Helium leak detector

The Naval Research Laboratory (NRL), operating under the Department of the Navy's Office of Naval Research, has issued a Special Notice regarding the procurement of a helium leak detector. This Notice of Intent announces the agency's intention to award a sole source purchase order to NTOP without conducting competitive bidding. The procurement falls under NAICS code 334516 (classified as large business) and Federal Supply Code 6640, with an anticipated value not exceeding the simplified acquisition threshold of $350,000. The notice is issued under Simplified Acquisition Procedures in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation Part 13.106-1(b). The Special Notice number is N00173-26-Q-1301319349 and should be referenced on all correspondence.

The purpose of this notice is to provide an opportunity for interested parties to demonstrate that competition would be advantageous to the Government and that alternative sources exist for this requirement. Interested contractors must submit clear and convincing evidence of their capability to satisfy the Government's needs between the posted date of January 13, 2026, and the closing date of January 16, 2026, at 0800 hours. Any responses will be evaluated solely to determine whether a competitive procurement should be conducted, and the Government retains full discretion to proceed with the sole source award or open the procurement to competition. No reimbursement will be provided for costs associated with submitting capability information. Only responses that demonstrate viable alternatives to NTOP and articulate competitive advantages will be considered in the Government's determination.