Energy-dispersive (EDS) detector

The US Geological Survey (USGS) Office of Acquisitions and Grants has issued a Special Notice regarding the procurement of an Energy-Dispersive (EDS) Detector for the Cascades Volcano Observatory in Vancouver, WA. The notice indicates the agency's intent to award a Purchase Order directly to Oxford Instruments America, Inc. in Concord, MA. This procurement is being conducted under Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 13.106-1(b) for the acquisition of commercial items using simplified acquisition procedures. The USGS has determined that Oxford Instruments is the only source capable of providing a detector compatible with their existing system. The notice falls under the NAICS code 334516 for Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing and PSC code 6640 for Laboratory Equipment and Supplies.

The primary objective of this Special Notice is to replace an existing UltimMax40 EDS detector with a new UltimMax100 EDS detector that meets specific technical requirements, including a 100 mm2 sensor and resolution of 127 eV or better on Mn K at 130 kcps. Contractors interested in responding must submit their entire response via electronic mail to capplegate@usgs.gov no later than February 3, 2025, at 0700 PDT, with hardcopy or web portal submissions being explicitly rejected. While the notice is not a competitive solicitation, the USGS will consider any submitted quotations at their discretion. The procurement includes requirements for shipping, installation, on-site familiarization training, application training, and a minimum one-year warranty/initial service contract. Ultimately, the determination to proceed without competition remains solely at the government's discretion, emphasizing the unique nature of this specific procurement.