NASA/George C. Marshall Space Flight Center, Procurement Office, Marshall Space Flight Center, AL 35812

66 -- MICROFOCUS X-RAY SOURCE SOL 8-1-8-10-B9734 DUE 072498 POC Chrissa K. Hall, Contracting Officer, Phone (256) 544-5468, Fax (256) 544-9080, Email chrissa.hall@msfc.nasa.gov -- Valerie N. Holmes, Contracting Officer, Phone (256)544-0314, Fax (256)544-4400, Email valerie.holmes@msfc.nasa.gov WEB: Click here for the latest information about this notice, http://nais.nasa.gov/EPS/MSFC/date.html#8-1-8-10-B9734. E-MAIL: Chrissa K. Hall, chrissa.hall@msfc.nasa.gov. NASA/MSFC plans to issue a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for a microfocus x-ray source required to perform state of the art research and development in macromolecular crystallography. This microfocus source will be mated with the Space Sciences Laboratory's existing specialized capillary x-ray optics which have been developed over the last five years. The entire application requires a fully integrated electron-impact x-ray source which is fully compatible with existing lab equipment. Micro Focus Source contains the following specifications: [A.] Microfocus source shall include a fully integrated electron-impact x-ray tube, high voltage power supply, and controller, capable of providing variable electron accelerating voltage from 0-90 kv and variable electron beam current from 0-1 milliamperes, with full control of filament voltage and grid voltages. Voltage and current rating shall be subject to a maximum power dissipation rating of 50 watts. The electron-impact tube assembly shall be sealed, air cooled,and rated for continuous operation. [B.] X-ray microfocus spot size shall be continuously adjustable from 20 microns to 100 microns. Power derating is acceptable at low spot sizes but source power shall be greater than or equal to 20 watts for a 20 micron spot size. [C.] Distance from microfocus x-ray spot to outside of exit window shall be less than or equal to 2.0 mm. Shall have a beryllium x-ray exit window less than 0.020 inches thick. [D.] Target material shall be copper. Copper target shall be inclined at a takeoff angle of 22.5 degrees with respect to the elctron beam, and the exit window shall be aligned at an angle of 45 degrees with respect to the electron beam, so that a round microfocus x-ray spot is projected through the exit window. [E.] The stability of the microfocus x-ray spot shall be less than 5 microns RMS over a period of 8 hours, as verified by test. A warmup time of up to two hours is acceptable in order to meet the specified stability requirement. The estimated lead-time for deliveryis 14 weeks. This procurement is being conducted under the Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP). NASA/MSFC intends to purchase the items from Oxford Instruments, Inc. on a sole source basis under the statutory authority of 10 U.S.C. 2304(c)(1) -- Only one responsible source. Oxford Instruments, Inc. is the only source that can satisfy the requirements. By market survey, it has been determined that they are the only known manufacturer of microfocus hard x-ray sources that can meet the Center unique requirements. The Government intends to acquire a commercial item using FAR Part 12. Interested firms have 15 days from the publication of this synopsis to submit in writing to the identified point of contact, their qualifications/capabilities. Such qualifications/capabilities will be used solely for the purpose of determining whether or not to conduct this procurement on a competitive basis. Responses received after the 15 days or without the required information will be considered nonresponsive to the synopsis and will not be considered. A determination by the Government to not compete this proposed effort on a full and open competitive basis, based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. Oral communications are not acceptable in response to this notice. An Ombudsman has been appointed. See Internet Note "B". Posted 07/09/98. (0190)

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