SSJ (Redacted).pdf

This is a Department of the Air Force Justification for Other Than Full and Open Competition (CUI document) for a single-source acquisition under $10M.

The contracting activity is AFRL/RIZ located at WPAFB, OH 45433-5309. The justification supports a non-competitive procurement to replace consumable components in a Hitachi NX9000 FIB-SEM (Focused Ion Beam Scanning Electron Microscope) located at Eglin AFB, FL. The required parts include: LMIS2 ION Source (BEA-3809), OL Aperture Assembly for V Column (AAB-2940), O-Ring Set (AAB-2941), R-Condenser Lens Assembly including BLK (EXCHK-W11102138), and Scintillator 7 Type (AAU-0100). The R-Condenser Lens Assembly is an exchange item requiring return of the removed component to Hitachi.

The justification cites 10 U.S.C. 3204(a)(1) as statutory authority, establishing that only one responsible source exists. Market research confirmed that Hitachi High-Tech America is the sole manufacturer capable of providing the required proprietary components and is the only vendor under contract to service the NX9000. The equipment is critical for AFRL research data production related to high explosive research and development. The agency determined that using unauthorized third-party or non-OEM parts would create unacceptable risks including degraded data fidelity and catastrophic equipment failure. The document indicates the Contracting Officer is responsible for determining fair and reasonable pricing in accordance with FAR Subpart 15.4.