SciAps Soil Analyzers

Please see attached justification for additional information.

Description of Product: One (1) each Portable X-Ray Fluorescence (pXRF) analyzer and one (1) Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) analyzer directly from the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM), SciAps, Inc., of Woburn, MA. These items, when sold, together form the contractor’s “One Box” assembly. The pXRF is a small, lightweight handheld X-Ray analyzer capable of elemental analysis of soils, particularly in the identification of pollutant metals.

The LIBS analyzer is also a handheld device which operates using a pulsed, focused laser, capable of analyzing any element. The rational or circumstances for limiting competition: The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) Michigan State Office Soil Specialists are tasked with analysis and maintenance of soil health throughout the state.

Because soil health cannot be accurately measured by only crop yield, water quality, or any other single outcome, specialists must evaluate other indicators. Indicators are measurable properties of soil or plants that provide clues about how well the soil can function. Measurable indicators such as physical, chemical, and biological properties require the use of highly technical analysis equipment.

The pXRF and LIBs provide rapid, non-invasive soil analysis for numerous elements, including heavy metals and total carbon. These devices provide on-the-spot analysis of the presence of metal pollutants which is critical to the specialists’ capabilities to assist landowners in planning and land management. The ability to rapidly identify heavy metals and carbon concentrations affords specialists and landowners the ability to increase carbon sequestration and implement conservation practices.

Similar devices do exist; however, only the pXRF and LIBS manufactured by SciAps, Inc., offers soil analysis to the extent required by NRCS Michigan.

The LIBs device includes measurements for Lithium (LI), Berylium (Be), Boron (B), Carbon (C), Flourine (F), Sodium (Na); and pXRF must include at least Magnesium (Mg), Aluminum (Al), Silicon (Si), Phosphorus (P), Sulfur (S), Potassium (K), Calcium (C), Titanium (Ti), Chromium (Cr), Manganese (Mn), Iron (Fe), Cobalt (Co), Nickel (Ni), Copper (Cu), Zinc (Zn), Arsenic (As), Selenium (Se), Strontium (Sr), Rubidium (Rb), Zirconium (Zr), Niobium (Nb), Molybdenum (Mo), Silver (Ag), Cadmium (Cd), Tin (Sn), Antimony (Sb), Barium (Ba), Tantalum (Ta), Thallium (Tl), Lead (Pb), and Bismuth (Bi).