Handheld Analyzer

The Department of the Air Force's Headquarters Air Force Sustainment Center (AFMC) at Tinker Air Force Base is requesting a brand name justification for the Thermo Scientific Niton XL5 Plus handheld XRF analyzer. This analyzer is required for immediate, non-destructive elemental analysis of materials in both field and laboratory environments to ensure material integrity and safety. The justification states that the Niton XL5 Plus is the only instrument that meets the government's minimum requirements due to its proprietary 5W X-ray tube and Geometrically Optimized Large Area Drift Detector (GOLDD+) technology. This unique combination allows for rapid and precise analysis of light elements like magnesium, aluminum, silicon, phosphorus, and sulfur, which conventional analyzers cannot perform in field conditions without external equipment. Market research confirmed no other manufacturers offer this specific combination of technologies. The government will continue market research for future acquisitions, but for this requirement, the Niton XL5 Plus is deemed essential. This brand name procurement is determined in accordance with FAR 13.106(b)(1).

The Air Force Sustainment Center (AFSC/PZIMB) at Tinker Air Force Base Oklahoma has issued a combined synopsis/solicitation (FA8126-26-Q-0036) for a Small Business Set-Aside, Brand Name, Firm-Fixed-Price contract to acquire a handheld analyzer. This Request for Quote (RFQ) mandates the acquisition of a specific brand, prohibiting substitute or equal items. Vendors must be registered in SAM.gov, provide adequate documentation verifying quoted items meet specifications, and complete and return the solicitation by May 12, 2026, 2:00 PM CST. The contract requires a proposed delivery date of June 30, 2026. The document also details the role of an ombudsman for resolving concerns and includes clauses regarding Addressing DEi Discrimination by Federal Contractors.

The Department of the Air Force's Headquarters Air Force Sustainment Center (AFMC) at Tinker Air Force Base is requesting funds to purchase a M26-110 Handheld XRF Analyzer. The 76 MXSG requires this portable XRF Spectrometer for alloy analysis, emphasizing specific design and safety features per the National Electrical Code. Key specifications include the ability to analyze 80 elements from Magnesium (Mg) 12 through Uranium (U) 92, enhanced performance for light elements without helium or vacuum, a rapid analysis time of 1-2 seconds, and an X-ray tube of at least 50kV, 200 uA with a rhodium anode. Additionally, the instrument must connect to a computer for data download, and include software for managing scans and results. This acquisition aims to enhance the analytical capabilities of the unit.

The Department of the Air Force, specifically OC-ALC/OBCA for 76 MXSG, is seeking a brand name justification for the procurement of a Niton XL5 Plus handheld XRF analyzer. This requirement is for a portable, non-destructive X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analyzer essential for immediate elemental analysis of materials in both field and laboratory settings. The Niton XL5 Plus is identified as the only instrument meeting government requirements due to its proprietary 5W X-ray tube and Geometrically Optimized Large Area Drift Detector (GOLDD+) technology. This unique combination enables accurate quantification of light elements (Magnesium, Aluminum, Silicon, Phosphorus, and Sulfur) without external vacuum pumps or helium purge systems, a capability conventional analyzers lack in field conditions. Market research confirmed the Niton XL5 Plus as the sole solution for this critical need. The Air Force will continue market research for future acquisitions and will competitively solicit if alternative technologies emerge.