one (1) Helium leak checker and associated parts

The Department of Defense, specifically the Army Research Laboratory (ARL) under the Advanced Photonics, Electronics, and Quantum Sciences (APEQS) division, is conducting market research through a Sources Sought notice (Solicitation Number W911QX-26-Q-A070) for the procurement of one Helium leak checker and associated parts. This equipment is intended to meet a detailed set of technical requirements outlined in a referenced Salient Characteristics document, which includes capabilities such as helium leak detection sensitivity to at least 1×10⁻⁹ atm·cc/sec, helium pumping speed of 2.5 L/s or greater, operability within a 10–40°C temperature range, and size and weight limitations to ensure portability and usability. The unit must include features like a programmable interface, data storage, sniffer probe, and an ISO-KF connection kit, with delivery to the ARL facility in Adelphi, Maryland, under FOB destination terms by June 30, 2026, and installation or acceptance occurring at that site. The solicitation is a pre-acquisition market research effort aimed primarily at assessing vendor capabilities and encouraging participation from small business categories such as 8(a), HUBZone, Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned, and Women-Owned Small Businesses. It does not yet include detailed contract clauses, pricing information, evaluation factors, or formal administrative and financial data typically found in a full procurement package. No contract type or value estimates are provided, and the document lacks specific packaging, invoicing, or payment instructions. The government will conduct inspection and acceptance at the delivery location, ensuring compliance with the technical standards outlined. Responses to the notice are due within one week of posting, must be submitted electronically to the designated contact, and must include evidence of the offeror’s business classification, technical capability, and ability to meet the requirements stated. This solicitation reflects an early acquisition phase without binding commitments, aiming to identify qualified sources capable of supplying advanced helium leak detection technology for government research purposes.