Notice of Intent to Sole Source_FAME Analzyers

Other / Unclassified

This document is a Special Notice regarding the intent to award a Sole Source contract for the acquisition of Fatty-Acid Methyl Ester (FAME) Analyzers. The United States Air Force is proposing to award this contract to Lazar Scientific, Inc. for the Aerospace Fuels Laboratories at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Vandenberg Space Force Base, and Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.

This notice is for informational purposes only and is not a request for competitive quotations. However, responsible sources may submit a capability statement, proposal, quotation, or exception to the intent to purchase on a Sole Source basis. Information received will be considered for determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement. The stated reason for lack of competition is that Lazar Scientific, Inc. is the only known business capable of meeting the requirement for three (3) FAME Analyzers for specification testing on Jet Fuel (ASTM D1655).

Key details for potential bidders:

• Procurement Type: Sole Source
• Proposed Contractor: Lazar Scientific, Inc.
• Requirement: Three (3) FAME Analyzers for Jet Fuel testing.
• NAICS Code: 334516 - Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing
• PSC Code: 6640 - Laboratory Equipment and Supplies
• Contract Type: Firm-Fixed-Price
• Inquiries Deadline: April 20, 2026, no later than 12:00 pm Eastern Daylight Time.
• Inquiry Submission: Email to curtis.thomas.4@us.af.mil with subject line "FA860126Q0030 - FAME Analyzers."
• Attachments: Statement of Work and Sole Source Justification (SSJ) Redacted.
• Registration: Prospective awardees must register at SAM.gov.

Statement of Work (SOW)

To procure three (3) Fatty-Acid Methyl Ester (FAME) Analyzers for specification testing on Jet Fuel at Aerospace Fuels Laboratories located at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Vandenberg Space Force Base, and Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.

• Procure three (3) durable and robust FAME Analyzers capable of routine specification and/or investigative testing.

• Units must conform to ASTM D7797-23, "Determination of the Fatty Acid Methyl Esters Content of Aviation Turbine Fuel Using Flow Analysis by FTIR."

• Analyzers must be electrically configured for standard 100-240V single phase, 50/60Hz electricity with a 3-wire cord and 20 amp plug.

• Units must be standalone, benchtop models weighing ≤100 lbs with dimensions ≤24"x24"x24" (HxWxD).

• The analysis process must be fully automatic, require no pre-sample preparation or external gases, and use ≤100mL sample volume.

• Analyzers must be capable of analyzing 3-4 samples per hour.

• Must be compatible for use in analysis of Jet Fuels (e.g., Jet A, JP-5, JP-8, F-76) and optionally middle distillate fuels or residual fuels.

• Detection range must be at least 10 mg/kg to 150 mg/kg in Aviation Turbine Fuels and 20 mg/kg to 50% in Middle Distillate Fuels, complying with ASTM D7797-23 precision and bias requirements.

• Must operate in environmental conditions ranging from 10-35 °C and <80% RH.

• Must detect all FAME components (range C8-C22) with peak IR absorbance at approximately 1749 cm-1, as specified in standards such as Specification D6751 and EN 14214.

• Sample analysis involves flowing through a sorbent cartridge, analyzing FAME content using a PLS-1 model, and determining concentration via absorbance differences.

• Units must be self-cleaning, require no cleaning solvents, and be equipped with a waste collection line/container.

• Must have a Touch Display Screen for operating conditions, test status, and results, with memory to store test results.

• Must be equipped with USB 2.0+ ports for connectivity and ability to connect to a printer.

• ASTM D7797-23 precision and bias requirements.

• Ability to analyze 3-4 samples per hour.

• Delivery and installation within 12 weeks after contract award.

• Installation and training at three locations: Wright-Patterson AFB OH, Vandenberg AFB CA, and Cape Canaveral SFS, FL.

• Package must include supplies and verification materials for ASTM D7797 upon receipt (wipes, sample beakers, sorbent cartridges, filters, verification materials).

• On-site installation and verification of performance at each AFPET Laboratory location.

• Up to 4 hours of training and test operation for up to 4 AFPET personnel at each location.

• Offeror shall provide technical support (phone/e-mail).

• Electronic copies of all manuals and instructions for instrument operation.

• All products delivered must be manufactured in a qualifying country source per DFARS 225.872.

• Contractor shall include at least a one (1) year warranty for parts and services.

• Invoices to be submitted via Wide Area Work Flow (WAWF).

• Delivery procedures for commercial vehicles, including potential inspections at base gates, are detailed.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a Single Source Justification (Simplified Acquisition) for the procurement of three Fatty-Acid Methyl Ester (FAME) Analyzers.

• Supplies/Services Required: Three FAME Analyzers critical for specification testing on jet fuel (ASTM D1655) to ensure quality and integrity, complying with ASTM D7797.
• Justification for Single Source: The mandatory testing procedure (ASTM D7797) requires a unique analysis method (Flow Analysis by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy - FA-FTIR). The FIJI FAME instrument from Seta Analytics is the only instrument on the market that performs this analysis directly. Lazar Scientific, Inc. is the exclusive U.S. distributor.
• Efforts to Obtain Competition: Research identified the eralytics ERAJET FAME as a potential alternative, but its results are correlated to ASTM D7797, not directly compliant.
• Steps to Preclude Future Single Source: The government will actively pursue competitive solutions for future acquisitions, monitor the open market, and inform vendors of technical standards.
• Contracting Officer's Determination: Determined that only a single source is reasonably available per FAR 13.106-1(b)(1).

This document explains why the opportunity is being solicited as a single source. Bidders interested in providing FAME Analyzers that meet ASTM D7797 standards should note the specific technical requirements and the government's intent to seek broader competition in the future.