9250-27-R-RFIN-00015

Mississippi State University is announcing a sole-source purchase intent for three Gen II Capacitively Coupled Anode Large Area Picosecond Photo Detectors (LAPPDs), model 408-7046-A, manufactured by Incom, Inc., with objections due October 1, 2026. The university has determined that Incom is the only manufacturer capable of delivering photosensors with both position sensitivity and temporal resolution below 100 picoseconds, the critical technical requirement for this procurement.

The LAPPDs will support development of an advanced neutron radiation tracking system that optically couples to three orthogonal faces of a cubic organic glass scintillator to enable neutron/gamma discrimination and neutron interaction localization. Each detector measures 220 mm square with a rectangular anode base of 229 x 220 x 21.8 mm and incorporates a chevron pair of ALD-GCAMCPs, independent voltage controls, and a pixelated signal board in an Ultem insulating frame. Required performance specifications include gain of 5E6 or greater, quantum efficiency of 20 percent or higher, temporal resolution below 100 picoseconds, spatial resolution below 3 mm, and pulse rise time of 0.75 nanoseconds.

The estimated total procurement cost is $149,305, comprising $130,320 for three LAPPDs at $43,440 each, $1,485 for three transportation cases, and $17,500 for manufacturing engineering support. The university has determined sole-source status based on the unique technical requirements of the custom application and the need for direct engineering support from the LAPPD manufacturer to ensure successful integration. Objections to the sole-source designation must be submitted in writing to Jennifer Mayfield, Director of Procurement Services, with detailed explanation and supporting documentation. Mississippi State University retains authority to withdraw the sole-source request and conduct competitive bidding if objections merit reconsideration.