Helium Leak Detector

The National Institute of Standards and Technology seeks one portable, self-contained, oil-free helium leak detector to support its Digital Twins for Atomic Layer Deposition Processes Project, with quotations due August 19, 2026. The procurement is a 100% small business set-aside under NAICS code 334516 (Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing) with a 1,000-employee size standard.

Place of performance is Gaithersburg, Maryland. Delivery is FOB Destination within 18 weeks after receipt of order to NIST Shipping and Receiving, Building 301.

The helium leak detector must be new, not used or remanufactured, and must meet specific technical specifications: minimum detectable helium leak rate of 5×10¹² Pam³/s or lower; minimum peak pumping speed of 1 liter/second; detection capability for Helium-3, Helium-4, and molecular hydrogen; auto-calibration upon startup in 5 minutes or less; oil-free backing pump with minimum 1.5 m³/h pumping speed; DN 25 ISO-KF inlet connection; single-phase 105–125V, 50/60Hz power; weight not exceeding 50 pounds; nitrogen purge port; touchscreen menu control with remote or removable touchscreen; helium spray gun; cart or trolley; and calibrated leak comparable to Pfeiffer Adixen Part No. 2000047492/121528S. Delivery in operable condition satisfies installation requirements; no on-site installation, commissioning, or operator training is required. NIST personnel will conduct performance and acceptance testing. Warranty is minimum 12 months including parts and labor commencing upon acceptance. Award will be a firm-fixed-price purchase order to the responsible offeror submitting the lowest-priced quotation determined to be technically acceptable. Technical acceptability is evaluated on an acceptable/unacceptable basis. Quotations must remain valid for 90 calendar days. Payment is due upon delivery in operable condition, Contracting Officer's Representative acceptance, and invoice submission. Invoices submitted after October 1, 2026 must be submitted via ipp.gov per NIST LOCAL-56.