Sole Source 2703 Teledyne Instruments

SOLE SOURCE CERTIFICATE AND POSTING NOTICE
(Greater than $150,000)
A sole source procurement is when you make a request to purchase product(s) and/or service(s)
without competition when competition is otherwise required. This means that product/service is
unique and that the supplier is the only supplier that can provide the product or service. In
accordance with the authority granted under applicable Florida law and UCF Regulation 7.130, the
following documentation is submitted in support of this request.
This form and related documentation shall be submitted through Workday Help using case type Waivers and
Sole Source. Please do not attach to a requisition or send via email for review and approval.
WD case subject title should have common structure for easy tracking, to include:
Exemption type (Sole Source)
Supplier name
Purchase amount
The completed sole source must be approved in the following order. Please be sure to obtain
all required signatures before submitting the form to Procurement Services.
* PI/Researcher/Director/Chair
* President/Vice President/Dean
* Procurement Specialist
* Procurement Services Manager or Associate Director
* Assistant Vice President for Tax, Payables & Procurement, who will review and
provide a recommendation to approve or disapprove the sole source to:
* Chief Financial Officer, who will either directly approve or disapprove the sole source, or
forward it to the Provost and Executive Vice President for goods/services related to
academia for input prior to making the final decision.
Once the completed sole source is received, Procurement Services in collaboration with kNEXT
reviews the documentation provided and determines whether the sole source is valid or if there are
additional suppliers that may be able to provide the requested product or service. The sole source
review and approval process varies based on the nature of the product/service being requested and
the information provided in the requestor's justification, among other factors, so please keep this in
mind when submitting the form.
Contingent upon the approval of all the officers/individuals listed, the sole source shall be
posted on the UCF Procurement Services website for seventy-two (72) hours. Upon expiration of
said posting period, Procurement Services will process a purchase order upon receipt of the
requisition.
The usual bidding process shall be conducted if sole source approval is not granted.
Revised 12/7/23

PARTI: DEPARTMENT AND SUPPLIER INFORMATION
Department Name: Contact & Phone:
Product/Service Cost:
__ One Time Purchase __Term Contract: __________
__ Multiple Purchases __ Duration: ______________
Company Name: Email:
Contact Person: Title:
Product and/or Service:
PARTII: SOLE SOURCE JUSTIFICATION (see pages 4-5)
Only justifications submitted on this form and in the below format will be reviewed for approval.
All the listed points MUST be fully answered on the following pages and any additional attached
pages as needed. Failure to submit justification as outlined in the format below will result in the
form being returned without review.
PARTIII:SOLESOURCE CERTIFICATIONS
A. In my professional opinion, this is the only product or service that can reasonably meet my
requirement(s)/specification(s), and this is the only supplier who can provide the product or
service. I further certify that the information contained herein is true and correct to the best of
my knowledge and belief and would withstand any audit or supplier protest.
B. I, the undersigned, certify that I and/or the user do not have a financial interest in the above
named supplier or contractor, and that I am unaware of any conflict of interest related to this
purchase.
Signature PrintedNameand Title (PI/Researcher/Director/Chair) Date
Signature PrintedNameand Title (President/Vice President/Dean) Date
(Delegationsnotallowed;emailsfromabsentapproversareacceptable)
I, the undersigned, hereby concur with the above justification andsupport a sole source approval for
the above product(s) and/or service(s). Approvals may be documented and supported via email.
Stefanie Jollie DelGiudice, Procurement and Contracts Specialist 10/13/2026
Signature PrintedNameandTitle(Procurement Specialist) Date
via e-mail Brian Sargent, Manager of Procurement 10/14/2026 4:14 PM
Signature Printed Name and Title Date
(Procurement Services Manager or Associate Director)
via e-mail Joel Levenson, Assistant Vice President, Tax Payables and Procurement 10/15/2026 9:36 AM
Signature PrintedNameand Title Date
(Asst. Vice President for Tax, Payables & Procurement)
Revised12/7/23

via e-mail Bert Francis, Interim Vice President and Chief Financial Officer 10/15/2026 10:57 AM
Signature PrintedName and Title (Chief Financial Officer) Date
POSTING NOTICE
10/15/2026 4:00 PM 10/19/2026 4:01 PM 2703 Stefanie DelGiudice
Date/TimePosted PostingEndDate UCF Control No. ProcurementSpecialist
Revised 12/7/23

Stefanie DelGiudice
From: Albert Francis
Sent: Thursday, October 15, 2026 10:57 AM
To: Joel Levenson
Cc: Brian Sargent; Stefanie DelGiudice; Nellie Nido
Subject: Re: C0187611_Sole Source_Teledyne
I agree as well, thanks Joel!
Bert
Bert Francis, CPA
Interim Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
Division of Finance
University of Central Florida
4635 Andromeda Loop N
MH384
Orlando, FL 32816
Tel: (407) 882-1075
Email: Albert.Francis@UCF.Edu
From: Joel Levenson <Joel.Levenson@ucf.edu>
Sent: Thursday, October 15, 2026 9:36 AM
To: Albert Francis <Bert.Francis.III@ucf.edu>
Cc: Brian Sargent <Brian.Sargent@ucf.edu>; Stefanie DelGiudice <Stefanie.DelGiudice@ucf.edu>; Nellie Nido
<nellie.nido@ucf.edu>
Subject: FW: C0187611_Sole Source_Teledyne
Good morning Bert,
I also support this sole source. After researching the specification requirements the requested equipment is the
only one we've been able to find that will satisfy those. Pricing is reasonable, based on comparisons to other
laser systems.
If you agree, reply all and indicate as such. If you have additional questions, let me know.
Thank you,
From: Brian Sargent <Brian.Sargent@ucf.edu>
Sent: Wednesday, October 14, 2026 4:14 PM
To: Joel Levenson <Joel.Levenson@ucf.edu>
Cc: Stefanie DelGiudice <Stefanie.DelGiudice@ucf.edu>; Nellie Nido <nellie.nido@ucf.edu>
Subject: FW: C0187611_Sole Source_Teledyne
Hi Joel,
1

I also support this sole source to Teledyne for a femtosecond laser. Research conducted includes interviews
with colleagues at other institutions.
There are only two lasers that integrate with the Nu Sapphire and Vitesse instruments, which UCF already owns
or has purchased. Teledyne and ESL. But as reported in the SS, ESL's integration is limited, and also does not
meet the following mandatory requirements:
2 m spot size without rastering,
operation above 1 kHz at full power,
full integration of the Pharos PH2 light-engine firmware and customizable spot-size adjustment.
We asked him to research other known laser suppliers (known to UCF from previous purchases), and none can
integrate with the Nu systems (which is mandatory), and also fall short of other requirements,
Please approved/disapprove and let me know if you have any questions.
Regards,
Brian
From: Stefanie DelGiudice <Stefanie.DelGiudice@ucf.edu>
Sent: Tuesday, October 13, 2026 2:13 PM
To: Brian Sargent <Brian.Sargent@ucf.edu>
Cc: Nellie Nido <nellie.nido@ucf.edu>
Subject: C0187611_Sole Source_Teledyne
Recommendation for Approval
I recommend approval of this sole source request based on the department's responses and supporting
documentation.
Questions 1-3: Product Description, Market Research, and Sole Source Justification
The department clearly identified the need for a femtosecond laser ablation system to support research using
the Nu Sapphire XD and Nu Vitesse mass spectrometers. Market research included evaluation of the Teledyne
Iridia, ESL Femto, and Applied Spectra J200 systems, as well as discussions with current users at peer
institutions. The analysis demonstrated that both ESL and Applied Spectra failed to meet multiple mandatory
requirements, including critical performance and integration capabilities. Based on the documented technical
requirements and compatibility needs, Teledyne Iridia was determined to be the only evaluated solution that
satisfies all required specifications.
Question 4: Resellers/Distributors
The department confirmed that no resellers or distributors are available for this purchase, and Procurement's
review identified no information to contradict that representation.
Question 5: Future Obligations
The department confirmed that the purchase does not create any future licensing, maintenance, or ongoing
purchasing obligations that would impact the sole source determination.
Question 6: Price Reasonableness
Price reasonableness was established through a competitive comparison with ESL. The Teledyne proposal is
approximately $5,694 higher than the ESL quote while providing additional accessories and a two-year warranty
compared to ESL's one-year warranty. Given the minimal price difference and enhanced value offered, the
proposed pricing is considered fair and reasonable.
Procurement Recommendation
2

The department has adequately demonstrated that the Teledyne Iridia system is the only identified solution that
meets all mandatory technical, operational, and compatibility requirements. Market research was conducted,
alternative products were evaluated, and pricing was determined to be fair and reasonable. Therefore, I
recommend approval of the sole source request.
Best Regards,
Stefanie
Stefanie Jollie DelGiudice
Legal Studies, BA - 2000
Procurement and Contract Specialist
kNEXT Procurement Team
Knights Experience Team (kNEXT)
University of Central Florida
Division of Administration and Finance
3544 Perseus Loop #160975
Building 16F
Orlando, FL 32816-0975
407-882-2104
Stefanie.DelGiudice@ucf.edu
ucf.edu l kNEXT.ucf.edu l Workday Help
Please note: Florida has a very broad open records law (F.S. 119). Emails may be subject to public disclosure.
Procurement Assignments:
Advertising, Broadcasting, Promotional Items, Printing, Mail/Mail Services, Books, Educational Supplies,
Musical Instruments, Office Supplies/Services, Recreation Equipment, Perquisites/Uniforms, Memberships,
Food and Beverage Supplies/Services, Facilities Materials/Supplies, Travel
3

SOLE SOURCE JUSTIFICATION
Please answer the questions below and attach additional documentation if needed.
1. Describe the product(s) and/or service(s) and anticipated use thereof in layman's language.
This femtosecond laser system will be used to ablate material and deliver it to the Nu
Sapphire XD and Nu Vitesse mass spectrometers. The femtosecond laser pulse delivers
energy to the sample so fast that material is ablated without heating, yielding excellent
results in the measurements with the mass spectrometer.
2. Describe the required specifications or requirements and why are they essential to the
accomplishment of your work.
I require the femtosecond laser "cold ablation" to get the best data (highest fidelity
compared to what is in the sample). I require a laser spot size down to 2 micrometers for
my work on small extraterrestrial materials (comet dust and presolar grains). I require a
system to work both at high speed (mapping on the Vitesse) and low speed and high
precision (spot measurements on the Sapphire XD). I require precise mapping abilities
with very precise stage movement. The laser must maintain power at high repetition rates
(>1 kHz) for depth profiling and high-speed mapping.
Provide the names of other suppliers, products and/or services that you have
investigated and explain why they do not meet the required specifications or
requirements. It may be helpful to present your information in a table like the one below.
Teledyne
Required Specifications ES L
Iridia
2 m spot size without rastering Yes No
>1 kHz at full power Yes No
High-speed mapping Yes Limited
Precision spot analysis Yes Limited
Integration with Nu Vitesse Yes Yes
Integration with Nu Sapphire XD Yes Yes
Full integration of Pharos PH2 light engine
Yes No
firmware
High sensitivity ablation chamber for high-speed
Yes No
and low-speed analyses
Customizable laser spot size adjustment for small-
Yes No
spot or large-spot analyses
Ability to change laser repetition rate during
Yes No
analytical session
The other competitive laser system is from ESL I looked at that system and talked to my
colleagues that have one. This system is not able to produce a small spot size without
rastering or scanning, and cannot run at high repetition rate (> 300 Hz) at full power.
Revised 12/7/23

3. State in detail why only this and no other product(s)/service(s) will satisfy the
department's requirements. Description may include unique features, compatibility,
specifications, availability, delivery time frame etc. (For example, please list the features
or special conditions that are unique and only available from one supplier. Note: Price
is not a valid reason.)
The ESL and Teledyne systems are the only femtosecond laser system that are well
integrated with the mass spectrometers I am also purchasing. The two systems that I am
purchasing are the Nu Vitesse and Nu Sapphire XD. Applied Spectra also makes a
femtosecond system, and it appears to be a good system, but these were the only two
laser systems that Nu told me (when I visited the factory) had the best integration.
As described above, the ESL system cannot run at full power at high repetition rate,
meaning it does not perform well for high-speed mapping or high-speed depth profiling. It
can achieve a small spot size but only during a raster, which means I cannot analyze the
small samples, which is a cornerstone of my work (and the main point of laser-ablation
work).
4. Are there resellers or distributors? If yes, please list names and contact information.
No.
5. Will this purchase obligate UCF to this vendor for future purchases such as
maintenance, licensing, or c_o_n_t inuing__ n_e ed?
No.
If yes, please provide details regarding future obligations and/or needs to include
number of years and total spending amount of obligations:
N/A
6. What efforts have been made to obtain the best pricing available? Please provide an
explanation to support the belief that the price is fair and reasonable.
Initially, the Teledyne system was significantly more expensive than the ESL system.
However, Teledyne agreed to match ESL's pricing and also included an additional year
of warranty coverage.
The attached ESL quote totals $420,150. The current Iridia quote is $425,844; however,
it includes several additional accessories. As a result, I consider the pricing between the
two systems to be effectively equivalent and not a meaningful differentiator. Prior to
Teledyne's price adjustment, the ESL system was approximately $45,000 less
expensive, which prompted me to request that Teledyne match the ESL pricing.
With respect to warranty coverage, the Teledyne system includes a two-year warranty,
while the ESL system includes a one-year warranty.
Revised 12/7/23

Question: The justification (#3)- ESL and Teledyne were compared based on the
requirements, ESL doesn't meet the need. These two products were recommended by
the manufacturer of the Nu systems, but was any research done in addition to the
supplier recommendation?
Answer: Yes, I talked to my colleagues that own both systems. For ESL that was
University of Chicago and Caltech. For Teledyne, that was Naval Research Laboratory
and Washington University in St. Louis. They all confirmed for me the limitations of the
ESL systems that would be bad for my applications: the inability to do single-spot
analyses and the fall-o(cid:431) in power at high laser repetition rates
Question: Is the Nu Sapphire and Vitesse products owned UCF equipment? Or a
planned purchase for a later date?
Answer: The Vitesse is purchased and will be delivered this week. I hope to purchase
the Sapphire XD this week. These two items were approved for purchase under Sole
Source Certification 2701 on 07/08/2026.
Question: Please research other laser suppliers we've used - Amplitude, Thorlabs,
Spectra Physics, TOPTICA, etc. - in addition to the two suppliers recommended by Nu.
Are you able to research these suppliers?
Answer: I can do this but only those two lasers (Elemental and Teledyne) are
integrated with the mass spectrometers. Femtosecond lasers are available from
other suppliers, such as Amplitude, Thorlabs, Spectra Physics, TOPTICA.
However, these systems do not have tight software and hardware
integration with our two mass spectrometers from Nu (Vitesse and Sapphire
XD). Without the software integration, we would not be able to precisely time the
laser ablation event with the analysis, and the resulting precision would be
unacceptable. With hardware, we require two important components separate
from the laser: 1) A precision, encoded stage that has sub-micrometer
reproducibility to allow for precise laser-ablation mapping, and 2) Ablation cells that
transport the analyte to the mass spectrometer. These are specially designed to
maximize the useful yield of the measurement.

Question: Add applied Spectra to the chart in Question 2 and state Y/N whether they
meet our required specifications.
Answer: For adding the Applied Spectra J200 femtosecond system to the comparison
chart:
2 m spot size without rastering No
>1 kHz at full power No
High-speed mapping Limited
Precision spot analysis Yes
Integration with Nu Vitesse Limited
Integration with Nu Sapphire XD Limited
Full integration of Pharos PH2 light engine No
firmware
High sensitivity ablation chamber for high-speed Limited
and low-speed analyses
Customizable laser spot size adjustment for small- No
spot or large-spot analyses
Ability to change laser repetition rate during Limited
analytical session