Intent to Sole Source (Service Agreement X-Ray Fluorescence Spectrometer)
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 U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) intends to award a sole source contract to Malvern Panalytical, Inc. for maintenance and service support of a Malvern Panalytical Axios Wavelength-Dispersive X-Ray Fluorescence (WD-XRF) spectrometer located at FDA University Station (CPK2) in College Park, Maryland. This acquisition is critical for the Color Certification Branch's mission to certify color additives.
Scope of Work
The service agreement will cover comprehensive support for the Axios WD-XRF instrument, including:
- Manufacturer-authorized maintenance and repairs.
- At least one annual preventative maintenance (PM).
- Unlimited labor, travel, and emergency calls during normal business hours.
- Unlimited telephone and online support by trained service engineers/technicians.
- Provision of genuine Malvern Panalytical repair parts (excluding the x-ray tube).
- On-site service performed by factory-certified engineers with a 48-hour on-site response time.
- On-site repairs within 7 days, with parts installed within 2 days of the service visit.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Special Notice (Intent to Sole Source)
- Authority: FAR 6.302-1 – Only One Responsible Source
- Set-Aside: None (Sole Source)
- NAICS Code: 811219 – Other Electronic and Precision Equipment Repair and Maintenance
- PSC: J066 – Maintenance, Repair, and Rebuilding of Instruments and Laboratory Equipment
- Period of Performance: One base year (March 6, 2026 - March 5, 2027) with four one-year option periods.
- Response Date: February 11, 2026, by 10:00 a.m. EST.
- Published: February 4, 2026.
Justification
Malvern Panalytical, Inc. is identified as the sole manufacturer and authorized service provider for the Axios WD-XRF spectrometer. They exclusively provide certified technicians, proprietary diagnostics, software updates, and genuine replacement parts essential for maintaining the instrument to manufacturer specifications and FDA regulatory requirements. The acquisition is urgent as current service coverage expired September 13, 2025.
Additional Notes
Interested organizations believing they can meet this requirement must submit a response to Warren Jackson at warren.jackson@fda.hhs.gov by the response date. An award is anticipated within approximately fifteen days after the closing date unless other qualified organizations are identified.