Trace Gas Chromatography System

Sources Sought / Market Research

This notice is for market research purposes to identify potential sources capable of delivering a Trace Gas Chromatography System for the Aerospace Fuels Laboratory at Vandenberg Space Force Base (VSFB), California. The U.S. Air Force is seeking capabilities packages from interested firms.

• Firms must demonstrate capability to provide a Trace Gas Chromatography System.

• Responses should specify how offered products/services meet the requirements outlined in the Statement of Work (SOW) provided in Attachment 2.

• This is NOT a Request for Proposals/Quotes. No solicitation currently exists.

• The Government will determine if a future solicitation will be conducted as full and open competition or a set-aside.

• Capabilities packages must be submitted via email to Ms Eve Aden (eve.aden@us.af.mil) and Ms Jennifer Blackford (jennifer.blackford@us.af.mil).

• The deadline for submission is March 4, 2026, at 4:00 PM Eastern Time.

• Email subject line must read: "Trace Gas Chromatography System".

• Capabilities packages should not exceed five (5) pages.

• Acceptable file formats for attachments are .pdf, .docx, .doc, .xlsx, or .xls. .zip and .exe files are not allowed.

• The Government is seeking capabilities from all potential sources, including Small Businesses (SB), 8(a) participants, HUBZone Small Business, Economically Disadvantaged Women-Owned Small Business (EDWOSB), Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB), Small Disadvantaged Business (SDB), and Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB).

• The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code is 334516 (Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing) with a small business size standard of 1,000 employees.

• A small business set-aside decision has not yet been made.

• Respondents should indicate their socio-economic status and any contemplated use of foreign national employees.

• Potential application of Limitations on Subcontracting (FAR 52.219-14) and the Non-Manufacturer Rule (FAR 52.219-33) should be considered.

• All information submitted is voluntary and will not be reimbursed.

• Respondents will not be individually notified of assessment results.

• Prospective contractors must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) database.

• Attachments include Instructions (Attachment 1) and SOW (Attachment 2).

Statement of Work (SOW) / Performance Work Statement (PWS)

This Statement of Work (SOW) outlines the requirements for one Gas Chromatography (GC) System to perform quantification of trace permanent gas impurities in Propellant-Grade Nitrogen, Helium, and Hydrogen. The system will be used for specification testing requirements for MIL-PRF-27401H (Nitrogen), MIL-PRF-27407E (Helium), and MIL-PRF-27201 (Hydrogen), and for routine specification and/or investigative testing.

• Procurement of one Gas Chromatography Instrument capable of automatically running Gaseous and Liquid Phase samples.

• Testing of Propellant-Grade Nitrogen, Helium, and Hydrogen for specific impurities.

• System must be capable of quantifying impurities within specified concentration ranges.

• Electrical Configuration: 100-240V single phase, 50/60Hz, with a 20 amp NEMA connector plug.

• Physical Dimensions: Suitable for benchtop use, WxDxH ≤ 96"x 30"x48".

• Impurities to Test:

  • Nitrogen: hydrogen, argon, oxygen, neon, helium
  • Helium: hydrogen, argon, oxygen, nitrogen, neon
  • Hydrogen: argon, oxygen, nitrogen, helium

• Concentration Ranges: Specific ppm ranges for Hydrogen, Argon, Oxygen, Nitrogen, and Neon.

• System Configuration: 3 separate channels within a single oven chamber, each with specific columns and detectors (e.g., PLOT capillary columns, molecular sieve 5Å stationary phase, Pulsed Discharge Helium Ionization Detector (PDHID), Thermal Conductivity Detector (TCD)).

• Valves & Sampling: Pneumatically actuated rotary heart-cut valves and leak-proof 6-port rotary gas sampling valves.

• Oven Capabilities: Operates from 20 °C to 450 °C with 0.1 °C setpoint resolution and oven ramp programming; capable of cooling from 450 °C to 50 °C in ≤ 5 min.

• Repeatability: Retention time repeatability ≤0.008% or ≤0.0008 min; peak area repeatability <1% RSD.

• Interface: LCD touch display screen, at least one USB 2.0+ port.

• Software: Includes operating software for visualization, programming, run conditions, real-time statuses, traceable audit trail, and report generation (.pdf, .txt).

• Instrument Controller: Computer, monitor, keyboard, and mouse.

• Installation & Training: On-site installation, commissioning, and at least 4 hours of training for up to 4 personnel.

• Technical Support: Business hours support (9AM-3PM M-F Pacific Time) via phone/email.

• Documentation: Electronic copies of all manuals and instructions.

• Delivery & Installation: Within 12 weeks after contract award.

• Delivery Address: SHIP TO DODAAC: FP2075, Aerospace Fuels Laboratory (FP2075), AFPET/PTPLE, 1747 Utah Ave Bldg 6670, Vandenberg AFB CA 93437-5220.

• Qualifying Country Products: All products must be manufactured in a qualifying country per DFARS 225.872. Products from non-qualifying countries will not be accepted.

• Warranty: Minimum one (1) year after receipt under normal and proper use.

• Invoice & Payment: Submission via Wide Area Work Flow (WAWF) after final inspection and acceptance.

• Delivery Procedures: Compliance with Vandenberg Space Force Base Commercial Vehicle Delivery Gate (CVDG) inspection requirements for vehicles entering the installation.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document provides instructions for responding to a Sources Sought notice for Roman Catholic Priest Services. It outlines the specific information required from potential vendors to assess market interest and capability.

Respondents are instructed to include the following:

• Company name and address
• Point of contact information
• Statement of domestic or foreign ownership/control and use of foreign nationals
• Statement of socio-economic status (e.g., small business, 8(a), HUBZone)
• CAGE/UEI Code
• Company website URL (if applicable)
• Manufacturer information (if applicable)
• Statement regarding the release of proprietary data
• Information on standard warranty (if applicable)
• Recent sales history to commercial companies to determine commerciality

This document is crucial for potential bidders interested in the Roman Catholic Priest Services opportunity. It details the specific data points required for a capabilities package, which will be used by the Air Force to determine acquisition strategy, including potential set-asides for small businesses. Bidders must provide comprehensive responses to these questions to effectively communicate their company's qualifications and market viability.