E-Beam high-energy electron source- SPLICE

NASA's Shared Services Center has published a Special Notice for a sole source procurement of a high-energy electron source system called SPLICE for NASA Langley Research Center. The agency intends to award a contract directly to Kimball Physics Inc. of Wilton, New Hampshire, under FAR 13.106-1(b)(1)(i) authority, having determined they are the sole provider of this specialized scientific equipment. The procurement falls under NAICS code 334516 (Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing) and involves the acquisition of a Custom Electron Gun System, Model EGH-8103/EGPS-8103 Magnetic Lens. This is specifically designated as a sole source requirement, meaning NASA has identified only one capable vendor for this specialized scientific instrument. The equipment will be used at NASA Langley Research Center to support laboratory-based spectroscopic research involving electron-induced fluorescence measurements.

The purpose of this Special Notice is to inform potential contractors of NASA's intent to proceed with sole source procurement while providing an opportunity for other organizations to demonstrate their capabilities if they believe they can provide equivalent equipment. Interested organizations must submit their capabilities and qualifications in writing to the primary point of contact, Shanna Patterson, no later than 7:00 a.m. Central Standard Time on July 30, 2025. The required system must meet specific technical specifications including variable output voltage from 10-100 kV, current variability up to 1 mA continuous and 30 mA pulsed, magnetic/electrostatic beam focusing capabilities, and compatibility with ultra-high vacuum environments. NASA will evaluate submitted capabilities solely to determine whether to conduct the procurement on a competitive basis, retaining full discretion in this determination. The equipment must be delivered within 21 weeks after contract receipt and will support precise spectroscopic experiments requiring high-energy electron sources capable of operating under stringent vacuum conditions.