Annual Bulk Nitrogen deliveries with 4 option years
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
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Research Service (ARS) Eastern Regional Research Center (ERRC) is soliciting quotations for annual bulk liquid nitrogen deliveries and the provision and maintenance of associated equipment. This opportunity is issued as a Request for Quotation (RFQ) and is a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) set-aside. The anticipated award is a firm-fixed price requirements contract for one base year and four option years, totaling five years. Proposals are due by February 13, 2026.
Scope of Work
The contractor will provide regular delivery of an estimated 8,500,000 standard cubic feet (scf) of liquid nitrogen annually to the ERRC facility in Wyndmoor, PA. Key responsibilities include:
- Providing and maintaining a 6,000-gallon bulk liquid nitrogen tank, gasifier/vaporizer, and ancillaries to supply gaseous nitrogen at 90 PSIG to multiple bench services.
- Ensuring the supplied tank also serves an existing liquid fill station.
- Supplying and maintaining a telemetry system for remote fill level monitoring and automated delivery scheduling, with an online account for government access to real-time viewing and historical reporting.
- Guaranteeing uninterrupted nitrogen services during the transition from the current supplier, including temporary services until new equipment is operational.
Contract Details
- Opportunity Type: Combined Synopsis/Solicitation (RFQ)
- Set-Aside: Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB)
- NAICS Code: 325120 (Small Business Size Standard: 1,200 Employees)
- Award Type: Firm-Fixed Price Requirements Contract
- Duration: One base year and four one-year option periods (total 5 years)
- Place of Performance: USDA, ARS, ERRC, 600 East Mermaid Lane, Wyndmoor, PA 19038
- Questions Due: February 6, 2026, at 4:00 PM Central Time (email: lynn.hults@usda.gov)
- Proposals Due: February 13, 2026, at 5:00 PM Eastern Time (22:00:00Z)
Evaluation & Award
Award will be made to the offeror representing the best value to the Government based on Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA) criteria, in accordance with FAR 12.203.
- Price: Offerors must submit pricing for all line items, including the base period, all option periods, and a potential six-month extension under FAR 52.217-8. Prices will be evaluated for fairness and reasonableness.
- Technical Acceptability: Offers will be evaluated as "acceptable" or "unacceptable" based on the ability to meet all requirements and demonstrate a thorough understanding.
- Past Performance: May be evaluated using provided references (three relevant and recent), USDA contract history, and CPARS. The lowest priced technically acceptable offer with acceptable or neutral past performance will be selected.
Special Requirements
Contractors must comply with Service Contract Labor Standards, including the provided Wage Determination for Pennsylvania counties (Bucks, Chester, Montgomery). Coordination with the current vendor (Airgas) regarding existing equipment or plans for replacement is required. A monthly fixed price for the bulk nitrogen tank, gasifier, ancillaries, and telemetry service must be included as a separate line item in the proposal.