EBIC System

SOL #: FA8601-EBIC_SystemSources Sought

Overview

Buyer

DEPT OF DEFENSE
Dept Of The Air Force
FA8601 AFLCMC PZIO
WRIGHT PATTERSON AFB, OH, 45433-5344, United States

Place of Performance

Wright Patterson AFB, OH

NAICS

Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing (334516)

PSC

Laboratory Equipment And Supplies (6640)

Set Aside

Total Small Business Set-Aside (FAR 19.5) (SBA)

Timeline

1
Posted
Jun 18, 2026
2
Response Deadline
Jun 25, 2026, 8:00 PM

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 United States Air Force, Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC) is conducting market research through a Sources Sought synopsis to identify potential sources for an Electron Beam Induced Current (EBIC) System. This system is required by the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT) at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base (WPAFB), Ohio, to support Master's and PhD level research and coursework. The Government is seeking capabilities packages from all potential sources, including various small business categories, to determine the acquisition strategy. Responses are due by June 25, 2026, at 2:00 PM ET.

Opportunity Details

  • Agency: Department of the Air Force, AFLCMC
  • Type: Sources Sought (Market Research)
  • NAICS: 334516 - Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing (Size Standard: 1,000 employees)
  • Place of Performance: AFIT Cleanroom lab, Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio

Scope of Work

The requirement is for the procurement and installation of a STEM Electron Beam Induced Current (EBIC) System. Key aspects include:

  • System Integration: Installation of an EBIC detector fully compatible with the existing Zeiss Crossbeam 350 SEM, including chamber integration, accessory port use, and scan generator compatibility.
  • Research Support: The system must enable data collection for Master's and PhD level research and coursework, supporting studies in ultra-high temperature materials, microelectronics, MEMS, and aerospace applications.
  • Technical Specifications:
    • Preamplifier sensitivity of 10 picoamperes (pA) or better.
    • EBIC amplifier with adjustable gain (10^3 to 10^9 V/A) and bandwidth (at least 1 kHz).
    • Spatial resolution of 50 nanometers (nm) or better.
    • Micro-manipulator or nanoprobing solution for electrical contact with features 1 micron or smaller.
    • Software synchronization with SEM's scan generator for simultaneous image and EBIC current map acquisition (up to 2048x1536 pixels).
  • Operational Requirements: Must operate with Windows OS without network access, and expendable materials must be compatible with AFIT's Clean Room facility (standard 120 V AC, no concrete floor pad). All necessary installation hardware and perpetual software licenses must be included.

Submission Requirements

Interested firms must submit a capabilities package, not exceeding five (5) pages, explicitly demonstrating their ability to meet the stated requirements. Responses should:

  • Specify that offered products meet the provided specifications.
  • Provide detailed information showing clear technical compliance.
  • Indicate socio-economic status (e.g., small business, 8(a), HUBZone, SDVOSB, EDWOSB, WOSB).
  • Address potential application of Limitations on Subcontracting (FAR 52.219-14) and the Non-Manufacturer Rule (FAR 52.219-33), including subcontracting plans if applicable.
  • Include company information, ownership status, warranty details, sales history, facility capabilities, and past experience on similar projects.

Response Details

  • Response Due: June 25, 2026, at 2:00 PM ET.
  • Submission: Via email to TSgt Adam Holden (adam.holden.1@us.af.mil) and Ms. Jessica Stamper (jessica.stamper.2@us.af.mil).
  • Email Subject Line: AFIT – Electron Beam Induced Current (EBIC) System.
  • Allowed Attachments: .pdf, .doc, .docx, .xlsx, or .xls.

Set-Aside & Evaluation

This Sources Sought is designated as a Total Small Business Set-Aside (FAR 19.5). However, the Government explicitly states that this is for market research purposes only, and a small business set-aside decision has not yet been made. Responses will inform whether any future solicitation will be conducted as a full and open competition or as a set-aside for small business or a specific small business program.

People

Points of Contact

Adam HoldenPRIMARY
Jessica StamperSECONDARY

Files

Files

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Versions

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Sources Sought
Posted: Jun 18, 2026
EBIC System | GovScope