Electron Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS)

The Department of the Air Force Air Combat Command is procuring an Electron Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS) detector system for installation on an existing FEI Quanta 450 Scanning Electron Microscope at the AFTAC Radiochemistry Laboratory. The solicitation requires a 60 mm detector capable of performing elemental analysis from Boron to Curium, with line scanning and mapping capabilities, and must be installed by a manufacturer-qualified technician who will provide initial operator training. Critical specifications mandate that the detector operate without WIFI or internet connectivity and include a one-year initial warranty. This full and open competition under NAICS code 334516 (Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing) will evaluate responses based on compliance with technical specifications and pricing. The original solicitation document indicated responses were due by 12:00 PM EDT on August 8, 2025, though the opportunity posting shows an August 21, 2025 deadline, and all submissions must be made via email to the contracting officer.

This procurement operates without any set-aside designations, making it available to all qualified contractors regardless of size, though vendors must maintain fewer than 1,000 employees per the NAICS size standard. No incumbent contractors or potential award values are specified in the available documentation, and the quote sheet shows placeholder pricing of zero dollars for both the EDS detector and installation services. The contract involves delivery and installation of a single EDS detector unit along with associated training services, with no specific performance timeline mentioned beyond the installation and training requirements. Performance will take place at Patrick Space Force Base in Florida, where the detector will be integrated into the existing laboratory infrastructure to support the Air Force Technical Applications Center's radiochemistry analysis mission.