Helium Recovery and Liquid Helium Generation System
ID: FA9101-25-Q-B026Type: Combined Synopsis/Solicitation
Overview

Buyer

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

NAICS

Industrial Gas Manufacturing (325120)

PSC

GASES: COMPRESSED AND LIQUEFIED (6830)

Original Source

https://sam.gov/opp/f7ce0bdabc2047b0a0e480cd31843a00/view
Timeline
    Description

    The Department of Defense, specifically the Department of the Air Force, is seeking proposals for a Helium Recovery and Liquid Helium Generation System to be delivered to Arnold Air Force Base in Tennessee. The procurement aims to establish a closed-loop system capable of recovering gaseous helium and generating liquid helium, incorporating components such as an inflatable recovery bladder, recovery compressor, and a liquefaction system, while ensuring high purity levels of helium (≥ 99.999%). This system is crucial for enhancing operational efficiency and resource recovery within military operations. Interested vendors, particularly Women-Owned Small Businesses, must submit their quotes by April 21, 2025, and can direct inquiries to Andrew Waggoner at andrew.waggoner.3@us.af.mil or Erica Anglin at erica.anglin@us.af.mil.

    Point(s) of Contact
    Andrew Waggoner
    andrew.waggoner.3@us.af.mil
    Erica Anglin
    erica.anglin@us.af.mil
    Files
    Title
    Posted
    Attachment 1 - Helium Recovery and Liquid Helium SOW.pdf
    The document outlines the Statement of Work (SOW) for a Helium Recovery and Liquid Helium Generation System to be delivered to the Arnold Engineering Development Complex (AEDC), Arnold Air Force Base, Tennessee. The project aims to implement a closed-loop system that efficiently collects gaseous helium exhaust, compresses it, and liquefies it for operational use, minimizing helium loss. Key components include an inflatable recovery bladder, recovery compressor, purification system, and a liquid helium generation unit. The system design facilitates automatic operation with minimal supervision and ensures compliance with operational requirements, including pressure and flow rates. It mandates a one-year warranty and provision for technical support during installation. Verification procedures include factory testing and on-site inspections to ensure adherence to specified standards. The project ultimately enhances AEDC's capability in managing helium resources, critical for various scientific and engineering applications.
    Attachment 1 - Helium Recovery and Liquid Helium SOW - dtd 15 Apr 25.pdf
    The document outlines the Statement of Work (SOW) for a Helium Recovery and Liquid Helium Generation System to be delivered to the Arnold Engineering Development Complex at Arnold AFB, Tennessee. The project's objective is to establish a comprehensive closed-loop system capable of recovering gaseous helium and generating liquid helium with minimal infrastructure modifications. The system features components such as an inflatable recovery bladder, compressor, purification unit, and a liquefaction system ensuring high purity levels of helium (≥ 99.999%). Key requirements include the automatic operation of the recovery and liquefaction processes, user control interfaces without wireless communication, and compliance with specific dimensional and performance standards. The document also mandates on-site technical support, warranty coverage for at least one year, and detailed submittal items like factory test reports and operational manuals. Verification involves factory testing and inspections by AEDC personnel upon delivery to ensure all requirements are met. Proper packaging and safe delivery protocols are also emphasized. This SOW is part of the federal government's initiative to enhance resource recovery and efficiency in their operations.
    Attachment 2 - Draft Contract with Provisions and Clauses .pdf
    This document is a solicitation for a Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) contract, focusing on commercial products and services. It includes essential fields such as requisition and contract numbers, award dates, submission details, and information about the issuing office. The solicitation outlines various categorization codes, such as those for economically disadvantaged women-owned small businesses and service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses, to promote diversity and inclusion in government contracting. Key information includes the offer submission deadline, contact details for the issuing office, delivery specifics, and payment terms. The document emphasizes that offers must comply with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) terms and requires the contractor's agreement to supply the requested items. The process mandates the contractor's signature confirming their commitment and details for invoicing. Overall, the purpose of this solicitation document is to invite proposals from qualified women-owned small businesses for fulfilling government contract requirements, reflecting the federal commitment to support minority-owned enterprises within procurement opportunities.
    FA910125QB026 - Helium Recovery and Liquid Helium System Questions and Answers.pdf
    The document outlines the question-and-answer interactions related to the FA910125QB026 RFP for a Helium Recovery and Liquid Helium System. Key topics addressed include the system's exhaust flow rate requirements, liquid helium production expectations, storage capabilities, and necessary purity levels for recovered helium. The answers clarify that the vendor must design a system capable of handling specified gaseous and liquid helium volumes while adhering to a closed-loop system concept. Additionally, the document emphasizes the importance of maneuverability in storage racks and the restriction on the liquefaction method to a pulse tube cryocooler. The solicitation evaluations prioritize the lowest price that meets all technical specifications without requiring additional features. The responses in the document reflect the government’s focus on achieving operational efficiency, system integration, and compliance with design constraints while ensuring a sustainable solution for helium recovery and management. Overall, the document serves as a detailed guide for potential vendors to understand the specific requirements and expectations of the government project.
    RFQ - FA910125QB026- Helium Recovery and Liquid Helium Generation System .docx
    RFQ - FA910125QB026 - Helium Recovery and Liquid Helium Generation System.pdf
    The Department of the Air Force is soliciting quotes for a Helium Recovery and Liquid Helium Generation System under RFQ FA910125QB026. This system is essential for helium recovery, featuring components like inflatable recovery bladders, compressors, storage cylinders, and a liquefaction method. The competition is open to all vendors, adhering to the FAR's commercial provisions. The deadline for quote submission is April 21, 2025, with specific instructions provided for format and content. Technical solutions must meet the outlined requirements, including a detailed pricing structure aligned with the technical proposal. Selection will follow a Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA) method, ensuring vendors provide reasonable and balanced pricing. Key considerations for evaluation include technical material compliance, pricing transparency, and the necessity for being registered in the System for Award Management. The government emphasizes that no contractual obligations arise until formal approval, ensuring all parties are aware of the regulations and evaluation criteria involved in this procurement process. The document underlines the significance of vendor adherence to all specified clauses and provisions throughout the bidding process.
    RFQ - FA910125QB026 - Helium Recovery and Liquid Helium Generation System dtd 17 Apr 25.pdf
    The Department of the Air Force is soliciting quotes (RFQ FA910125QB026) for a Helium Recovery and Liquid Helium Generation System from commercial suppliers, specifically tailored to meet military standards. The solicitation invites offers under the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) framework and is designed for full competition. Key components of the required system include an inflatable recovery bladder, a recovery compressor, and equipment for liquefying gaseous helium. Responsible parties must ensure compliance with guidelines, including a technical solution that aligns with specific requirements outlined in the Scope of Work (SOW) attached to the RFQ. Quotes must be submitted by April 21, 2025, to designated Air Force officials, along with a technical plan, pricing breakdown, and confirmations of compliance with the Trade Agreement Act. The evaluation will follow a Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA) methodology. Vendors are warned against submitting unbalanced pricing, as it may pose an unacceptable risk to the Government. The Government is not obligated to accept any submissions and will not cover any costs incurred by vendors in the quote development process. This RFQ reflects the Air Force's need for advanced helium systems essential to operational readiness and safety at Arnold Air Force Base, Tennessee.
    Solicitation Amendment - FA910125QB0260001.pdf
    The document outlines the solicitation for a contract involving the procurement of a Helium Recovery and Liquid Helium Generation System, specifically targeting Women-Owned Small Businesses (WOSB). It includes critical contract details such as requisition and solicitation numbers, award dates, and contact information for inquiries. The contract involves delivery, pricing, and administrative administration requirements, with outlined item descriptions, including a primary line item for a Helium Recovery System and additional option line items for technical support and storage cylinders. The document emphasizes compliance with Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) and Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) clauses. It includes nuances regarding payment processing through electronic methods and requirements for unique item identification for delivered materials. The attached Statement of Work further outlines specific operational requirements. The purpose of this solicitation is to foster inclusive business opportunities for WOSBs while ensuring the government’s stringent procurement standards and regulations are met, reflecting a broader commitment to supporting small and disadvantaged businesses in federal contracting.
    Lifecycle
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    Helium Recovery and Liquid Helium Generation System
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    Combined Synopsis/Solicitation
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