TEAD - Helium Inspection Services
DEPT OF DEFENSE.DEPT OF THE ARMY.AMC.ACC.ACC-CTRS.ACC RI.W6QK ACC-RI · Response deadline: Wed, 28 Oct 2026
What the government is buying
The Army Contracting Command-Rock Island (ACC-RI) is soliciting bids for helium inspection services under contract action TEAD. This work falls under NAICS 541380—Testing Laboratories, which covers establishments primarily engaged in performing physical, chemical, and other analytical testing services. Helium inspection services typically involve leak detection and integrity testing using helium mass spectrometry, a highly sensitive method for identifying leaks in sealed systems, pressurized components, and vacuum equipment. This type of testing is critical for defense applications where component reliability and system integrity are paramount, including aerospace systems, cryogenic equipment, and specialized military hardware. See the solicitation for specific scope of work, inspection protocols, and deliverables.
Key facts
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Agency | Dept of the Army, AMC, ACC-RI |
| Notice type | Solicitation |
| Solicitation number | PANROC26P0000036026 |
| NAICS | 541380 (Testing Laboratories) |
| Set-aside | Small Business Set Aside – Total |
| Response deadline | October 28, 2026 at 10:00 AM CDT |
| Place of performance | Utah |
Who can bid
This opportunity is restricted to small businesses under the Total Small Business Set-Aside program. To qualify, your firm must meet the size standard for NAICS 541380, which is 1,500 employees. You must be registered and verified in the System for Award Management (SAM.gov) with active small business certification, and your SAM entity record should accurately reflect your NAICS 541380 designation. The work will be performed in Utah, so bidders should evaluate their ability to execute services at that location or identify qualified subcontractor arrangements. Per standard small business set-aside rules, the prime contractor must perform the applicable percentage of work; see the solicitation for specific subcontracting limitations and any applicable limitations on subcontracting clause.
How to put together a competitive bid
For testing laboratory services, government evaluators typically assess technical capability, personnel qualifications, and past performance more heavily than price alone. Structure your proposal to demonstrate:
- Technical approach: Detail your helium leak detection methodology, equipment specifications (mass spectrometer sensitivity ranges, calibration procedures), and quality control protocols. Reference relevant standards such as ASTM E498 or MIL-STD testing procedures if applicable to your capabilities.
- Personnel qualifications: Identify technicians with specific experience in helium mass spectrometry; defense or aerospace testing experience carries particular weight. Include resumes and relevant certifications.
- Facilities and equipment: Describe your Utah-based capabilities or your mobilization plan. If proposing to use a subcontractor for local execution, clarify your oversight structure and quality assurance.
- Past performance: Cite contracts of similar scope, complexity, and dollar value. Government references are preferable; include Contracting Officer contact information and performance metrics where available.
- Pricing: Develop a detailed cost structure showing labor rates, equipment charges, travel, and any consumables. Testing services often use labor-hour or firm-fixed-price line items; see the solicitation for the specified contract type and pricing structure.
Verify your SAM registration is current through the response deadline and confirm your size status in SAM is accurate.
Next steps
Read the full solicitation on SAM.gov using solicitation number PANROC26P0000036026. Review all attachments, clauses, and evaluation factors before preparing your proposal. Note the firm response deadline of October 28, 2026 at 10:00 AM Central Time—late submissions are inadmissible. Monitor SAM.gov for any amendments posted before the deadline.
View the official notice on SAM.gov →