CIL Radioactive Sources
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
Timeline
Qualification Details
Fit reasons
- NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
- Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
- Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
- Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps
Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.
Quick Summary
The Department of the Air Force, 45 CONS PK, has issued a Special Notice (sole source synopsis) for the procurement of CIL Radioactive Sources for the USAF Civil Air Patrol (CIL) at Patrick Air Force Base, FL. This requirement is for certified NIST-traceable radioactive reference standards essential for calibrating Mass Spectrometry Flight's (LOS) radiation measurement instrumentation. The government has determined that Eckert & Ziegler is the only source capable of fulfilling this unique requirement. Responses from capable sources are due by May 6, 2026.
Scope of Work
The requirement involves procuring six specific certified NIST-traceable radioactive reference standards. These include various product codes (e.g., 8401-GF-RASA, 8403-EG-SDLD, 8403-GF-FP, 8409-EG-SD) with detailed activity levels and compositions, prepared in specific geometries and matrices. All standards must have an activity tolerance of +20% / -20%, be calibrated and NIST Traceable, and include certified NIST-traceable documentation. Hazardous material shipping is also required. Remanufactured or refurbished products will not be accepted.
Contract & Timeline
- Opportunity Type: Special Notice (Sole Source Synopsis)
- NAICS Code: 325180 (Chemicals)
- Sole Source Justification: Eckert & Ziegler is identified as the only company manufacturing certified NIST-traceable radioactive reference standards in customer-supplied geometries, which are critical for accurate calibration. This determination was made after exhaustive market research.
- Delivery: Required no later than September 30, 2026.
- Response Due: May 6, 2026, 4:00 PM UTC (12:00 PM EST).
- Published: April 28, 2026.
Submission & Evaluation
This notice is not a request for competitive quotes. However, capable sources may submit a capability statement, proposal, or quotation for consideration. All submissions and questions must be sent via email to 45CONS.PKB.email@us.af.mil. Phone calls will not be accepted, and use of a Read/Delivery Receipt is highly encouraged. The government will evaluate submissions to determine if any other sources can meet the unique requirements.
Additional Notes
This procurement supports the Space Force Delta 45 launch mission. A Statement of Objective (SOO)/Technical Requirements Package and a Single Source Justification are attached to the original notice for review.