80KSC023DA010 NASA/KSC Sole Source Supply of LHe and LHe Pump Lease for an additional five years to October 31, 2032.
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
Timeline
Qualification Details
Fit reasons
- NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
- Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
- Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
- Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps
Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.
Quick Summary
NASA Kennedy Space Center (KSC) has issued a Justification for Other Than Full and Open Competition (JOFOC) to extend contract 80KSC023DA010 for the sole-source supply of Liquid Helium (LHe) and lease of LHe pumps. The extension is with Air Products and Chemicals, Inc. (APCI) for an additional five years, from November 1, 2026, to October 31, 2032, with five one-year option periods. The estimated value of this extension is $870 million.
Scope of Work
This extension ensures the continued delivery of bulk Liquid Helium (LHe) and the lease of six proprietary LHe pumps. These resources are critical for supporting KSC's Converter Compressor Facility (CCF) operations and the GHe supply pipeline, which are essential for launch operations.
Contract Details
- Contract Number: 80KSC023DA010
- Contractor: Air Products and Chemicals, Inc. (APCI)
- Type: Sole-Source Extension (Justification for Other Than Full and Open Competition)
- Extension Period: November 1, 2026, to October 31, 2032 (additional five years)
- Option Periods: Five one-year options
- Estimated Extension Value: $870,000,000 for 33,033,400 liters of LHe
- Place of Performance: Orlando, FL
- Product Service Code: 9135 - Liquid Propellant Fuels And Oxidizers, Chemical Base
Justification for Sole Source
Market research, including an RFI published August 22, 2025, and a Notice of Intent to Award published January 26, 2026 (with responses due February 11, 2026), identified only APCI's solution as technically acceptable. APCI's proprietary LHe pumps are deemed essential for meeting performance criteria and are integral to the GHe conversion system. No responses were received to the Notice of Intent. NASA acknowledges current market conditions and APCI's unique position limit competition but will assess future opportunities for increased competition.
Contact Information
For inquiries, contact Rose A. Dougherty at rose.a.dougherty@nasa.gov.