Helium Recovery and Liquid Helium Generation System
ID: FA9101-25-SSHeliumRecoveryType: Sources Sought
Overview

Buyer

DEPT OF DEFENSEDEPT OF THE AIR FORCEFA9101 AEDC PKP PROCRMNT BRARNOLD AFB, TN, 37389-1332, USA
Timeline
    Description

    The Department of Defense, specifically the Department of the Air Force, is seeking suppliers for a Helium Recovery and Liquid Helium Generation System to be utilized at the Arnold Engineering Development Complex (AEDC) in Tennessee. The objective of this procurement is to establish a closed-loop system that efficiently recovers and liquefies helium from gaseous exhaust, minimizing helium loss and ensuring automatic operation with user-friendly controls. This system is critical for maintaining advanced technological capabilities in aerospace applications, reflecting the government's commitment to effective helium management while minimizing environmental impacts. Interested parties must submit their responses, including company information and capability packages, by January 31, 2025, to the designated contacts, Andrew Waggoner and Erica Anglin, via email. Feedback on submissions may not be provided, and all information submitted will become government property.

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    The document outlines the Statement of Work (SOW) for the Helium Recovery and Liquid Helium Generation System at the Arnold Engineering Development Complex (AEDC) in Tennessee. The objective is to provide a closed-loop system designed to recover and liquefy helium from gaseous exhaust, ensuring minimal helium loss and automatic operation with user-friendly controls. Key components include an inflatable recovery bladder, recovery compressor, purification equipment, and a liquid helium generation unit capable of depositing helium into a vacuum jacketed dewar. Specifications detail equipment requirements such as storage capacities, operational limits, and testing protocols. Verification processes involve factory inspections, operational checkouts, and purity assessments by AEDC personnel. The document also emphasizes warranties, on-site technical support, and submission of various documentation, including installation manuals and test reports. The comprehensive framework ensures adherence to operational standards and efficiency in helium management while minimizing environmental impacts. This project reflects the government’s commitment to maintaining advanced technological systems for aerospace needs.
    The Arnold Engineering Development Complex (AEDC) at Arnold AFB, Tennessee, is issuing a Sources Sought Notice for suppliers capable of providing a Helium Recovery and Liquid Helium Generation System. This seeks to gather information on both small and large businesses interested in potentially fulfilling this requirement if it progresses to a procurement phase. The anticipated contract will likely be a firm-fixed-price purchase order, with delivery expected at Arnold AFB. Interested parties must submit their responses, which should include detailed company information, business size classifications, relevant codes, a brief capability package, and estimates regarding pricing and delivery timelines. This notice serves purely as market research and not as a formal solicitation; therefore, the government holds no obligation to award a contract based on responses. Feedback on submissions may not be provided, and all information submitted becomes government property. Responses should be submitted by January 31, 2025, via email to designated contacts, with assurances of confidentiality for proprietary information provided. The resulting market research may influence the method of procurement, which could range from single-source acquisitions to full competition.
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