Sole Source Justification_Microtrac Analysis System_Redacted.pdf

5.2 Specific Characteristics of the Unique or Highly Specialized Item or Service:

6. Check all applicable statements:

The material or service must be compatible in all aspects (form, fit, function) with existing systems presently installed. The new product(s) / service(s) must coordinate, connect, or interface with existing systems.

A patent, copyright, proprietary data, or licensing agreement limits competition.

These are "direct replacement" parts/components for existing equipment.

This presented sole-source contract is for the acquisition of a particle size analysis system to accurately characterize the size distributions of powders and fragments over the 10nm to 2.5mm range. The Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) requires this system to determine the characteristic fragment size and fragmentation behavior of US Navy reactive materials currently being transitioned for active use. A single system must be able to characterize particles over this entire range of sizes, using both a dynamic light scattering technique as well as high-speed image analysis.

After market research, only one system (Microtrac M5001-4L) was found on the market that covers this entire range and utilizes both required analysis techniques. Other systems only cover a portion of the size range, requiring purchase of two machines to do separate analyses. However, the powder that NPS must analyze cannot be split into multiple machines in this way; the entirety of the powder must be run through a single machine in one run which must take all necessary measurements at once.

NPS is requesting a sole source for the only machine that was found to cover this range with all sizing techniques.

The machine is sold by Microtrac, Inc.

6.1 Compatibility Statement:

6.2 Copyright / Proprietary Data / Licensing Agreement Statement:

The proposed particle size analyzer meets the minimum requires of the government to analyze a broad range of powders and fragments. The Mictrotrac system is the only system that provides a wide enough dynamic range to meet these distinct requirements (dynamic range, dispersal methods, small sample analysis, sample time).

Additionally, this Microtrac system would be compatible with NPS’s existing particle size analyzer, while adding vital capabilities. The Microtrac will be able to analyze particles down to 10nm and up to 2.5 mm without changing systems, while completing measurements in less than 1 second. This Mircrotrac system will provide crucial support for work funded by the Office of Naval Research, the Defense Threat Reduction Agency, and the Air Force Office of Scientific Research.

7. Brand Name (if applicable, detail why the procurement is restricted to a specific brand name manufacturer):

8. Additional information supporting a sole source acquisition:

Microtrac Inc is the only supplier producing a machine capable of analyzing all powder over the entire size range with all necessary analysis techniques. If other manufacturers produced similar systems (which may occur in the future), other brands could be viable. But currently no other such machine is available.

If a sole-source award is not made, NPS will not be able to have a single analysis tool that covers the range of particle sizes necessary. NPS is obligated to provide this data to Office of Naval Research sponsors for several critical warhead fragment materials. If the purchase is not made, NPS will not be able to provide data over that full size range and will fail to meet the deliverables.

Microtrac, Inc. has no other authorized distributors in the US. See the sole source declaration letter provided by Microtrac, Inc.