one (1) Helium leak checker and associated parts

The Army Research Lab (ARL) requires one Helium leak checker with specific minimum characteristics for its High Frequency Electronics and Materials branch. The required device must be capable of both vacuum and sniffing leak detection, with a backing pump capacity of at least 15 m3/hr and a helium pumping speed of at least 2.5 l/s. It must have a minimum detectable leak rate of 1e-13 Pa * m3/s for leak test mode and 1e-8 Pa * m3/s for sniffing, with a response time under one second. The leak checker needs to detect 4He, 3He, and H2 gases, have a start-up time under five minutes, and not exceed 56 kg in weight or 547 x 375 x 389 mm in dimensions. Other requirements include a programmable user interface, data storage, a sniffer probe, operation between 10°C and 40°C, sound pressure not exceeding 54 dB, and operation at 100-110 VAC, 50/60 Hz. It must be designed for use with an oil-based roughing pump and include a connection kit with ISO-KF hose, clamping, and centering rings, at least 1 meter long. Delivery is required FOB Destination to the US Army Research Laboratory in Adelphi, MD, by June 30, 2026. This request is certified for commercial availability by Elias Garratt and signed by Contracting Officer Willie Nuamah.

This government solicitation, W911QX26QA070, is a Request for Quote (RFQ) for a Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) to provide one (1) Helium Leak Checker and associated parts. The solicitation, issued by W911QX ACC-APG Adelphi, specifies a North American Industry Classification Standard (NAICS) code of 334516. Key dates include an issue date of June 2, 2026, and an offer due date of June 5, 2026. Delivery is required by August 31, 2026, to W262 CCDC ARL in Adelphi, MD. The contractor is responsible for transportation costs. The document outlines various FAR and DFARS clauses incorporated by reference and full text, covering aspects such as unique item identification and valuation, electronic payment instructions via Wide Area WorkFlow (WAWF), and prohibitions on certain telecommunications equipment or services. The contractor is required to complete specific blocks on the form and adhere to detailed marking and reporting requirements for delivered items.

The memorandum outlines the determination to use the Lowest Priced Technically Acceptable (LPTA) source selection criteria for solicitation W911QX-26-Q-A070, which requires one Helium leak checker for the Army Research Directorate. In accordance with DFARS and FAR regulations, the LPTA process will be used because minimum requirements are clearly defined, there is minimal value in exceeding these requirements, and technical proposals require minimal subjective judgment. Additionally, it is determined that reviewing all technical proposals would not provide significant value or innovation. The evaluation criteria prioritize the lowest evaluated price among offers meeting or exceeding acceptable technical and past performance standards. Technical acceptability will be based on vendor-furnished descriptive materials demonstrating compliance with performance characteristics and specifications. Past performance will be rated as acceptable/unacceptable, with only "Acceptable" offerors eligible for award. Price will be evaluated based on the proposed total price, including options.

This government file outlines instructions and information for a Firm Fixed Price (FFP) contract, primarily focusing on administrative, logistical, and contractual requirements. Key points include contact information for ACC-APG and the Contracting Officer, with the Technical Point of Contact (TPOC) to be determined at the time of award. Government inspection and acceptance will occur at Aberdeen Proving Ground (APG), which also has specific receiving room requirements for truck shipments. The document details tax exemption information for the Army Research Laboratory and emphasizes that proposals must include any exceptions in a cover letter and offer full quantities. It also addresses the employment of foreign nationals, requiring proof of eligibility with proposals, and sets payment terms at a minimum of net 30 days. Furthermore, the file incorporates by reference several FAR and DFARS clauses, notably 252.211-7003, which details item unique identification and valuation procedures for delivered items, and 252.232-7006, outlining Wide Area WorkFlow (WAWF) payment instructions for electronic invoicing and reporting.

The Army Research Lab (ARL) requires one Helium leak checker with specific minimum characteristics for its High Frequency Electronics and Materials branch. The required device must be capable of both vacuum and sniffing leak detection, with a backing pump capacity of at least 15 m3/hr, a helium pumping speed of 2.5 l/s, and minimum detectable leak rates of 1e-13 Pa * m3/s (leak test) and 1e-8 Pa * m3/s (sniffing). It needs to detect 4He, 3He, and H2 gases, have a response time under one second, and start up within five minutes. The leak checker must be programmable, store data, include a sniffer probe, and operate within a temperature range of 10°C to 40°C, with a sound pressure not exceeding 54 dB. Its dimensions must not exceed 547 x 375 x 389 mm and weigh no more than 56 kg. It must be compatible with oil-based roughing pumps, operate at 100–110 Volts AC, 50/60 Hz, and include an ISO-KF connection kit at least 1 meter long. Delivery is required Free on Board (FOB) Destination to the US Army Research Laboratory by June 30, 2026.

This is a Sources Sought Notice for a helium leak checker and associated parts, issued by the Army Research Laboratory. It is for market research to identify qualified sources, including small businesses (8(a), HUBZone, SDVOSB, WOSB, EDWOSB). The NAICS code is 334516 with a 1,000-employee size standard. Interested parties should respond within five business days of posting, detailing their ability to meet specifications, business type (large or small, including disadvantaged statuses), and past project experience. Responses are due by 11:59 AM EST to Douglas Dennard via email. The estimated delivery timeframe is two months after contract award. This notice is not a request for proposal and does not guarantee a future solicitation.