LIQUID HELIUM Services
ID: 1333ND25QNB190001Type: Combined Synopsis/Solicitation
Overview

Buyer

COMMERCE, DEPARTMENT OFNATIONAL INSTITUTE OF STANDARDS AND TECHNOLOGYDEPT OF COMMERCE NISTGAITHERSBURG, MD, 20899, USA

NAICS

Industrial Gas Manufacturing (325120)

PSC

GASES: COMPRESSED AND LIQUEFIED (6830)
Timeline
    Description

    The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is seeking proposals for liquid helium services at its Gaithersburg, Maryland campus, under solicitation number 1333ND25QNB190001. The contract will require the contractor to provide efficient delivery of liquid helium, including dewar rental services, with a focus on performance-based standards as outlined in the Performance Work Statement (PWS). Liquid helium is critical for various cryogenic applications at NIST, and the selected contractor will be expected to ensure high purity levels and reliable service, including emergency deliveries. Proposals are due by January 29, 2024, with an anticipated award date of February 24, 2025, and services expected to commence on April 1, 2025. Interested parties should contact Derrick Fletcher at derrick.fletcher@nist.gov or Tony Schmidt at tony.schmidt@nist.gov for further information.

    Point(s) of Contact
    Files
    Title
    Posted
    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.
    Lifecycle
    Title
    Type
    LIQUID HELIUM Services
    Currently viewing
    Combined Synopsis/Solicitation
    Similar Opportunities
    Request For Proposal (RFP) for NASA Agency-wide Supply of Liquid and Gaseous Helium
    Active
    National Aeronautics And Space Administration
    The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is issuing a Request for Proposal (RFP) for the agency-wide supply of gaseous and liquid helium, designated as Solicitation No. 80KSC024R0010. This procurement aims to establish an indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity (IDIQ) contract to ensure a reliable supply of helium, which is critical for various scientific and operational processes within NASA, including cryogenics and aerospace missions. The contract will span five years, with a base period from October 1, 2025, to September 30, 2027, and three optional periods extending through September 30, 2030. Proposals are due by February 3, 2025, and interested parties can direct inquiries to Victoria Hargrave at KSC-Helium-Info@mail.nasa.gov.
    Helium Liquefier Development (HeLD)
    Active
    National Aeronautics And Space Administration
    NASA's Glenn Research Center is seeking information from potential sources for the development of helium liquefiers/refrigerators to support space propulsion and cryogenic research activities. The procurement aims to identify capable vendors who can provide systems that meet specific technical requirements, including advanced gas-bearing helium turbo-expanders, operational capacities, and compliance with various engineering standards. This initiative is crucial for NASA's ongoing efforts in cryogenic technology, which plays a significant role in space exploration and propulsion systems. Interested parties are invited to submit their capability statements and relevant documentation to Ashlee Shaw at ashlee.b.shaw@nasa.gov by 5:00 PM ET on January 10, 2025, as no solicitation currently exists.
    Liquid Nitrogen
    Active
    Dept Of Defense
    The Department of Defense, through the Naval Undersea Warfare Center (NUWC) Division Keyport, is seeking proposals for the supply and delivery of refrigerated Liquid Nitrogen (LN2) with a purity level of 99.999%. The contract entails delivering up to 2,000 gallons of LN2 three times per week, totaling a maximum of 66,000 gallons annually, along with maintenance services for government-owned LN2 tanks. This procurement is critical for supporting various operational needs within the Navy, ensuring a reliable and high-quality supply of LN2 while adhering to stringent safety and operational standards. Interested vendors should direct inquiries to Michael Beadle at michael.f.beadle.civ@us.navy.mil or Angela Barlow at angela.m.barlow3.civ@us.navy.mil, with proposals evaluated based on Lowest Price Technically Acceptable criteria as outlined in the Request for Proposals (RFP).
    Helium Recovery and Liquid Helium
    Active
    Dept Of Defense
    The Department of Defense, specifically the Department of the Air Force, is seeking sources for a Helium Recovery and Liquid Helium Generation System at Arnold Air Force Base in Tennessee. This Sources Sought Notice aims to assess the capabilities of both small and large businesses to fulfill the government's requirements, which may lead to a firm-fixed-price contract. The helium recovery and generation system is critical for various defense applications, emphasizing the strategic importance of helium in military operations. Interested vendors must submit their responses, including company information and a proposed cost estimate, by January 10, 2025, and can contact Andrew Waggoner or Erica Anglin for further inquiries.
    Carbon Dioxide Gas Supply and Service for CO2 Tank Farm in Bldg 10 E Wing
    Active
    Health And Human Services, Department Of
    The Department of Health and Human Services, through the National Institutes of Health (NIH), is seeking qualified vendors to supply and service carbon dioxide gas for the CO2 Tank Farm located in Building 10 E Wing, Bethesda, Maryland. This procurement involves a renewal requirement for a continuous supply of carbon dioxide gas essential for cell culture incubators and other critical scientific equipment in NIAID laboratories, covering a one-year period from approximately February 1, 2025, to January 31, 2026. The contract will be awarded based on technical capability and price, with a firm fixed price purchase order anticipated. Interested parties must submit their quotations via the NIAID electronic Simplified Acquisition Submission System (eSASS) by January 8, 2025, at 5:00 PM EST, and can contact Dana Monroe at dana.monroe@nih.gov for further information.
    liquid nitrogen (LN2) recirculating systems
    Active
    Energy, Department Of
    The Department of Energy, specifically the Argonne National Laboratory, is seeking proposals for liquid nitrogen (LN2) recirculating systems through a Combined Synopsis/Solicitation notice. The procurement aims to acquire systems that are essential for various research and development activities in the physical, engineering, and life sciences sectors. These systems play a critical role in laboratory environments, ensuring the efficient and safe handling of liquid nitrogen for experiments and processes. Interested vendors can reach out to Michael Oprondek at moprondek@anl.gov or call 630-252-7069 for further details regarding the submission process and any associated deadlines.
    Cryomill
    Active
    Commerce, Department Of
    The Department of Commerce, specifically the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), is seeking quotations for the procurement of a Cryomill, a specialized cryogenic ball mill designed for grinding polymers and plastics into submicron-sized particles. The mill must feature a closed cooling system for operator safety, liquid nitrogen cooling capabilities, and the ability to perform milling under cryogenic, wet, and dry conditions, with automation to facilitate extensive grinding cycles. This acquisition is critical for advancing materials science and ensuring efficient polymer processing, with a delivery timeline of 120 days post-award. Interested vendors must submit their quotations by January 6, 2024, at 1:00 PM EST, and can direct inquiries to Erik Frycklund at erik.frycklund@nist.gov or by phone at 301-975-6176.
    Helium Tank Trailer Lease and Tank Transportation
    Active
    Dept Of Defense
    The Department of Defense, specifically the Air Force Sustainment Center at Tinker Air Force Base in Oklahoma, is seeking to award a Firm Fixed Price (FFP) purchase order for the lease and transportation of helium tank trailers. The procurement involves leasing three road-legal helium tank trailers, providing extensive maintenance services, and ensuring the recertification of tanks, all of which are critical for the effective management of helium resources used in various government operations. Interested small businesses must submit quotes by January 8, 2025, with the contract expected to commence by February 2025; all offerors must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) to be eligible. For further inquiries, potential bidders can contact Tamika Burrough at tamika.burrough.1@us.af.mil or Jennifer Azbill at jennifer.azbill@us.af.mil.
    Dilution Refrigerator Cryostat System
    Active
    Energy, Department Of
    The Department of Energy, through the SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, is seeking proposals for the procurement of a Dilution Refrigerator Cryostat System. This system is essential for advanced scientific research, particularly in quantum sensing applications, and must meet specific technical requirements including a base temperature capability of 10 milliKelvin or lower and a cooling power of at least 400 microwatts at 100mK. Proposals must be submitted electronically by January 14, 2025, at 4 PM PST, and remain valid for 90 days post-submission. Interested vendors should direct inquiries to Stephanie Low at stephl@slac.stanford.edu and ensure compliance with all outlined terms and conditions in the RFP documentation.
    USAFA Dilution Refrigerator Source Sought
    Active
    Dept Of Defense
    The Department of Defense, specifically the Department of the Air Force, is seeking sources for a 3He4He dilution refrigerator to support research in solid state silicon quantum computing at the United States Air Force Academy (USAFA). The required dilution refrigerator must achieve temperatures of 10 mK or lower, provide a cooling power of at least 500 µW at 100 mK, and include specific features such as a cryogen-free solenoid magnet, vibration isolation, and a sample space volume of at least 30 liters. This procurement is critical for the department's research program, which focuses on creating and studying quantum computing qubits. Interested vendors are encouraged to submit a capabilities package to the primary contact, Aurora Santos, at aurora.santos@us.af.mil, or the secondary contact, Kristin Heikkila, at kristin.heikkila@us.af.mil, including relevant company information and product specifications by the specified deadline.