Establish a two year BPA for prototype Geiger-Mueller (GM) tubes

Amendment / Modification

This amendment (0001) to Solicitation N0016726Q10670001 modifies the original solicitation by:

• Extending the response due date from April 14, 2026, to April 20, 2026.

• Incorporating Questions and Answers (Q&A) related to the solicitation.

• The response due date has been changed.

• A new section for Questions and Answers has been added/modified.

• The deadline for submitting proposals or offers has been extended to April 20, 2026.

• The incorporated Q&A may affect how bidders prepare their proposals, particularly regarding the acceptability of alternative tube sensitivities and confirmation of physical parameters.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document outlines minimum specifications for prototype Geiger-Mueller (GM) tubes. The Naval Surface Warfare Center Carderock Division (NSWCCD) Radiation Detection Technology Branch (RDTB) is seeking these tubes as an alternative to sustain the Multi-Function RADIAC (MFR) survey meter, which has been in use for over 20 years and is experiencing increased failure rates with its current GM tubes.

• BPA Year 1: An initial order of up to three (3) GM tubes is anticipated.
• BPA Year 2: A subsequent order of up to five (5) GM tubes may be placed.
• Specifications: The GM tubes must meet specific characteristics including:
  • Sensitivity: 270 137Cs cpm at 1 mR/h
  • Recommended Operating Voltage: 460V
  • Plateau Length: 420-520 Volts (min.)
  • Plateau Slope: 30% (100 V max.)
  • Dead Time: 60 µs (max.)
  • Background: 25 cpm max. (Shielding 2” Pb + 1/8

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document outlines the minimum specifications for prototype Geiger-Mueller (GM) tubes. The Naval Surface Warfare Center Carderock Division (NSWCCD) Radiation Detection Technology Branch (RDTB) is procuring these tubes as an alternative to sustain fielding of the Multi-Function RADIAC (MFR) survey meter, which has been in use for over 20 years and is experiencing increased failure rates with its current GM tubes.

• The primary deliverable is prototype GM tubes meeting specific characteristics and specifications.

• Key specifications include:

  • Sensitivity: 270 137Cs cpm at 1 mR/h
  • Recommended Operating Voltage: 460V
  • Plateau Length: 420-520 Volts (min.)
  • Plateau Slope: 30% / 100 V max.
  • Dead Time: 60 us max.
  • Background: 25 cpm max. (Shielding 2” Pb + 1/8" Al)
  • Operating Temperature: -20 to +60 °C
  • Cathode Material: Cr/Fe
  • Cathode Wall: 280 mg/cm²

• Tubes must have a maximum diameter of 7 mm, a length of 54 mm, and a wire length of 38 mm.

• Exposure rate range: 0.01 mR/h – 1,000 R/h.

• Thickness of lead wires: 0.5 mm maximum diameter.

• The procurement will establish multiple-award Blanket Purchase Agreements (BPAs).

• BPA Year 1: Initial order of up to three (3) GM tubes.

• BPA Year 2: Subsequent order of up to five (5) GM tubes.

• The Navy will perform testing of each GM tube with ARCADES software to ensure attainment of a Sensitivity Factor (SF) in the 5.0 to 7.0 range.

• The document references an "Enclosure (1) Manufacturers List" which is not provided here.

• Not specified in this document.

• Place of Performance: FOB Destination at Naval Surface Warfare Center Carderock Division, West Bethesda, MD.

• Delivery for BPA Year 1 initial order is anticipated upon establishment of the BPA.

• Delivery for BPA Year 2 tubes is 90 days after any placed order occurring between 180 and 365 days after BPA establishment.

• Point of Contact: TBD.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items prepared in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Subpart 12.6 and Subpart 13. The Naval Surface Warfare Center Carderock Division (NSWCCD) intends to award a firm-fixed-price (FFP) purchase order using Simplified Acquisition Procedures to establish a Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA) for prototype Gieger-Mueller (GM) tubes. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation.

• Establishment of a BPA with an expected ordering period not to exceed two (2) years.

• Procurement of prototype Gieger-Mueller (GM) tubes that meet specified technical requirements.

• The BPA will cover two years of performance, with an initial order of up to three (3) GM tubes and a second-year order of up to five (5) GM tubes.

• Specific technical specifications for the GM tubes are detailed in the document, including sensitivity, operating voltage, plateau length, dead time, background, operating temperature, cathode material, and cathode wall.

• Contract Type: Firm Fixed Price (FFP) purchase order.

• Period of Performance: Not to exceed two (2) years.

• BPA Master Dollar Ceiling: $349,999.00.

• Maximum per Order: $349,999.00.

• Shipping Terms: FOB Destination.

• Evaluation Factors: Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA).

• Evaluation Criteria: Technical Capability/Approach and Past Performance.

• Quotes must meet minimum specifications to be rated "Acceptable" for Technical Capability.

• Proposal Submission Deadline: April 14, 2026, at 12 PM EST.

• Questions Deadline: April 03, 2026, at 12 PM EST. Questions will be answered in an amendment.

• NAICS Code: 334419

• Business Size Standard: 750 Employees.

• The solicitation incorporates provisions and clauses in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular FAC 2026-01 and DFARS DPN 20251110.

• The government intends to evaluate all timely quotes received from eligible quoters on an LPTA basis and intends to award without discussions.

• Quotes must include a cover sheet with official company name, point of contact, cage code, and SAM UEI number.

• Invoices are to be submitted via Wide Area Work Flow (WAWF).