Ardara quadrupole mass spectrometer with cross-beam ionizer

NASA/NSSC intends to award a sole-source contract to ARDARA TECHNOLOGIES LP for a Flange Mounted Quadrupole Mass Filter SYSTEM with a 1 to 50 amu mass range. This procurement, categorized under NAICS Code 334516, is justified by ARDARA TECHNOLOGIES LP being the sole provider of this specific system. The contract will be managed by NASA/NSSC, with performance at NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC). The acquisition will follow FAR Part 12 and Part 13 procedures for commercial items and services. Interested organizations can submit their capabilities in writing by 7 a.m. Central Standard Time on January 9, 2026, for evaluation to determine if a competitive procurement is viable. The decision to proceed on a non-competitive basis remains at the government's discretion. Shanna Patterson is the primary point of contact.

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Shared Services Center recommends a sole-source negotiation with Ardara Technologies L.P. for a quadrupole mass spectrometer with a cross-beam ionizer. The estimated cost is unspecified, with a 60-90 day delivery lead-time. This recommendation is based on Ardara Technologies L.P.'s unique specifications, including a 12 mm quadrupole with a frequency of at least 3.3 MHz, a specific ionization volume and entrance aperture, an 8-inch analytical quadrupole length, and yttrium oxide-coated iridium filaments. These features are critical for meeting NASA's sensitivity, mass selectivity, and hydrogen distinguishability requirements, which are crucial for planned characterization measurements. The justification states that competing products lack the necessary sensitivity, making alternative measurements difficult or impossible.

This Statement of Work outlines the requirements for a quadrupole mass spectrometer (QMS) with a cross-beam ionizer. The objective is to procure a QMS capable of distinguishing atomic and molecular hydrogen, with specific characteristics including a mass range of 1-50 AMU, a 12 mm quadrupole mass filter with a frequency of at least 3.3 MHz, an ionization volume with a 0.92” ID, a 0.375” entrance aperture, an analytical quadrupole length of at least 8”, and yttrium oxide coated iridium filaments. The QMS must also include an ion detector, power supplies, cables, and data acquisition software. Delivery is expected within 60-90 days of receiving the order.