NASA Glenn Research Center issued a request for proposals (RFP) for the supply of approximately 2,000 liters of high-purity xenon gas for electric propulsion testing. The vendor must ensure the xenon has a minimum purity of 99.999% and conform to strict impurity limits, as outlined in Table 1. Each delivery must include a certificate of analysis for purity verification, detailing the quantity and measured impurity levels. Cylinders should feature a rare gas valve, a CGA 580 connection, and must have a minimum of one year remaining on DOT certification. Bottles failing to meet the specified purity levels or lacking proper documentation will be rejected. This procurement is critical to NASA's electric propulsion research initiatives, ensuring operational integrity and safety in aerospace applications. The RFP underscores the agency's commitment to high standards in material procurement and testing protocols.

NASA/NSSC requires approximately 2,000 liters of high-purity xenon gas and plans to issue a sole-source contract to Electronic Fluorocarbons, LLC, the only identified supplier. The acquisition will be conducted under the authority of FAR 13.106-1(b)(1)(i), with procurement managed by NASA Glenn Research Center. The contract will follow the provisions and clauses in FAR Part 12 and Part 13, with an NAICS Code of 325120. Organizations interested in competing can submit their qualifications by 3:00 p.m. CST on December 23, 2024, with responses evaluated solely for determining the need for competition. The government retains discretion over competition determinations, and oral communications are not accepted. For further inquiries, interested parties can contact Laura Quave, a Procurement Specialist at NASA. The notice also includes information regarding the applicable ombudsman for the acquisition.