Optical Emission Spectrometer

THIS IS A SOURCES SOUGHT REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI) ONLY.

This RFI is issued solely to determine potential sources for information and planning purposes – it does not constitute a Request for Quote (RFQ or a promise to issue an RFQ in the future. This RFI should not be construed as a commitment by the Government for any purpose other than to gain the information requested for market research. The Government is not at this time seeking proposals and will not accept unsolicited proposals. Respondees are advised that the Government will not pay for any information or administrative costs incurred in response to this RFI. Not responding to this RFI does not preclude participation in any potential future RFQ. If a solicitation is released, it will be synopsized on the Contract Opportunities website (sam.gov). It is the responsibility of potential offerors to monitor this site for additional information pertaining to this requirement.

The purpose of this notice is to conduct market research, a continuous process for collecting and analyzing information about capabilities within the market to satisfy agency needs. The acquisition strategy has not yet been determined and market research results will assist the United States Air Force in determining the direction any acquisition will take.

Set-Aside Status

Respondents to this notice must indicate whether they qualify as small business under NAICS 334516 (size standard 1000 employees).

The Government assessed large manufacturers that can meet the requirement. The Government is trying to determine if there are small business manufacturers that can meet the technical specifications below:

• Be an Optical Emission Spectrometer designed specifically for elemental composition analysis and alloy identification in a laboratory environment.


• Be capable of accurately detecting, analyzing, and classifying alloys including Iron (Fe)-based, Aluminum (Al)-based, and Titanium (Ti)-based materials common to aerospace applications.


• Utilize either a CMOS or CCD-based detector system for optical emission measurement.


• Have a spark frequency of at least 500 Hz with a digitally controlled spark source.


• Provide adapters or fixtures that allow for secure and reliable analysis of small or irregular-shaped samples.


• Include all necessary reference samples and standards required for initial calibration and periodic recalibration of Fe, Al, and Ti alloy bases throughout the life of the instrument.


• Include software capable of automatic alloy grade identification of unknown metallic samples (Aerospace materials such as Ti, Al, and Fe).


• Include perpetual licensing for an integrated alloy grades database with a minimum of 200,000 recognized industrial alloy grades covering Fe, Al, and Ti alloys. Include a perpetual license for all software included.


• Include a compatible computer, monitor, and necessary cables and hardware for standard operation.


• Instrument must be compatible with standard US electrical power: 110-240 VAC, 60 Hz.


• Include at least a 1-year warranty.


• Provide installation, initial system verification, and operator training on-site at the installed location.


• Include shipping, delivery, and insurance to the specified destination.


• Not include optional dedicated gas analysis modules or accessories; however, integrated standard features are acceptable.

Provide respond to Susan Ulma, susan.ulma@us.af.mil by 2 May 2025, 3:00 pm MST.