Request For Proposal (RFP) for NASA Agency-wide Supply of Liquid and Gaseous Helium
ID: 80KSC024R0010Type: Solicitation
Overview

Buyer

NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATIONNATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATIONNASA KENNEDY SPACE CENTERKENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FL, 32899, USA

NAICS

Industrial Gas Manufacturing (325120)

PSC

LIQUID PROPELLANT FUELS AND OXIDIZERS, CHEMICAL BASE (9135)
Timeline
    Description

    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.

    Point(s) of Contact
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    NASA's Kennedy Space Center has issued a Draft Request for Proposal (DRFP) to solicit feedback for the Agency-wide Supply of Gaseous and Liquid Helium. This initiative aims to procure helium necessary for various NASA facilities, including the Columbia Scientific Balloon Facility and several research centers across the U.S. Potential contractors are encouraged to comment on the draft solicitation's clarity, requirements, and evaluation criteria, promoting competition and efficiency in the procurement process. The projected contract spans five years, with a base period starting on October 1, 2025, and includes three option periods. The acquisition is categorized under NAICS code 325120, Industrial Gas Manufacturing. Interested parties must be registered in specific online databases and participate in an equal employment opportunity verification. Although the DRFP does not solicit proposals, comments are requested by December 12, 2024. Following this, a final RFP is expected to be released on December 20, 2024, with proposal submissions anticipated shortly thereafter. This document represents NASA's proactive approach to ensuring transparency and industry engagement in its procurement processes for essential materials required for its operations.
    The NASA Supply of Helium Statement of Work outlines the requirements for supplying liquid and gaseous helium to various NASA facilities, detailing delivery schedules, quantities, and special requirements. Each facility, including the Columbia Scientific Balloon Facility, Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, and others, has specific anticipated order quantities ranging from bulk gas to liquid nitrogen, with distinct delivery hours and conditions. For instance, the Government anticipates ordering substantial amounts—up to 1,280,000 standard cubic feet of helium per month at certain locations—reflecting their operational demands. Special delivery equipment requirements are emphasized, including specifications for bulk gas trailers, ISO containers for Antarctic operations, and specific dewars for liquid helium. Access to NASA locations is regulated, with strict badge and citizenship requirements for personnel involved in deliveries. The Statement of Work also highlights peak requirements that may arise during additional operational needs. This document serves as a guide for potential contractors bidding on the RFP to understand the expectations and logistical considerations involved in helium supply to support NASA's diverse missions and projects.
    The document outlines NASA's requirements for the supply of liquid and gaseous helium across various facilities nationwide, focusing on anticipated needs categorized by Contract Line Item Numbers (CLINs). Key facilities mentioned include the Columbia Scientific Balloon Facility (CSBF), Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Glenn Research Center, and others. Each section provides details such as delivery addresses, hours, routine requirements, peak requirements, special delivery equipment, and access requirements for contractors. The Government anticipates bulk gas and dewars in specific quantities throughout the year, with some locations requiring emergency deliveries and special equipment tailored for operational needs. A detailed delivery schedule indicates regular and peak demand periods, emphasizing compliance with specific pressure and safety requirements. The document also highlights the necessity for badged personnel following security standards for access to NASA sites. Overall, this Request for Proposal (RFP) serves as a comprehensive guide for potential contractors aiming to meet NASA's helium supply needs, ensuring adherence to operational specifications while facilitating collaboration across multiple locations.
    The document pertains to a Capability Form associated with the NASA Agency's solicitation for an Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract focused on the supply of gaseous and liquid helium. The form requires contractors to provide comprehensive details about their production capacities, including maximum daily, weekly, and monthly production rates, as well as fixed storage capabilities. Key sections include contractor information, production facility specifics, average inventories, and transportation logistics. The solicitation emphasizes the importance of meeting NASA's helium supply requirements and suggests that prospective offerors must provide historical data pertaining to their production and distribution capabilities over specified periods. This document serves as a foundation for assessing potential suppliers to ensure they can fulfill NASA's needs efficiently and reliably in the context of government contracting processes.
    The document outlines the Capability Form for NASA's solicitation (80KSC024R0010) regarding the supply of gaseous and liquid helium. It includes structured data fields for potential contractors to detail their production capabilities, storage specifics, and transportation logistics related to helium supply. Key requirements include maximum daily, weekly, and monthly production rates, average inventories, and contact details for production and transfilling facilities. Contractors are also asked to provide logistical information such as the number of trucks, tanker capacities, and driver counts over specified time frames. The purpose of this document is to gather comprehensive data from potential suppliers to evaluate their ability to meet NASA's helium supply needs effectively, emphasizing production capacity and operational readiness.
    The document is a draft solicitation for NASA's agency-wide supply of gaseous and liquid helium, designated as Solicitation 80KSC024R0010. It outlines the requirements for prospective contractors, including key information such as production capabilities, contact details, and facility particulars. The Capability Form requires contractors to provide maximum daily, weekly, and monthly production rates, as well as average inventories and storage capabilities for helium. Additionally, it specifies distribution logistics, including the number and capacity of transportation vehicles, and drivers involved in the delivery process. The document emphasizes NASA's operational requirements for helium supply, indicating the need for comprehensive data from bidders to ensure compliance with the solicitation's production and storage expectations. Overall, this draft seeks to gather detailed contractor capabilities to assess potential suppliers for the helium supply contract effectively.
    The document outlines a comprehensive inventory of semitrailers and dewars used for storing gaseous and liquid helium across various NASA centers, including GRC, JSC, and JPL. It features details such as ECN/tag numbers, descriptions, acquisition values, manufacturer names, and locations. The semitrailers, specifically for compressed helium tubes, vary in price from approximately $19,345 to $191,700, indicating diverse specifications and manufacturers, including Independent MFG Co Inc and FIBA Technologies. The document also catalogues numerous dewars, primarily from Cryofab Inc., highlighting their role in liquid helium storage, with acquisition values around $2,615 to over $9,223 for larger capacities. This structured inventory serves vital functions for procurement and inventory tracking related to NASA's supply chain management, focusing on helium storage solutions essential for their research and operation needs. The systematic documentation of equipment, their specifications, and monetary values reflect efforts to maintain effective asset management and ensure compliance with governmental procurement standards. Overall, this file is crucial for both acquisition planning and operational support within NASA's gaseous and liquid helium supply initiatives.
    The document pertains to a Request for Proposal (RFP) issued by NASA, focusing on the agency-wide procurement of liquid and gaseous helium. The purpose of the RFP is to establish a reliable supply of these critical materials, which are essential for various scientific and operational processes within NASA. The document highlights the importance of helium in applications such as cryogenics, scientific experiments, and maintaining operational standards across NASA facilities. It likely includes guidelines for vendors regarding proposal submission, scope of work, and criteria for selection, although specific details may be reserved in the attachment as indicated. The overall initiative reflects NASA's ongoing commitment to securing necessary resources to support its extensive research and aerospace missions, ensuring operational efficiency and scientific advancement.
    The document outlines the NASA Agency-wide Supply of Liquid and Gaseous Helium Annual Site Inspection Cost Proposal Template, categorized under Solicitation # 80KSC024R0010 - DR. It provides detailed instructions for contractors on how to complete their cost proposals for annual site inspections. Key components include inputting travel and labor costs in designated areas of an Excel workbook, ensuring accuracy in calculations, and providing supporting documentation such as quotes for travel expenses. The template consists of multiple tabs including a cover sheet, instructions, cost breakdowns, and documentation requirements. Contractors are instructed to adhere to GSA Per Diem and Mileage Rates and to submit detailed breakdowns for other expenses. Approval for all travel costs must be obtained from the Contracting Officer as per contractual agreements. This structured approach emphasizes financial accountability and compliance in securing funds for necessary inspection activities within NASA, thereby enhancing operational efficiency and oversight in government contracting.
    The document is a draft solicitation (80KSC024R0010) from NASA focused on the supply of gaseous and liquid helium. It includes detailed pricing templates for bidders to fill out, specifying requirements for various cost components, such as helium unit prices, delivery charges, and additional pricing considerations. These prices are to be provided for multiple contract periods extending over five years, comprising two base years and three optional years. Offerors must detail their proposed prices for each Contract Line Item Number (CLIN), along with relevant delivery locations and quantities. The complete pricing proposal is to be presented in an Excel format, with specific worksheet tabs for a thorough breakdown of prices. Moreover, the government will evaluate delivery charges based on historical diesel prices, reflecting fixed and variable delivery costs. Overall, the document serves as a comprehensive guideline for potential suppliers to prepare their bids in accordance with NASA's specifications for helium supply, ensuring a standardized evaluation process for all proposals in this government contract effort. This approach aligns with federal procurement protocols aimed at securing essential materials for various NASA projects while fostering transparency and competition among suppliers.
    The document outlines the NASA Solicitation #80KSC024R0010 for the supply of gaseous and liquid helium over a five-year period, divided into two base periods and three optional periods. The pricing template includes separate worksheets for helium prices, delivery charges, and other pricing options, with Offerors required to provide unit prices that encompass all costs associated with the products for government inspection and acceptance. Each worksheet facilitates the summary of offered prices for specific delivery locations. Evaluation of delivery charges particularly focuses on historical diesel fuel prices, with a specific bracket chosen for calculation purposes. The Offeror must provide detailed pricing for various delivery methods and circumstances such as rental costs, emergency delivery, and demurrage. Each proposed price must be completed in the provided Excel template, ensuring all calculations are accurate and within the designated fields. The total evaluated price will be summarized automatically based on the inputs provided. This solicitation is a structured approach to ensuring NASA receives competitive pricing for essential helium supplies, emphasizing transparency and thorough evaluation methods to maintain procurement integrity.
    NASA's Kennedy Space Center (KSC) issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) for the agency-wide supply of Gaseous and Liquid Helium, designated as Solicitation No. 80KSC024R0010. This acquisition will be conducted through full and open competition, adhering to industry standards, with a NAICS code of 325120. The contract will span five years, comprising a two-year base period and three one-year options, culminating on September 30, 2030. Proposals are due by February 3, 2025, with an anticipated award date of August 1, 2025. Location for contract performance includes various NASA facilities across the United States. Offerors must comply with all solicitation requirements, including having a matching CAGE code and reviewing significant changes from a previously released draft RFP. Questions regarding the RFP must be directed to the Contracting Officer, with a deadline for inquiries set for January 9, 2025. This RFP emphasizes NASA's need for helium supplies for various operations, highlighting the agency's commitment to transparency and fair competition while noting there is no obligation for proposal costs. The document serves to ensure potential offerors are well-informed about proposal preparation and expectations.
    The document outlines NASA's Request for Proposals (RFP) regarding the acquisition of gaseous and liquid helium, covering questions and government responses related to the Statement of Work (SOW) and underlying conditions. Key information includes delivery logistics, helium pressure specifications, and compliance requirements, emphasizing that common carriers are allowed to deliver liquid dewars, typically at around 3000 psi. Contractors may bid for bulk gas alone without the need for liquid helium services at all sites, and are expected to address supply constraints and adapt to emergency delivery requirements. The document also details the absence of on-site liquid helium storage at certain sites and mentions the flexibility in delivery scheduling for specific missions. Furthermore, it clarifies pricing structures and confirms that the government holds unilateral rights for contract option extensions. Overall, the RFP aims to efficiently meet NASA's helium supply needs for aerospace operations while ensuring compliance and adaptability to unforeseen challenges within the projected timeline. Proposals are due by February 3, 2025, with a final clarifying question period ending on January 9, 2024.
    The document serves as a guideline for submitting inquiries regarding NASA's Helium Draft Request for Proposal (RFP) numbered 80KSC024R0010, which pertains to the agency-wide supply of gaseous and liquid helium. Interested parties must complete the provided form, ensuring all sections are filled out. Questions and comments must be submitted via email to KSC-Helium-Info@mail.nasa.gov by the deadline of December 12, 2024. The document emphasizes the importance of adhering to this submission format and deadline as part of the proposal process. This RFP is part of a broader federal initiative to secure necessary supplies for scientific and operational applications, highlighting its significance within federal procurement activities.
    NASA is hosting a virtual pre-solicitation conference on December 6, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time, regarding the Agency-wide Supply of Liquid and Gaseous Helium. Interested participants must register by emailing KSC-Helium-Info@mail.nasa.gov by December 5, 2024, at 4:30 p.m. The conference aims to enhance competition by informing potential offerors about the acquisition, its locations, and preliminary details. The presentation will last approximately one hour, during which no questions will be entertained. However, attendees can submit inquiries before the event and post-conference via email; these will be answered and published on SAM.gov until December 12, 2024. The document emphasizes the necessity for participants to monitor the SAM.gov site for updates regarding the acquisition opportunity. This conference is an essential information session designed to facilitate understanding and engagement in the procurement process for suppliers of helium to NASA, showcasing the agency's commitment to transparent communication and competition in government contracts.
    NASA is organizing an industry conference regarding the Agency-wide Supply of Liquid and Gaseous Helium Acquisition, scheduled for December 6, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time. This virtual event welcomes registered attendees, with registration closing on December 5, 2024. The conference aims to enhance understanding of the acquisition opportunities and promote competition among potential offerors. Following the conference, NASA will host in-person site visits at various locations from December 9 to 11, including Langley Research Center and Johnson Space Center. Participants must register for each site visit individually, and attendance is restricted to two representatives per company. All attendees are required to be U.S. citizens. Questions regarding the conference and site visits must be submitted via email, and responses will be published on SAM.gov. This initiative underscores NASA’s commitment to transparency and effective industry engagement for the helium supply acquisition, ensuring interested parties are well-informed throughout the process.
    NASA is organizing a virtual industry conference for the Agency-wide Supply of Liquid and Gaseous Helium Acquisition on December 6, 2024, followed by in-person site visits from December 9 to 11, 2024. The conference aims to foster competition by informing potential offerors about the acquisition process and specifics related to the helium supply. Registration is required before the conference, which will not include a Q&A session. The site visits will take place at various NASA facilities, with attendance limited to two participants per company. Participants must register for each site visit separately, ensuring they comply with access regulations as US citizens. Questions can be submitted before and after the conference or site visits, and answers will be posted on SAM.gov. The document underscores NASA’s effort to engage industry stakeholders in the acquisition process, emphasizing transparency and communication to enhance competition in securing helium supplies. Prospective offerors are urged to monitor SAM.gov for updates regarding the acquisition.
    The file outlines a Request for Proposal (RFP) by NASA for the agency-wide supply of gaseous and liquid helium. This indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity (IDIQ) contract is structured to facilitate the purchase of helium over multiple periods, including a base period from October 1, 2025, to September 30, 2027, and three option periods through September 30, 2030. Key elements include delivery specifications, pricing adjustments according to diesel fuel costs, and numerous clauses from the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) relevant to contract compliance and performance specifications. Various NASA centers will issue delivery orders, with specified annual estimated quantities and delivery locations across the United States. Additionally, the document describes pricing structures, delivery charges, and conditions for emergency requirements and contractor responsibilities. Emphasizing safety, quality assurance, and inspection processes, this RFP illustrates NASA’s commitment to maintaining high operational standards while meeting helium supply needs essential for its aerospace missions.
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