Sources Sought for One (1) Helium Leak Checker and Associated Parts.   2

Background
The Army Research Laboratory (ARL) is part of the Advanced Photonics, Electronics, and Quantum Sciences (APEQS) division. The laboratory requires a Helium leak checker to support its operations in high frequency electronics and materials. The goal of this contract is to procure a device that meets specific technical requirements for leak detection in various applications.

Work Details
The contract involves the delivery of one (1) Helium leak checker with the following minimum characteristics:
- Capable of both vacuum leak detection and sniffing leak detection.
- Backing pump capacity: minimum 15 cubic meters per hour (m3/hr).
- Helium pumping speed: minimum 2.5 liters per second (l/s).
- Minimum detectable leak rate: 1e-13 Pascals * cubic meters per second (Pa * m3/s).
- Minimum detectable leak rate for sniffing: 1e-8 Pa * m3/s.
- Test inlet pressure in leak test mode: 15 hectopascal (hPa).
- Response time: less than one (1) second.
- Detection capability for gases: 4He, 3He, and H2.
- Start-up time: must not exceed five (5) minutes with or without calibration.
- Weight: must not exceed 56 kilograms (kg).
- Dimensions: must not exceed 547 x 375 x 389 millimeters (mm).
- User interface: programmable and configurable.
- Data storage capability within the system.
- Equipped with a sniffer probe.
- Operational temperature range: between 10 degrees Celsius (°C) and 40°C.
- Sound pressure level: must not exceed 54 decibels (dB).
- Operating temperature range: between zero (0)° and 45°C.
- Input voltage requirements: 100 – 110 Volts alternating current, 50/60 Hertz (Hz).
- Designed to work with an oil-based roughing pump.
- Includes a connection kit for connecting to the system to be leak tested, containing ISO-KF hose, clamping and centering rings, minimum of 1 meter in length.

Period of Performance
The contractor shall deliver the Helium leak checker no later than June 30, 2026.

Place of Performance
US Army Research Laboratory, Shipping & Receiving, 2800 Powder Mill Rd, Adelphi MD 20783-1138.

Incumbent Analysis (see Incumbents section for more detail)
The opportunity appears to have a confirmed incumbent based on prior award W911QX25PA001, awarded to Agilent Technologies for $20,657 (09/02/25–10/19/25). That prior effort involved delivery of one (1) helium leak detector (PN G8610B), which aligns closely with the current requirement for a helium leak checker with associated parts and capabilities such as vacuum and sniffing leak detection. The requested device type and core function appear to be a continuation of the same class of helium leak detection equipment.