Notice of Intent to Sole Source Helium-3
ID: NB687000-25-02129Type: Special Notice
Overview

Buyer

COMMERCE, DEPARTMENT OFNATIONAL INSTITUTE OF STANDARDS AND TECHNOLOGYUS

NAICS

Industrial Gas Manufacturing (325120)

PSC

MEDICAL GASES (6835)

Original Source

https://sam.gov/opp/3182a9cdcaac483eaf5ffc690630d4f4/view
Timeline
    Description

    The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is seeking to procure Helium-3 gas on a sole-source basis from Linde Gas & Equipment, Inc. for its Quantum Sensors Group, which requires the gas for advanced refrigeration systems that enable high-performance sensor technology. The procurement involves supplying 30 standard temperature and pressure liters of gaseous Helium-3 with an atomic purity exceeding 99.9%, delivered in a securely valved vessel compatible with standard gas manifold connections, within eight weeks after receipt of order. Interested parties that can meet these specifications must submit their capabilities in writing to the primary contact, Lisa Stevens, at lisa.stevens@nist.gov by the response deadline, as this notice is not a solicitation but a means to assess potential competition for the contract expected to be awarded by July 1, 2025.

    Point(s) of Contact
    Lisa Stevens
    (252) 422-2097
    lisa.stevens@nist.gov
    Files
    Title
    Posted
    NB687000-25-02129 Requirements and Specifications.pdf
    The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Physical Measurements Laboratory is requesting proposals for the supply of gaseous Helium-3, specifically for use by its Quantum Sensors Group. Helium-3 is essential for advanced refrigeration systems that achieve milliKelvin temperatures, enabling state-of-the-art sensor performance for both foundational and applied scientific research. The primary requirements delineated in the request include the provision of 30 standard temperature and pressure liters of gaseous Helium-3 with an atomic purity exceeding 99.9%. Additionally, the isotope must be delivered in a securely valved vessel compatible with standard gas manifold connections. Contractors are responsible for shipping, which must reach the specified NIST address within eight weeks after receipt of order (ARO). The document outlines minimal requirements for potential vendor visits, shipping considerations, and any necessary electronic documentation. It also notes that warranty, training, and maintenance requirements are not applicable for this procurement. The overall purpose of this RFP is to facilitate the procurement of specialized materials critical for advancing quantum sensor technology, emphasizing both the purity of the material and the conditions of its delivery.
    Lifecycle
    Title
    Type
    Notice of Intent to Sole Source Helium-3
    Currently viewing
    Special Notice
    Helium-3
    Sources Sought
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