Intent to Award Sole Source - ION Source Replacement
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 has issued a Special Notice indicating its Intent to Award a Sole Source purchase order to Hitachi High-Tech America, Inc. for the NX9000 Ion Source Replacement at Eglin Air Force Base, FL. This notice is for informational purposes, and responses from other interested parties are due by June 4, 2026, at 2:00 PM ET.
Opportunity Details
The Air Force Research Laboratory Munitions Directorate (AFRL/RWTE) requires the replacement of critical, proprietary components for its Hitachi NX9000 FIB-SEM system. This system is essential for high explosive research and development, including site-specific analysis, gas deposition, and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The requirement includes the replacement of the LMIS2 ION source, FIB Condenser Lens Assembly, and associated parts, which are consumable items needing replacement approximately every 4000 hours of use.
Scope of Work
- Replacement of the LMIS2 ION source.
- Replacement of the FIB Condenser Lens Assembly.
- Replacement of associated parts, including:
- OL Aperture Assy for V Column (Part: AAB-2940)
- O-Ring Set (Part: AAB-2941)
- R-Condenser Lens Assembly (Part: EXCHK-W11102138)
- Scintillator 7 Type (Part: AAU-0100)
- The R-Condenser Lens Assembly (EXCHK-W11102138) is an exchange item, requiring the removed unit to be returned to Hitachi.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Intent to Award Sole Source Purchase Order (Special Notice)
- Intended Awardee: Hitachi High-Tech America, Inc.
- Authority: RFO 6.104-1(a)(4) / 10 U.S.C. 3204(a)(1)
- NAICS Code: 423490 (Other Commercial Equipment Merchant Wholesalers)
- PSC: J066 (Maintenance, Repair And Rebuilding Of Equipment: Instruments And Laboratory Equipment)
- Response Due: June 4, 2026, 2:00 PM Eastern Time
- Published: June 1, 2026
Eligibility & Set-Aside
This is an unrestricted requirement, with a determination that only Hitachi High-Tech America, Inc. can meet the agency's needs due to the proprietary nature of the parts. Market research confirmed no small business set-aside opportunities or availability through GSA or AbilityOne.
Response Instructions
This is not a request for competitive proposals. However, any firm believing it can meet the requirement should submit a response via email to the buyer. Information received will be considered solely for determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement.
- Email Responses To: michael.hornberger.1@us.af.mil
- Email Subject Line: "NX9000 Source Replacement"
- Allowed Attachments: .PDF, .doc, .docx, .xls, or .xlsx files only. (.zip or .exe files are not allowed and will be filtered).
Additional Notes
The NX9000 FIB-SEM system requires parts proprietary to Hitachi High-Tech America. Using non-OEM components or unauthorized vendors poses risks of degraded data fidelity and catastrophic equipment failure. AFRL/RWTE will continue to monitor the market for potential future competition for these components.