Spectro Scientific - LaserNet 200

The U.S. Army Aberdeen Test Center requires the purchase of the LaserNet 200 series system direct imaging particle analyzer with a sensitive magnetometer that generates particle counts, images and ferrous concentration in ppm. The Army Oil Analysis Program (AOAP) laboratories use the LaserNet 200 series that are exclusively manufactured by Spectro Scientific in accordance with the International Standard for testing and calibration laboratories (ISO) 17025 accreditation. The projected award is September 2025.

The LaserNet 200 system generates both particle counts, images and ferrous concentration in ppm. Oil and fluid samples are passed through a flow cell, illuminated by a laser, and a dedicated video camera counts and classifies the particles from the image data. This technique provides the user with a reliable and accurate particle counter that can tolerate a wide range of dirty and clean samples, with varying viscosities. The LaserNet 200 was selected after examination of other commercial-of-the-shelf (COTS) systems that did not meet all performance specifications ATC requires. A significant challenge in particle counter selections limited the number of instruments equipped to handle viscous and contaminated oil samples . Furthermore many of the other potentials do not meet the requirements for Army Oil Analysis Program (AOAP) and International Standard for testing and calibration laboratories (ISO) 17025 accreditation.

The LaserNet 200 system meets all relevant regulatory requirements and possesses the necessary certifications, ensuring compliance with industry standards and facilitating seamless integration into existing research and testing protocols.

A Sole Source Letter was provided by the OEM to the Contracting Office. As a result of these findings, there is no reasonable expectation of obtaining offers from two or more small or large business concerns that are competitive in terms of market prices, quality, and delivery to perform this requirement.

The existing LaserNet systems used at ATC are from the same developer, additional benefits such as personnel training and ancillary item compatibility were also considered. ATC will continue its efforts to research systems that are available in the future as data requirements evolve.