Notice of Intent to Sole Source for Hydrogen Chloride Detectors
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
Timeline
Qualification Details
Fit reasons
- NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
- Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
- Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
- Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps
Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.
Quick Summary
The Air Force Global Strike Command (AFGSC) has issued a Notice of Intent to Sole Source for the procurement of Hydrogen Chloride (HCl) Gas Detection Systems. The intent is to award a firm-fixed-price contract to RKI Instruments, Inc. for their Model GD-70D-HCL-15E. This action is justified under FAR 6.302-1, "Only one responsible source." This notice is not a request for competitive proposals.
Purpose & Scope
AFGSC requires approximately 86 RKI Instruments Model GD-70D-HCL-15E HCl Gas Detection Systems for Missile Alert Facilities (MAFs) at the 90th Missile Wing (F.E. Warren AFB, WY), 341st Missile Wing (Malmstrom AFB, MT), and 91st Missile Wing (Minot AFB, ND). These detectors are crucial for real-time monitoring to protect personnel and sensitive Nuclear Command, Control, and Communications (NC3) equipment from HCl gas exposure. The contractor will procure and deliver new, fully functional systems, along with all associated manuals, warranty documentation, calibration kits, and consumables. Government personnel will be responsible for installation.
Sole Source Justification
The sole-source acquisition is based on the unique requirements for the RKI Instruments GD-70D-HCL-15E system due to:
- Interoperability and Configuration Control: It is the only system fully compatible with existing facility infrastructure (annunciator panels, monitoring systems, wiring, power supply) in AFGSC missile wings, maintaining configuration control mandated by the Air Force Nuclear Surety Program.
- Nuclear Certification: The existing RKI detectors are part of a certified system baseline for nuclear environments. Introducing a different brand would necessitate costly and time-consuming recertification, posing unacceptable operational risks and delays.
- Standardization: Using the same brand ensures consistency in performance, calibration, and maintenance across all three wings, improving operational efficiency, reducing training burdens, and simplifying logistics.
Response Information & Timeline
This notice is not a request for competitive proposals. However, all responsible sources may submit a capability statement, proposal, or quotation for agency consideration. The Government retains sole discretion on whether to conduct a competitive procurement based on responses.
- Opportunity Type: Presolicitation (Notice of Intent to Sole Source)
- Published Date: May 28, 2026
- Response Due: June 4, 2026, 7:00 PM ET
- Primary Contact: Capt Zachary Grosshaeuser (zachary.grosshaeuser@us.af.mil)