Notice of Intent to Sole Source Gasmet

The Defense Health Agency Contracting Activity (DHACA) intends to award a Firm Fixed Price (FFP) sole source contract on behalf of the Defense Health Agency (DHA) Defense Centers for Public Health – Aberdeen (DCPH-A) to Gasmet for a Model GT5000 Terra Portable multi-gas analyzer, under the authority GSAR 538.7104-3(b)(1)(ii):  Only one source is capable of providing the products, services, or solution required at the level of quality required because the products, services or solutions are unique or highly specialized.

The Gasmet Model GT5000 Terra Portable multi-gas analyzer possesses patented and proprietary features that are functionally essential to the DHA and Department of War (DoW) industrial hygiene mission, and these features are exclusively available from Gasmet. The proposed contractor is uniquely qualified because they are the sole developer and Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) of the patented GICOR interferometer and non-hygroscopic optical systems used in this device. There are no authorized third-party manufacturers that can produce or modify competing equipment to replicate Gasmet’s specific zero-purge and active-movement capabilities.

Gasmet is the only reasonable source because the GT5000 Terra is the only commercially available, backpack-portable Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) analyzer that can be operated while actively moving without signal degradation or requiring logistical tail support. The lack of competition is supported by the following proprietary capability, patented vibration resistance and zero-purge logistics. The proprietary GICOR interferometer utilizes a highly symmetric mirror layout that eliminates interference from physical vibration. Competing FTIR systems require the operator to remain completely stationary to achieve accurate readings.

Market research indicates that while other companies manufacture portable FTIR analyzers, their products lack essential features such as portability and zero field-purging. Competing brands either weigh significantly more, reducing the time a responder can operate in heavy Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) or utilize standard interferometers that lose calibration when bumped or moved. Since Gasmet holds the patents on the specific hardware geometry and coatings that solve these operational problems, competing products cannot be physically modified to meet the agency's field operation needs.

The DoW/DHA currently utilizes Gasmet's proprietary Calcmet software ecosystem and its extensive library of chemical spectra. Procuring the Gasmet GT5000 Terra ensures 100% data interoperability with existing Gasmet systems, such as the legacy DX4040 or stationary units that are already fielded across the enterprise. Procuring a different brand would force the Government to forego its established baseline of spectral data, invest in entirely new software requiring approval, and spend critical financial resources retraining industrial hygienists and first responders on a non-standardized platform.

Failure to approve this sole source justification will result in a direct and severe degradation of the DHA’s emergency response and industrial hygiene field survey capabilities, potentially increasing health and safety risks to the warfighter. If forced to procure a competing system without Gasmet's proprietary technology, DoW personnel will face detrimental effects to include, delayed triage and response and logistical vulnerabilities.

This is a notice of intent to issue a contract on a sole source basis. This notice of intent is NOT a request for quotations (RFQ). Any other firms desiring consideration must fully identify their interest in and capability to provide these services to the individual listed below. A determination by the Government not to compete this proposed contract based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. Interested persons may identify their interest in writing, to the Government point of contact. Responses to this notice must be received no later than 3:00 PM Eastern Standard Time, 19 August 2026. The point of contact for this action is James Cheng, james.cheng1.civ@health.mil.