Helium Mass Spectrometer Leak Detector System
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 National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is soliciting quotes for the procurement of three (3) Helium Mass Spectrometer Leak Detector Systems to be delivered to Boulder, CO. This acquisition supports the CHIPS project 1.02, focusing on improving gas flow metering for semiconductor chip production. This is a Total Small Business Set-Aside conducted as a combined synopsis/solicitation. Quotations are due February 17, 2026.
Scope of Work
The contractor shall provide three mobile leak detector systems and associated accessories meeting the following specifications:
- Detection Capability: Must detect He 4 in both vacuum and sniffer modes.
- Performance: Helium pumping speed between 1 L/s and 10 L/s; minimum detectable leak rates of ≤ 5 × 10-12 mbar L/s (vacuum) and ≤ 5 × 10-8 mbar L/s (sniffer).
- Hardware: Must include a dry pump, helium spray gun/probe, and a sniffer probe at least 10 feet long.
- Services: On-site training for up to two users at NIST Boulder covering operations, maintenance, and troubleshooting.
- Warranty: Minimum 1-year warranty on all components.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Firm-Fixed-Price Purchase Order
- Set-Aside: Total Small Business (NAICS 334516)
- Delivery: Within 90 days After Receipt of Order (ARO)
- Response Due: February 17, 2026, 12:00 PM ET
Evaluation
Award will be made to the responsible offeror whose quote is the Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA). Technical capability will be evaluated based on product literature demonstrating that the proposed equipment meets or exceeds all minimum requirements.
Additional Notes
Quotations must be submitted in three volumes: Technical, Price, and Terms/Conditions. Invoicing must be processed electronically through the Invoice Processing Platform (IPP).