Handheld Analyzer

Brand Name Justification

This document justifies the procurement of a specific brand name, the Thermo Scientific Niton™ XL5 Plus handheld XRF analyzer, for the Department of the Air Force. The analyzer is required for immediate, non-destructive elemental analysis of materials in field and laboratory environments to identify and verify elemental composition, ensuring material integrity and safety.

• Core Functionality: The analyzer must be a portable, handheld X-ray fluorescence (XRF) device for rapid, non-destructive elemental analysis.

• Unique Technology: The justification centers on the Niton XL5 Plus's proprietary technology, specifically its 5W X-ray tube and Geometrically Optimized Large Area Drift Detector (GOLDD+).

• Light Element Analysis: This combination is stated as the only solution capable of accurately quantifying light elements (e.g., Mg, Al, Si, P, S) without the need for external vacuum pumps or helium purge systems, which conventional analyzers require for field conditions.

• Proprietary Nature: The GOLDD+ technology is described as a proprietary and trademarked innovation exclusive to Thermo Fisher Scientific.

• Market research was conducted, confirming that while other manufacturers produce handheld XRF analyzers, none offer the specific combination of the 5W X-ray tube and the GOLDD+ detector technology.

• The Government will continue to conduct market research for future acquisitions and will compete the requirement if other vendors develop comparable technology.

• The determination to require a specific brand name is made in accordance with FAR 13.106(b)(1).

• Contact information for further information or clarification is provided (redacted in the provided text).

Other / Unclassified

This document is a brand name justification for the procurement of a portable, handheld X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analyzer, specifically the Niton XL5 Plus. The justification outlines the need for this device to conduct immediate, non-destructive elemental analysis of materials in field and laboratory environments for mission-critical assets, ensuring material integrity, safety, and operational readiness.

This document is relevant to potential bidders as it explains the government's specific requirement for a brand-name XRF analyzer. It details the unique technological capabilities of the Niton XL5 Plus, including its 5W X-ray tube and proprietary GOLDD+ detector technology, which are essential for accurately quantifying light elements without external equipment. The justification states that market research confirmed no other analyzers meet these specific requirements. The document also indicates that while this procurement is brand-name, the government will continue market research and competitively solicit the requirement in the future if alternative technologies emerge that meet the minimum technical needs.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items, issued as a Request for Quote (RFQ) under FAR Part 12. The Air Force Sustainment Center (AFSC/PZIMB) at Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma, intends to award a Small Business Set-Aside, Brand Name, Firm-Fixed-Price contract for one (1) Handheld Analyzer. This is a brand name only requirement; substitute/equal items are not permitted.

• Procurement of one (1) Handheld XRF Analyzer.

• The item must meet specifications detailed in the attached Item Description.

• Vendor must provide adequate documentation verifying the quoted item meets specifications.

• Items shall be packaged according to contractor's commercial best practice to ensure undamaged arrival.

• Shipments exceeding 150 pounds, 108 inches in length, or 130 inches in girth plus length must be packaged on skidded crates or palletized for forklift handling.

• Exterior containers must be marked "NOT FOR OUTSIDE STORAGE."

• Contract Type: Firm-Fixed-Price.

• Period of Performance: Delivery is due on or before 30 June 2026.

• Estimated Value: Not specified in this document.

• Quotations are due by 12 May 2026, 2:00 PM, Tinker AFB OK Central Standard Time (CST).

• Emailed quotations are preferred.

• Contractor is required to "wet" sign, date, and fill in pricing and proposed delivery date on page 2, and complete Unit Pricing on page 3.

• Award will be conducted and evaluated under the provisions of FAR Part 12.201-1.

• This is a 100% Small Business Set-Aside.

• Vendors must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) database to be eligible for award.

• The Government reserves the right to cancel this solicitation.

• The attached "Item Description" contains detailed specifications for the handheld analyzer.

• Payment requests and receiving reports must be submitted electronically via Wide Area WorkFlow (WAWF).

Other / Unclassified

This document is a Memorandum for Record dated 12 March 2026, from the Department of the Air Force, Headquarters Air Force Sustainment Center (AFMC) at Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma. It details the item description for a Handheld XRF Analyzer. The 76 MXSG is requesting funds for the purchase of this equipment.

The document outlines the specific requirements and salient characteristics for a Handheld XRF Spectrometer. Key specifications include:

• Type: Portable XRF Spectrometer for alloy analysis.
• Features: Must include latest manufacturer design and safety features per the National Electrical Code (NEC).
• Analytical Capabilities: Must analyze elements from Magnesium (Mg) 12 through Uranium (U) 92 on the Periodic table (80 different elements).
• Performance: Must provide enhanced performance for light element analysis (Mg, Al, Si, P, and S) without the use of a helium purge or vacuum.
• Speed: Analysis time should be approximately 1-2 seconds for most applications.
• X-ray Tube: Must be at least 50kV, 200 µA with a rhodium (Rh) anode.
• Connectivity: The instrument must be able to connect to a computer to download scans and results.
• Software: Computer software for managing scans and results must be included.

This information is crucial for potential bidders to understand the technical specifications required for the Handheld XRF Analyzer.