Notice of Intent to Award a Sole Source: High-Performance Liquid Chromatograph-Mass Spectrometer (HPLC-MS)
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 Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC/PZIBA), on behalf of the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT), intends to award a sole-source, firm-fixed-price contract to Agilent Technologies, Inc. for a High-Performance Liquid Chromatograph-Mass Spectrometer (HPLC-MS) at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, OH. This system is critical for analyzing toxic organic chemicals and chemical warfare agents. Interested parties must submit capability statements by February 10, 2026.
Purpose & Justification
This acquisition aims to replace an aging and inoperable HPLC-MS unit essential for AFIT's analytical capabilities. The Government's market research and a previous Sources Sought notice (January 9, 2026) indicate that Agilent Technologies is the only manufacturer whose products meet the minimum technical requirements. Key justifications include the need for full component integration from a single manufacturer and compatibility with proprietary Agilent MassHunter software, which is vital for maintaining established analytical methods and personnel expertise without incurring substantial re-validation and training costs. This sole-source action is authorized under FAR 6.302-1.
Scope of Work
The contract covers the procurement, installation, and training for the new HPLC-MS system. The system must meet specific technical requirements, including support for Electro-spray ionization (ESI) and Atmospheric-pressure chemical ionization (APCI), and detailed specifications for the mass spectrum analyzer, pump, degasser, detector, autosampler, and column compartment. It must be upgradable to supercritical fluids (SFC) and include a Nitrogen Generator. All components must be from the same manufacturer, serviced by the OEM, and purchased directly from the manufacturer. Installation by the OEM and training for three personnel for three days are required. Delivery is expected within six months from receipt of order, with all requirements completed within nine months of contract award.
Contract Details
- Contract Type: Firm-Fixed-Price
- Estimated Value: $206,967.41
- Place of Performance: Air Force Institute of Technology/ENP, 2950 Hobson Way, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, OH 45433
- Set-Aside: None (Sole Source)
Response Requirements & Timeline
This notice is not a request for competitive proposals. However, interested parties who believe they can satisfy the requirements must provide a capability statement with clear and convincing evidence of their ability to provide an HPLC-MS system that is 100% compatible with the technical specifications and software requirements outlined in the Statement of Work. Simple statements of capability are insufficient.
- Capability Statements Due: February 10, 2026, at 11:00 AM EST
- Published Date: January 26, 2026
All responses and questions must be submitted via email with the subject line: "Notice of Intent, HPLC-MS."
- Contract Specialist: Brian Algeo (brian.algeo.1@us.af.mil)
- Contracting Officer: Candice Snow (candice.snow@us.af.mil)