RFI Sources Sought Geiger-Mueller (GM) tubes
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 Navy, Naval Surface Warfare Center, Carderock Division (NSWCCD), is conducting a Sources Sought to identify potential sources for the design, build, test, documentation, and delivery of prototype Geiger-Mueller (GM) tubes. These tubes are intended as an alternative to sustain the Multi-Function RADIAC (MFR) survey meter used in the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program. This is a Total Small Business Set-Aside market research effort. Responses are due by January 28, 2026, at 12:00 pm EST.
Scope of Work
NSWCCD is seeking industry capabilities to provide prototype GM tubes that meet specific technical requirements. The tubes will serve as a more reliable alternative to current units experiencing increased failure rates. Key specifications include:
- Sensitivity (137Cs cpm at 1 mR/h): 270
- Recommended Operating Voltage: 460V
- Plateau Length Volts (min.): 420-520V
- Plateau Slope (%/100 V max.): 30%
- Dead Time (µs max.): 60 µs
- Background (cpm) Shielding: 2" Pb + 1/8" Al: 25 max.
- Operating Temp: -20 to +60°C
- Dimensions: 54 mm max. length, 7 mm max. diameter
- Exposure Rate Range: 0.01 mR/h – 1,000 R/h The Navy will perform testing using ARCADES software. All work is Unclassified.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Sources Sought / Request for Information (RFI)
- Set-Aside: Total Small Business (FAR 19.5)
- Response Due: January 28, 2026, 12:00 pm EST
- Published: January 7, 2026
- Place of Performance: FOB Destination: Naval Surface Warfare Center Carderock Division, West Bethesda, MD.
- Period of Performance: Initial delivery of three (3) GM tubes within 180 days of award; final delivery of five (5) GM tubes within 90 days of option exercise.
Evaluation
Responses will be used for market research in accordance with FAR Part 10 to determine interest and inform NSWCCD's procurement strategy for a future solicitation/synopsis. The Government will not pay for information received.
Submission Requirements
Responses must include brief information on the appropriate set-aside category, ability to meet government needs, and how minimum requirements will be met. A cover page is required, detailing company name, address, points of contact, DUNS, SAM UEI, CAGE code, business size status for NAICS code 334419, and specified set-aside category. Electronic submissions only, sent to Michael Brodie at michael.s.brodie7.civ@us.navy.mil.