FEI Microscope Maintenance

Other / Unclassified

This document is a "Single Source Justification (Simplified Acquisition)" for a Fixed Price Service Contract for the FEI Quanta 200 Scanning Electron Microscope. The contract is for unlimited unscheduled on-site maintenance and repair services, including parts and replacement of the FEG source. It also includes one on-site preventive maintenance visit per year and all software updates for the existing software.

This document explains why the government intends to solicit this requirement from a single source, FEI Company. Key reasons include:

• Sole Manufacturer and Service Provider: FEI Company is the original equipment manufacturer and the only authorized service provider in the U.S. for this specific model, with factory-certified technicians.
• Proprietary Software Access: Only FEI Company technicians can access the proprietary service software required for adjustments, calibrations, and software updates.
• Exclusive OEM Parts: FEI Company is the sole provider of OEM replacement parts, essential for minimizing downtime.
• Minimizing Downtime: This contract aims to prevent extended equipment downtime during unexpected failures and the subsequent funding and repair processing.

Market research did not identify other sources capable of providing similar services without significant delays. The justification also outlines steps to preclude future single-source awards by continuing annual market research.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document is a Notice of Intent (NOI) to award a sole-source contract to FEI Company for FEI Microscope Maintenance. The Air Force Test Center Operational Contracting Division intends to award a Firm Fixed Price (FFP) Commercial Purchase Order.

• FEI Microscope Yearly Maintenance services.

• Contract Type: Firm Fixed Price (FFP) Commercial Purchase Order.

• Period of Performance: Not explicitly stated, but an anticipated award date of 14 April 2026 is mentioned.

• CLINs include a base year and two option years for maintenance services.

• This is NOT a Request for Proposals or Quotations. No solicitation package will be issued.

• Interested parties can obtain a copy of the solicitation by contacting the Contracting Officer.

• Responses received by 12:00 pm CDT on 18 April 2026 will be considered to determine if a competitive procurement is in the Government's best interest.

• Responses must be in writing, provide clear and concise documentation of capability, and be submitted at no cost to the Government.

• Verbal responses are not acceptable.

• Questions should be submitted electronically to Emily Newton at emily.newton.1@us.af.mil.

• Sole-source justification is based on FEI Company being the original equipment manufacturer and the only authorized service provider in the United States for the Quanta 200 FEG.

• Applicable NAICS code: 811210.

• Small Business Administration size standard: $34M.

• The statutory authority for this sole-source acquisition is 41 USC 1901 & 1903, implemented by FAR 12.102(b) and a Class Deviation-Revolutionary FAR Overhaul.

Statement of Work (SOW) / Performance Work Statement (PWS)

To provide all necessary management, parts, tools, supplies, equipment, and labor to maintain and repair the FEI Quanta 200 FEG Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and supporting equipment at Eglin AFB, ensuring continuous and safe operation certified to factory specifications.

• Provide unlimited telephone support during normal working hours.

• Provide unlimited on-site service calls.

• Perform one (1) annual preventative maintenance visit per year.

• The SEM and supporting equipment include:

  • FEI Quanta 200 FEG SEM
  • FEI 5235XL Low Kv Backscatter Electron Detector
  • Edwards Model RV8 Vacuum Pump
  • HP 4400 Workstation Computer

• All equipment is located at the HERD Facility, 2306 Perimeter Road, Bldg. 1170 Room IC104.

• Preventive Maintenance: To be performed annually by factory-certified technicians, including calibration, beam alignment, and software updates. Must confirm SEM performance and reliability according to manufacturer's specifications.

• Repair Service Calls: Unlimited on-site calls, including FEG source replacement. Response within 48 hours for routine calls (during normal working hours) and emergency calls. Downtime to be minimized.

• Reporting: Written reports for annual maintenance and repair calls are required within two business days, detailing work performed, parts used, technician name, and SEM condition. Reports must be timely and accurate.

• The period of performance (POP) includes the initial period and two options.

• Place of performance is the HERD Facility at Eglin AFB.

• Hours of operation for service are Monday through Friday, 07:00 – 16:30.

• Contractor personnel must be factory-certified and specifically trained in the service and repair of the FEI Quanta 200 FEG (SEM).

• Personnel require base access, necessitating advance submission of full name, date of birth, and phone number.

• Contractor employees with specific criminal convictions may be denied access.

• Quality Control procedures must be developed and implemented.