Powder X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) System

The U.S. Air Force Academy is seeking market information for a commercial-off-the-shelf Powder X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) System to be used as a shared analytical platform for multidisciplinary research across materials science, chemistry, physics, environmental science, and engineering. This request is issued as a Sources Sought Notice under solicitation number FA700026Q0068 and is not a formal solicitation, request for proposal, or invitation for bid. The system must be fully functional, plug-and-play, and include a Cu anode X-ray source with a 2.2 kW medium frequency generator, a vertical Theta/Theta goniometer with 0.0001-degree angular resolution, a 2D detector with pixel size no larger than 75 μm, motorized sample stages, a low-temperature chamber operating between -180°C and +450°C under vacuum, SAXS capability with an evacuated flight tube, and software supporting automated workflows, phase identification, structural analysis, PDF determination, and AI-enhanced data processing. Radiation safety must comply with a maximum emission rate of less than 1 μSv/h. The acquisition is governed by FAR Part 12 as a commercial item purchase under a Total Small Business Set-Aside, with a NAICS code of 334516, and preference is given to small businesses including 8(a), SDVOSB, WOSB, and HUBZone participants. Responses must be submitted via email to Ronald Wilson and Mikayla Brandt by 10:00 AM MDT on July 14, 2026, and include company name, address, CAGE code, SAM Unique Entity ID, socioeconomic status, manufacturer status, commercial availability, estimated lead time after receipt of order, and a capability statement not exceeding five pages accompanied by product literature, specification sheets, or catalogs. The system is to be delivered and installed at the USAF Academy in Colorado, with acceptance conducted by the government based on full compliance with the technical requirements outlined. No contract value, pricing, delivery terms, packaging specifications, payment instructions, or contracting officer details are included, as this notice is solely for market research purposes to gauge industry capabilities and determine future solicitation strategy. The government will not compensate respondents and is under no obligation to award a contract based on submissions received.