X-RAY sources

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Office of Acquisitions and Grants has issued a Special Notice regarding the procurement of x-ray sources for specialized scientific equipment. The notice pertains to a single-source procurement from GeoTek Limited for x-ray components designed for their Rotating X-Ray Computed Tomography (RXCT) scanner and Multi-Sensor Core Logger. The agency determined that GeoTek Limited is the sole qualified vendor due to the proprietary nature of their system design and their unique ability to replace components, troubleshoot issues, and perform system upgrades. This procurement falls under the NAICS code 334517 for Irradiation Apparatus Manufacturing and will support USGS research in geologic hazard and mineral resource assessments. The notice is being published to satisfy federal acquisition regulation requirements for transparency in procurement processes.

The primary objective of this Special Notice is to procure specific x-ray components, including a Thermo Kevex 130 Kv X-ray Source and Cs-137 Source, with associated disposal and installation services. Contractors interested in responding must submit their proposals electronically to yangzhideng@usgs.gov no later than May 12, 2025, at 1500 PST, with hardcopy or web portal submissions explicitly being rejected. While the notice is not a competitive solicitation, the USGS will consider any responsible parties' quotations submitted by the closing date. The procurement will involve onsite installation, system realignment, and training for the new x-ray equipment. The government retains sole discretion in determining whether to compete this procurement based on responses received. The x-ray source specifications include technical requirements such as a maximum tube voltage of 130 Kv, an operating voltage range of 45-130 Kv, and a minimum spot size of 6 microns, targeting precise scientific imaging capabilities.