The United States Air Force, ASC/Operational Contracting Division, Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio is seeking potential sources that are capable of providing an Omicron HIS 13 VUV-Photon Source to be used for analyzing materials for study as to their suitability for use as neutron detectors. ASC/PKOA is conducting market research for a possible Sole Source to the Manufacturer based on the need to assemble a system at AFIT exactly equivalent to two similar systems that will all be used to collect similar data from identically prepared samples to be combined and compared for a unique study. Firms responding should specify that their product meets the specifications provided below and provide detailed product information to show clear technical compliance. Additionally, sales history including recent commercial companies sold to should be included to determine commerciality.

Specific requirements include:
• Photon flux > 10 16 photons/s • sr
• Small beam divergence (< ± 1°)
• Excellent HeΙΙ/HeΙ ratio
• Piezo ignition for easy operation
• Viewport for discharge control
• Low maintenance & safe operation

All interested firms shall submit a response demonstrating their capabilities to produce the requested equipment to the Primary Point of Contact listed below. As stipulated in FAR 15.201, responses to this notice are not considered offers and cannot be accepted by the Government to form a binding contract. No solicitation exists; therefore, do not request a copy of the solicitation. The decision to solicit for a contract shall be solely within the Government's discretion.
Firms responding should indicate whether they are, or are not, a small business, a socially and economically disadvantaged business, or a woman owned business. The general definition of a small business is one that is independently owned and operated, is not dominant in the field of operation in which it is proposing on Air Force contracts and with its affiliates; and the number of employees does not exceed 500. NAICS Code to be used for this acquisition is 334516. The Government reserves the right to consider a small business set-aside based upon responses hereto for any subsequent acquisition. Respondents are further requested to indicate their status as a Foreign-owned/Foreign-controlled firm and any contemplated use of foreign national employees on this effort.

Any information submitted by respondents to this sources sought synopsis is voluntary. This sources sought notice is not to be construed as a commitment by the Government, nor will the Government reimburse any costs associated with the submission of information in response to this notice. Respondents will not individually be notified of the results of any government assessments. The Government's evaluation of the capability statements received will factor into whether any forthcoming solicitation will be conducted as a full and open competition or as a set-aside for small businesses, or any particular small business designation (e.g. SDVOSB, HUBZone, 8(a), SDB, WOSB, VOSB, etc.).

Capabilities package: All interested firms shall submit a capabilities package that explicitly demonstrates company capabilities-indicating examples of commercial sales-and product specifications related to this effort. Responses may be submitted electronically to the following e-mail address: [email protected] in a Microsoft word compatible format to be received no later than 4:00 PM Eastern Standard Time, 9 Dec 2011. Direct all questions concerning this acquisition to TSgt Michael Allen at [email protected]