Helium Refill Services; New Solicitation
ID: 75N92025Q00011Type: Solicitation
Overview

Buyer

HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, DEPARTMENT OFNATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTHNATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH NHLBIBETHESDA, MD, 20892, USA

NAICS

Commercial and Industrial Machinery and Equipment (except Automotive and Electronic) Repair and Maintenance (811310)

PSC

MAINT/REPAIR/REBUILD OF EQUIPMENT- MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR SHOP EQUIPMENT (J049)

Original Source

https://sam.gov/opp/923dc37be8b84c89b71175049da7b35d/view
Timeline
    Description

    The Department of Health and Human Services, specifically the National Institutes of Health (NIH), is soliciting proposals for Helium Refill Services to support the National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering (NIBIB). The procurement aims to secure routine liquid helium refills for a nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) magnet, requiring approximately three refills annually, along with trained technician support for safe transfer and quench recovery services. This initiative is critical for maintaining operational efficiency in advanced biomedical research, ensuring that necessary equipment remains functional and compliant with safety protocols. Interested vendors should submit their quotes by January 22, 2025, and can direct inquiries to Jennifer L. Rockman at jenney.rockman@nih.gov or by phone at +1 301 827 4968.

    Point(s) of Contact
    ROCKMAN, JENNIFER L
    +1 301 827 4968
    jenney.rockman@nih.gov
    Files
    Title
    Posted
    Acquisition_Plan_Bruker_V2.pdf
    The document outlines an acquisition planning directive from the Health and Human Services (HHS) for a Liquid Helium Refill Service Contract, emphasizing the procurement needs for supplies or services under $250,000. It includes sections detailing the acquisition background, cost estimates, delivery timelines, and risk assessments, while stressing the importance of conducting thorough market research in compliance with federal acquisition regulations (FAR). The requisition indicates a preferred vendor, Bruker Biospin, and specifies contact information for communication. The acquisition aims to secure liquid helium supplies, addressing market volatility in pricing and availability. It highlights the necessity for competitive sourcing and may include options for extended service periods. Additionally, potential risks are acknowledged, and the document specifies whether the procurement is classified as a small business set-aside, along with any contracting justifications required by relevant regulations. It concludes with sections for approvals and necessary attachments, ensuring a comprehensive and structured approach to government contracting in line with existing policies.
    IGE_Liquid_Helium_V2.xlsx
    The Independent Government Cost Estimate (IGCE) details a procurement for liquid helium under the NIBIB/MTIC program, prepared by estimator Dale Kiesewetter on December 5, 2024. The primary supply identified is the liquid helium fill unit, with a total cost of $21,090. The document includes market research findings which did not involve the General Services Administration (GSA) this year. Historical purchase data show that the previous contract for the same item was valued at $24,195. The suggested vendor for this procurement is Bruker BioSpin, with a point of contact provided for further inquiries. Overall, the IGCE facilitates the budgeting and procurement process for the necessary liquid helium, essential for laboratory or experimental use within the specified program, thus ensuring adequate funding and compliance with government acquisition protocols. This estimate underscores fiscal responsibility and adherence to market trends in supply chain management within the context of federal requirements.
    Market_Research.docx
    The Department of Health and Human Services' National Institutes of Health is seeking a contractor for liquid helium refill services but is facing challenges in obtaining competitive bids. The current contract has been awarded to Bruker for the fourth consecutive year; however, they will not offer option years due to volatile supply and pricing issues with liquid helium. Previous contractor Triangle Analytical could not bid in 2021 due to workforce issues and failed to submit a proposal in the current cycle, despite initial interest. Tecmag, another potential vendor, indicated through their parent company's UK operations that they cannot provide the needed services. The requirements for this contract include not only the provision of liquid helium but also skilled personnel for safe transfer and quench recovery services. Given the specific demands and existing vendor relationships, confidence in sourcing qualified alternatives to Bruker remains low, necessitating this market research for future procurement considerations.
    Sol_75N92025Q00011.pdf
    The document is a Request for Quotation (RFQ) from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institutes, specifically for Helium Refill Services for a nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) magnet at the National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering (NIBIB). Issued on January 13, 2025, quotes are due by January 22, 2025. The contract seeks services to provide liquid helium and trained technician support for refilling the magnet, which requires approximately three refills annually. The RFQ outlines the performance requirements, including safety protocols and delivery logistics, and emphasizes the provision of quench recovery services in case of helium transfill issues. The statement of work further specifies vendor qualifications and security protocols, as well as the invoicing process through the Department of Treasury’s Invoice Processing Platform. This RFQ is part of the federal procurement processes that aim to ensure efficient labor and materials acquisition, especially within scientific research sectors. The overarching goal of this initiative is to facilitate advanced biomedical research by ensuring that the necessary support services for equipment maintenance are met with high quality and compliance.
    Statement_of_Work_Helium_refill_V2.docx
    The document outlines a Request for Proposal (RFP) for a Liquid Helium Refill Service Contract at the Molecular Tracer and Imaging Core Facility (MTIC) under NIBIB. The facility requires routine liquid helium refills for a Bruker AV4400N NMR system equipped with a cryogenic magnet, necessitating refills approximately every four months. The contractor will supply liquid helium and an experienced technician, utilizing a 60 L transfer dewar due to space constraints. Key responsibilities include conducting timely refills that maintain liquid helium levels above 90%, ideally above 98%. The contractor will be tasked with scheduling refills and providing magnet quench recovery service, with specific guidelines for delivery and invoicing outlined. Access to the equipment is secured, with NIBIB personnel available for assistance. This RFP highlights the importance of reliable liquid helium supply in supporting critical research activities within the facility, ensuring compliance with procedural standards and safety measures.
    Lifecycle
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    Helium Refill Services; New Solicitation
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