Agilent ICP-MS Instrument Service Contract

The Naval Medical Research Command (NMRC) in Silver Spring, MD, has issued a Justification and Approval for a sole-source service contract for their Agilent ICP-MS instrument. This decision, made on behalf of the Navy for Expeditionary Medical Research, cites 10 U.S.C. 2304(c)(1) and FAR 13.106-1(b)(1) due to the proprietary nature of the equipment. The contract covers an Agilent 7900 ICP-MS system, including an SPS 4 Autosampler, MS40 with AV Platinum, and a PSC 6106T Chiller, and requires software updates, parts, labor, overtime, travel, and at least one preventative maintenance per year. Only Agilent, the OEM, can perform the necessary work, as third-party intervention would void warranties and prevent software updates. Market research confirmed that only Agilent could provide a service plan meeting government needs, and no other sources expressed interest. NMRC currently has no plans to compete future contracts for these services but will reassess if new potential sources emerge.