Fatty-Acid Methyl Ester (FAME) Analyzers (x3) for Jet Fuel Testing

Statement of Work (SOW)

To procure three (3) Fatty-Acid Methyl Ester (FAME) Analyzers for specification testing on Jet Fuel for the Aerospace Fuels Laboratories at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Vandenberg Space Force Base, and Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.

• Procure three (3) durable and robust FAME Analyzers for routine and investigative testing.

• Analyzers must conform to ASTM D7797-23, "Determination of the Fatty Acid Methyl Esters Content of Aviation Turbine Fuel Using Flow Analysis by FTIR."

• Instrument Capabilities:

  • Fully automatic sample analysis (no pre-sample prep, no external gases).
  • Ability to analyze 3-4 samples per hour.
  • Compatible with Jet Fuels (Jet A, JP-5, JP-8, F-76).
  • Detection range: 10 mg/kg to 150 mg/kg in Aviation Turbine Fuels; 20 mg/kg to 50% in Middle Distillate Fuels.
  • Operates in environmental conditions: 10-35 °C and <80% RH.
  • Detects all FAME components (C8-C22) with peak IR absorbance at ~1749 cm-1.
  • Utilizes a sorbent cartridge for FAME retention and analysis via a 2-mm flow-through cell.
  • Self-cleaning unit with no cleaning solvents required; equipped with waste collection.
  • Touch Display Screen for operating conditions, test status, and results.
  • Memory to record and store test results.
  • USB 2.0+ ports for connectivity.
  • Ability to connect to a printer.

• Physical Specifications:

  • Standard 100-240V single phase, 50/60Hz electricity with a 20 amp plug.
  • Standalone unit for laboratory benchtop use.
  • Weight: ≤100 lbs.
  • Dimensions: ≤24"x24"x24" (HxWxD).

• Included Package:

  • Supplies and verification materials for ASTM D7797 testing (wipes, sample beakers, sorbent cartridges, verification materials).

• Services:

  • On-site installation and performance verification at each AFPET Laboratory location.
  • Up to 4 hours of training for up to 4 personnel per location.
  • Technical support (phone/e-mail).
  • Electronic copies of all manuals and instructions.

• Delivery and installation within 12 weeks after contract award.

• Delivery to three locations: Wright-Patterson AFB OH, Vandenberg AFB CA, and Cape Canaveral SFS, FL.

• Qualifying Country Products: All products must be manufactured in a qualifying country source per DFARS 225.872. Products from other qualifying countries will not be accepted.

• Warranty: Minimum one (1) year warranty for parts and services.

• Delivery Procedures: Proper shipping methods required. Vehicles larger than a large pick-up truck require inspection by the Commercial Vehicle Delivery Gate (CVDG) prior to installation entry. Specific procedures for bypassing CVDG for time-sensitive deliveries are outlined.

Sources Sought / Market Research

This notice is for market research purposes only and is not a request for proposals or quotes. The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC) is seeking capability packages to identify potential sources for delivering three (3) Fatty-Acid Methyl Ester (FAME) analyzers for jet fuel testing. These analyzers are needed for the Air Force Petroleum Agency (AFPET) at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Vandenberg Space Force Base, and Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.

• Capability to provide three (3) FAME analyzers for specification testing on Jet Fuel.

• Firms must demonstrate clear technical compliance with provided specifications and technical requirements.

• Interested firms must submit a capabilities package demonstrating their ability to meet the requirements.

• The capabilities package must not exceed five (5) pages.

• Responses must be submitted via email to Mr. Curtis Thomas (curtis.thomas.4@us.af.mil) and Ms. Raschelle Swindle (raschelle.swindle@us.af.mil).

• The subject line for all correspondence must be: "FAME Analyzers for Jet Fuel Testing".

• Email attachments must be in .pdf, .doc, .docx, .xlsx, or .xls format. .zip or .exe files are not allowable.

• Deadline for submission: March 16, 2026, at 12:00 PM Eastern Time.

• The government is seeking capabilities from all potential sources, including Small Businesses (SB), 8(a) participants, HUBZone Small Business, Economically Disadvantaged Women-Owned Small Business (EDWOSB), Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB), Small Disadvantaged Business (SDB), and Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB).

• The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code is 423490 (Other Professional Equipment and Supplies Merchant Wholesalers) with a small business size standard of 150 employees.

• A small business set-aside decision has not yet been made and will be based on responses received.

• Potential application of Limitations on Subcontracting (FAR 52.219-14) and the Non-Manufacturer Rule (FAR 52.219-33) should be considered.

• This is for market research only; it is not a request for proposals/quotes and does not commit the government to a future solicitation.

• The government will not reimburse costs associated with submitting information.

• Respondents will not be individually notified of the results of government assessments.

• All prospective contractors must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) database.

• Attachments include Instructions and Technical Requirement (Statement of Work).

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a "Sources Sought" notice, serving as a market research tool to gather information from potential vendors regarding their capability to provide Fatty-Acid Methyl Ester (FAME) Analyzers (x3) for Jet Fuel Testing. It aims to determine industry interest and identify potential small business sources.

Respondents are instructed to provide the following information:

• Company contact details (name, address, POC, phone, email)
• Ownership and foreign national employee status
• Socio-economic status (e.g., small business, 8(a), HUBZone)
• DUNS/CAGE Code and website URL
• Manufacturer information (if applicable)
• Statement on Government release of proprietary data
• Information on standard warranty
• Recent sales history for commerciality determination
• For Small Business Respondents: Details on meeting the 50% subcontracting limitation (FAR 52.219-14), including teaming arrangements and previous experience.
• For All Potential Respondents: Feedback on potential small business subcontracting areas.
• Capability survey questions covering:
  • Manufacturing country
  • Facility capabilities, staff composition, and management structure
  • Past experience on similar projects (contract details, description, agency, POC)
  • Any requirements that preclude their product/service
  • Market pricing and terms for Government vs. commercial offerings

This document is crucial for potential bidders to understand the government's interest in procuring FAME Analyzers. It outlines the specific information required to assess vendor capabilities and inform the acquisition strategy, including potential set-aside decisions for small businesses. Responding to this notice is an opportunity for vendors to express interest and provide data that may shape the future solicitation.