sample integrity or confidentiality.
The estimated cost of repair is approximately $11,000, which is substantially lower than the cost of purchasing a new XRF spectrometer, roughly $70,000. Repairing the existing instrument will:
• Restore full analytical functionality at a fraction of replacement cost.
• Extend the operational lifetime of the instrument by several years. This instrument is still the current model available.
• Preserve prior method development, calibration data, and user familiarity.
Additionally, the instrument’s core components are in good condition, and the manufacturer has confirmed that repair is both technically feasible and reliable. Based on the instrument’s essential role, the significant impact of downtime, and the cost-effectiveness of repair compared to replacement, the requested repair is strongly recommended as a Sole Source purchase by the manufacturer who is the sole source provider.
Anthony Pompey Stamp
File details come from the government source that posted it. Updated .