SSJ - Panalytical Axios Spectrometer - Redacted.pdf

DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE

OKLAHOMA CITY AIR LOGICTICS COMPLEX (AFMC)

TINKER AIR FORCE BASE OKLAHOMA

12 February 2021

TO: AFSC/PZIMB

FROM: OC-ALC/OBCA for 76 MXSG

SUBJECT: Sole Source Justification for Panalytical Axios X-Ray Spectrometer

1. 76 MXSG requests annual preventive and remedial maintenance for the Panalytical Axios MAX Advanced WDXRF spectrometer (Serial Number DY-5772). This contract is to establish a one-year base contract with four one-year options for two yearly preventative maintenance (PM) visits on the WDXRF spectrometer. The WDXRF spectrometer is used to conduct investigations into aircraft mishap causes and product contamination. The WDXRF spectrometer is used for quantitative elemental analysis of metals and alloys, plasma spray powders, and aerospace coatings used on jet engines and aircraft. A modern WDXRF spectrometer is routinely used for elemental quantification of plasma spray powders as part of conformance testing to GE and Pratt Whitney specifications. The WDXRF system is routinely used for elemental quantification of metal and alloys for bench stock quality control, failure analysis, and first article testing to AMS, PRATT, and GE specifications. Elemental quantification of unknown powders in support of investigations by Bioenvironmental requires the Panalytical Axios MAX Advanced WDXRF spectrometer. The WDXRF spectrometer instrumentation consists of a high voltage (60kV-100Kv) generator providing power to an x-ray tube. X-rays from the tube irradiate the analyte sample generating secondary (fluorescence) x-rays which are characteristic of each element in the sample. The characteristic x-rays (each element emitting x-rays of a different wavelength) are separated into individual wavelengths via diffraction by a crystal whereupon the intensities of the individual wavelengths are measured by an x-ray detector. The detector output is collected for quantitative analysis of the elements present in the sample. Intensities from analyte are compared with those from certified reference materials, and corrections made for inter-element (matrix) effects to give accurate quantitative data.

2. Malvern Panalytical Inc. is the OEM for the Panalytical Axios MAX Advanced WDXRF spectrometer. Malvern Panalytical Inc. owns all data rights to their technology. Malvern Panalytical Inc. is the only known source that has the required parts (software/hardware/electronic/electrical) and access to proprietary data to perform the preventive maintenance and repairs on this equipment. Certified Malvern Panalytical Inc. field service engineers are the only qualified contractors to perform service on the Panalytical Axios MAX Advanced WDXRF spectrometer. Malvern Panalytical Inc. does not train, authorize, or endorse third party companies or individuals to provide or service the software, and will not agree to repair damages made by third party companies or unauthorized technicians on the equipment. The WDXRF spectromter produces high intensity ionizing x-rays. Panalytical service engineers are the only qualified contractors to check and document the results of safety checks, which are vital for x-ray safety. If the safety devices are made to be inoperable then the operator could suffer life threatening x-ray exposure in a matter of minutes. Alignments, adjustments, repairs, and replacement of x-ray tubes must be performed by Panalytical field service engineers in order for Panalytical to guarantee that the system is safe and ensure any operators are not exposed to ionizing radiation. Safety with respect to x-ray exposure from the Panalytical Axios MAX Advanced WDXRF spectrometer is assured by the Panalytical Safety Guarantee throughout the life of the instrument as long as the spectrometer is maintained and repaired by Panalytical field service engineers.

3. After market research was conducted, it was determined that there is only one company, the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) Malvern Panalytical Inc., that can satisfy the Government’s requirement.

Company name: Malvern Panalytical Inc.

Address: 117 Flanders Road, Westborough, MA 01581-1042 POC: Joshua Florentino, joshua.florentino@malvernpanalytical.com Sibora Halilaj, sibora.halilaj@malvernpanalytical.com Ph. (800) 279-7297

CAGE: 68830

DUNS: 121624365

Type Business: Large Business

4. Market research was performed reviewing Dynamic Small Business Search and System for Award Management databases using North American Industry Classification System Code 811219 and Federal Service Code J066, looking for any company that could provide this Service. A review of 8(a), HUBZone, Service Disabled Veteran Owned Business, and Women Owned Small Business was conducted in search of a company that could provide this Service. In review, it has been determined that there is only one source capable of providing the service for this acquisition.

5. In the future, the Government will continue to conduct market research to determine if Malvern Panalytical Inc. has any distributors capable of providing preventative maintenance services for the Panalytical Axios MAX Advanced WDXRF spectrometer or if they are willing to sell the data rights to the Government.

6. I have determined, in accordance with FAR 13, that the circumstances of this contract action deem only a single source is reasonably available.

Contracting Officer Program Manager

AFSC/PZIMB OC-ALC/OBCA