The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is issuing a Request for Proposal (RFP) for liquid helium services at its Gaithersburg, MD campus. The solicitation, numbered 1333ND25QNB190001, is classified under industry codes for compressed gases and industrial gas manufacturing, targeting small businesses. The contract entails providing liquid helium delivery and dewar rental services, with an expectation of efficient, cost-effective performance as outlined in the Performance Work Statement (PWS). The government intends to award a single Firm-Fixed Price contract based on the Lowest Priced, Technically Acceptable offers and past performance evaluations. The procurement process will be competitive, and the anticipated contract will have a one-year base period starting April 1, 2025, with two optional extensions. Proposal submissions are due by January 29, 2024, with an award expected by February 24, 2025. Interested parties must download the RFP from the SAM website and are responsible for monitoring the site for updates. The current contractor is AIRGAS USA LLC. This initiative underscores NIST's aim to enhance competition and efficiency in acquiring commercial services related to industrial gases.
The document outlines a Request for Proposals (RFP) for liquid helium supply services at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). The primary objective is to secure a contractor capable of providing and delivering liquid helium (LHe) in various dewar sizes (30, 60, 100, and 250 liters) for cryogenic applications essential to multiple programs at NIST. The contract will span from April 1, 2025, to March 31, 2026, with options for renewal through 2028.
Key requirements include delivering LHe with a minimum purity of 99.998% and maintaining strict specifications for the dewars, such as no icing, proper sealing mechanisms, and secure transport features. The contractor will also be responsible for handling emergency deliveries, as well as regular orders, with specific lead times and protocols during any delivery disruptions.
The document emphasizes compliance with federal regulations and identifies procedures for order placement, delivery verification, and invoicing, ensuring transparent communication and operational accountability. This RFP reflects NIST's commitment to securing essential materials while promoting safety and operational efficiency in its research initiatives.
The document outlines wage determinations under the Service Contract Act (SCA) by the U.S. Department of Labor, specifically for Maryland's Frederick and Montgomery Counties. It includes the latest wage determination (No. 2015-4269, Revision No. 26) effective as of July 22, 2024. The summary specifies that contracts subject to the SCA must comply with minimum wage rates established under Executive Orders 14026 and 13658, applicable based on the contract's date of award or renewal. For 2024, the required minimum hourly wage is $17.20 for new contracts after January 30, 2022, and $12.90 for those awarded between January 1, 2015, and January 29, 2022.
A comprehensive list of various occupations is provided, alongside specific wage rates and benefits that contractors must provide, including health and welfare benefits, vacation, and holidays. Additional details highlight requirements for paid sick leave as per Executive Order 13706 and stipulations regarding uniform allowance and potentially hazardous work differentials. The document serves to guide contractors on wage obligations and worker rights under federal contract laws, emphasizing the importance of compliance for federal and state/local RFPs and grants related to service contracts.