Sources Sought for One (1) Helium Leak Checker and Associated Parts.
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 Department of the Army, specifically ACC-APG ADELPHI, is conducting a Sources Sought to identify potential sources for one (1) Helium Leak Checker and associated parts. This market research aims to procure a unit capable of both vacuum and sniffing leak detection for the Army Research Lab (ARL) in Adelphi, MD. Responses are due by May 6, 2026.
Scope of Work
The required Helium leak checker must meet specific technical and performance characteristics:
- Capabilities: Must perform both vacuum leak detection and sniffing leak detection.
- Performance: Minimum backing pump capacity of 15 m³/hr, helium pumping speed of 2.5 l/s, minimum detectable leak rates of 1e-13 Pam³/s (leak test mode) and 1e-8 Pam³/s (sniffing), response time under 1 second, and detect 4He, 3He, and H2. Start-up time must not exceed 5 minutes.
- Physical Characteristics: Weight not exceeding 56 kg, dimensions not exceeding 547 x 375 x 389 mm, and sound pressure not exceeding 54 dB.
- Operational Requirements: Operable between 10°C and 40°C, storage/transport between 0° and 45°C, and input voltage of 100 – 110 VAC, 50/60 Hz. Must be designed for systems using an oil-based roughing pump.
- Features: Programmable/configurable user interface, on-system data storage, equipped with a sniffer probe, and includes a connection kit (ISO-KF hose, clamping/centering rings, minimum 1 meter length).
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Sources Sought (Market Research)
- Product Service Code: 6640 (Laboratory Equipment And Supplies)
- Set-Aside: None specified.
- Response Due: May 6, 2026, 3:59 PM EDT
- Published: April 29, 2026
- Delivery: One (1) Helium leak checker, Free on Board (FOB) Destination, to US ARMY RESEARCH LABORATORY, SHIPPING & RECEIVING, 2800 POWDER MILL RD, ADELPHI MD 20783-1138. Delivery is required no later than June 30, 2026.
Evaluation
This is a Sources Sought notice for market research purposes. Responses will be used to determine the availability of commercial products meeting the specified salient characteristics and to inform future acquisition strategies. No specific evaluation criteria for award are provided at this stage.
Additional Notes
This notice is for planning purposes only and does not constitute a solicitation or a guarantee of future contract award. Interested parties should review the attached 'Sources Sought' and 'Salient Characteristics' documents for full details. Primary contact is Douglas Dennard at douglas.c.dennard.civ@army.mil or 520-672-9560.