Combined Synopsis/Solicitation for Liquid Nitrogen and Related Services to three NIST campuses

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides responses to vendor questions regarding Solicitation 1333ND26QNB680013, dated February 3, 2026. It clarifies requirements, procedures, and specifications for the liquid nitrogen supply contract.

• Site Visit Attendees: A list of attendees is available as Attachment E.
• GFE Tank Maintenance: The contract covers annual inspection services only. Maintenance and repairs for Government Furnished Equipment (GFE) tanks will be handled as separate purchase card transactions, not under this contract.
• Boulder Tank Installation: A previously noted plan to install a rented tank at the Boulder campus has been canceled. Note 2 regarding this installation has been removed from Attachment B (SOW).
• Charleston Delivery Procedures: Procedures for accessing the bulk tanks in Charleston have been standardized. Delivery drivers will call a provided phone number to have a NIST employee unlock the gate; the driver will not carry a key, and NIST will not monitor deliveries.
• Proof of Delivery (POD): PODs will not be signed by a Government POC, except for a paper POD at the Gaithersburg Building 301 delivery location. Contractors must provide email confirmation of POD to the COR, which will also be included with invoices.
• Delivery Fees: Delivery fees must be included within the offeror's price for the lump sum CLINs and cannot be quoted separately.
• Transition Timeline: Filling of all tanks will begin immediately upon the contract start date. Installation of contractor-owned tanks is targeted for 90 days, requiring coordination for continuous supply.
• Tank Setpoints & Usage: Government requirements for setpoints are in the solicitation. Estimated annual consumption is provided, though daily usage varies. Recent annual inspections were in 2024; reports will not be provided.
• Vaporizer Icing: NIST has experienced vaporizer icing due to high volume, employing switchable vaporizers where needed. Fully iced vaporizers are uncommon.
• Certificates of Analysis (COA): A recent COA for each campus demonstrating liquid nitrogen quality specifications is required at bid submission.
• Insurance Requirements: FAR Clause 52.228-5 (Insurance – Work on a Government Installation) is added. Contractors must affirm they have the required insurance with their offer submission.
• Price Schedule: A revised Price Schedule (Attachment F) is provided, including restructured CLINs for Gaithersburg, Boulder, and Charleston, and incorporating tank rental and telemetry.
• Liquid Nitrogen Specifications: The vendor's proposed 5.0 specification for impurities is not acceptable due to NIST's sensitive measurements.
• Site Surveys: Site surveys for Boulder and Charleston are not scheduled; maps and photos are provided in Attachments G-K.
• Accident Prevention Plan: This plan is required after contract award, not with the RFQ submittal.
• Bid Completeness: Offers must include all CLINs from Attachment F; excluding any CLINs will result in an incomplete offer and disqualification.

This Q&A document amends the solicitation by clarifying requirements, adding a FAR clause for insurance, and providing updated attachments (E, F, G-K). Bidders must ensure their proposals address these clarifications, particularly regarding pricing, insurance, and technical specifications.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a campus map of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Gaithersburg site. It provides a visual overview of the various buildings, facilities, and access points on the campus.

• Labeled buildings with corresponding numbers (e.g., "Administration 101", "Industrial 231", "Advanced Chemical Sciences Laboratory 227").
• Designated gates for entry and exit, with restrictions noted (e.g., "Gate C (Entrance Only)", "Gate E (Closed)").
• Key roads and drives within the campus (e.g., "South Drive", "West Drive", "Interstate 270").
• Specific annotations for bidders:
  • "Report to Building 301 for truck inspection."
  • "Enter Gate C from State Road 124, Quince Orchard Road."

This map is crucial for bidders needing to visit the NIST Gaithersburg site for inspections, deliveries, or other site-specific activities related to an opportunity. It clarifies entry procedures and the location of relevant buildings, ensuring efficient and compliant access to the facility.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is an image attachment, likely a map or diagram, showing the location of the Hollings Marine Laboratory and surrounding roads, specifically Fort Johnson Road. It may be used to provide logistical information or site context for an opportunity.

• Aerial view of the Hollings Marine Laboratory.
• Indication of Fort Johnson Road.
• Red markings suggesting a route or area of interest.
• Red circles highlighting specific points or equipment.

This attachment provides visual context for the physical location of the Hollings Marine Laboratory. Bidders may need to refer to this for site visits, understanding access points, or general logistical planning related to the opportunity.

Statement of Work (SOW) / Performance Work Statement (PWS)

This Statement of Work (SOW) outlines the requirements for the on-demand supply, delivery, and filling services for liquid nitrogen (LN2) across three NIST campuses: Gaithersburg, MD; Boulder, CO; and Charleston, SC. The acquisition also includes rental of tanks, telemetry units, vaporizers, and annual tank inspections.

• Procure, deliver, and fill liquid nitrogen for NIST-owned and rented tanks.

• Provide maintenance and repair for rented tanks.

• Provide rented telemetry units for remote tank monitoring.

• Conduct annual inspections of all tanks (NIST-owned and contractor-owned) in accordance with API Standard 653.

• Provide maintenance and repair for rented telemetry units.

• Responsible for the removal of rented tanks.

• Delivery: Contractor must ensure tanks never run out of LN2. Emergency fills must be completed within six hours of request. Deliveries must be confirmed immediately after completion, including tank levels, gallons delivered, and Certificate of Analysis.

• Telemetry: Readings must be accessible to NIST via a password-protected website.

• Customer Service: 24/7 availability with response within one hour for calls. Knowledgeable representatives for technical and administrative support.

• Liquid Nitrogen Specifications: Specific purity and impurity levels are defined for each campus (Gaithersburg, Boulder, Charleston).

• Period: Not explicitly stated, but implies a multi-year contract based on annual inspections and usage estimates.

• Place: NIST campuses in Gaithersburg, MD; Boulder, CO; and Charleston, SC.

• Equipment: Rented tanks and vaporizers must meet specified performance criteria. NIST-owned tanks are not included in maintenance/repair scope.

• Inspections: Annual inspections required, performed by authorized inspectors, with reports due within 15 days.

• Delivery Drivers: Must be pre-authorized by NIST Security. A list of authorized drivers must be provided within 5 days of award.

• Site Access: Contractor employees must comply with NIST security regulations, including identification badges and vehicle registration.

• Invoicing: One invoice per month per NIST site, submitted in arrears. Invoices must cross-reference delivery confirmations.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a sign-in sheet for a site visit related to "LIQUID NITROGEN" with the site visit identifier "1333ND26QNB680013". The site visit occurred on January 20, 2026, at 10:00 AM.

• Names of attendees
• Titles of attendees
• Organizations represented by attendees

This sign-in log provides a record of companies and individuals who attended the site visit. Bidders can use this information to understand which potential competitors or partners were present, which may offer insights into market interest and engagement with the opportunity.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, "Attachment F Price Schedule.xlsx", contains detailed pricing information for the base year and four option years of the contract. It outlines the quantities, units of measure, and specific line items for tank rentals, preventative maintenance, and telemetry services across various NIST locations.

• Base Year Pricing: Details costs for tank rentals and maintenance at Gaithersburg, Boulder, and Charleston locations.
• Option Year Pricing (Years 1-4): Mirrors the base year structure, providing pricing for subsequent years.
• Itemized Services: Includes specific line items for different tank sizes and types (owned vs. rented), preventative maintenance requests, and tank telemetry.
• Locations: Pricing is broken down by NIST facility, including Gaithersburg (Nanoscale, PML, Office of Facilities), Material Measurement Labs (Buildings 203, 227), Neutron Research Building, Boulder Physical Measurement Lab, and Charleston Marine Environmental/NMR.
• Quantities and UOM: Specifies the 12-month quantity and unit of measure (Gallons, Job, Per Month) for each service.

This pricing schedule is critical for bidders to understand the cost structure associated with providing tank services and maintenance. It will be used to formulate their bids and proposals, ensuring they accurately price each component of the required services for each year of the contract. Bidders must carefully review these schedules to align their pricing strategies with the government's requirements and expected costs.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a map of the NIST Boulder Campus. It provides a visual layout of the facilities, roads, and key locations within the campus.

• Labeled buildings and facilities (e.g., "Maintenance Shop 25", "Cryogenics 02", "Visitor Center 51 Main Gate")
• Road names (e.g., "Curie Rd", "Compton Rd", "Wilson Rd")
• Compass rose indicating North, South, East, and West.
• NIST Boulder Campus Map title.

This map is relevant for bidders who may need to visit the NIST Boulder campus for site visits, meetings, or to understand the physical location of potential work or facilities related to an opportunity. It helps in planning logistics and understanding the campus layout.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is an aerial map of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Boulder campus and surrounding areas. It appears to be an attachment or exhibit related to an opportunity, potentially indicating a location or site for services.

• Identifies key NIST buildings and facilities.
• Shows surrounding streets and landmarks, including "Commerce Children's Center," "NOAA Boulder," and "NIST Guard Station."
• Displays the address "325 Broadway, Boulder, CO 80305."
• A red line traces a route or boundary on the map.

This map provides visual context for the physical location of the opportunity. Bidders may need to reference this map to understand site access, delivery points, or the geographical scope of work if the opportunity involves on-site activities at the NIST Boulder campus.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a campus map of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Gaithersburg campus. It serves as a visual guide to the various buildings and facilities located on the site.

• The map displays numerous buildings labeled with names and corresponding numbers (e.g., "Administration 101", "NIST Center for Neutron Research 235").
• It indicates different areas and types of facilities, such as research laboratories, processing facilities, utility plants, and administrative buildings.
• Major roads and gates within the campus are also depicted.

This map is relevant to bidders by providing a visual understanding of the physical layout of the NIST Gaithersburg campus. This can be helpful for logistical planning, site visits, or understanding the proximity of different facilities if the opportunity involves work at this location.

Statement of Work (SOW) / Performance Work Statement (PWS)

This Statement of Work (SOW) outlines the requirements for the on-demand supply, delivery, and filling services for liquid nitrogen (LN2) to three (3) National Institute of Standards & Technology (NIST) campuses: Gaithersburg, MD; Boulder, CO; and Charleston, SC. The contract also includes rental of associated equipment and annual tank inspections.

• Procure, deliver, and fill liquid nitrogen for NIST-owned and rented tanks across all three campuses.

• Provide and maintain rented tanks, vaporizers, and telemetry units.

• Conduct annual inspections of all covered tanks (NIST-owned and contractor-owned) in accordance with API Standard 653.

• Provide maintenance and repair for rented tanks.

• Remove rented tanks as required.

• Ensure continuous supply of liquid nitrogen, preventing tanks from running out.

• Delivery: Contractor must maintain LN2 supply to prevent tanks from running out. Emergency fills must be completed within six hours (or as agreed). Deliveries must adhere to specific site hours and security protocols.

• Tank Filling: Specific minimum, reorder, and full percentage levels are defined for each tank location. Pressure requirements during filling vary by tank and location.

• Telemetry: Rented telemetry units must provide NIST access to tank readings via a password-protected website.

• Inspections: Annual inspections must be performed by qualified inspectors, with reports submitted within 15 days of completion.

• Customer Service: 24/7 customer service operators must respond within one hour. Knowledgeable representatives must provide technical and administrative support.

• Delivery Confirmation: Immediate confirmation required after each delivery, including specific details like date, time, tank ID, gallons delivered, and Certificate of Analysis.

• Period: Not explicitly stated in the SOW, but inspections are anticipated in January 2026.

• Place: NIST campuses in Gaithersburg, MD; Boulder, CO; and Charleston, SC.

• Equipment: Specific tank sizes, vaporizer requirements, and telemetry unit needs are detailed per location.

• Liquid Nitrogen Specifications: Purity and impurity levels for LN2 are specified for each campus (e.g., 5.4 grade, 99.9994% purity for Gaithersburg and Charleston; 5.3 grade, 99.999% purity for Boulder).

• Driver Authorization: Delivery drivers must be pre-authorized by NIST Security. A list of authorized drivers must be provided post-award.

• Site Access & Security: Contractor employees must comply with NIST security regulations, obtain identification badges, and register vehicles.

• Invoicing: Invoices must be submitted monthly per site, in arrears, and cross-referenced with delivery confirmations.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document provides "Safety Instructions" and an "Outline of a NIST Safety and Health Plan for a Specific Contract." It details the required components and guidelines for contractors to develop and submit a job-specific safety and health plan. This plan is crucial for ensuring compliance with safety regulations and maintaining a safe working environment during contract operations at NIST facilities.

• Signature Sheet: Requires titles, signatures, and phone numbers of the plan preparer, approving officers, and concurring personnel.
• Background Information: Includes contractor details, contract number, project name, project description, and accident experience.
• Responsibilities and Lines of Authorities: Outlines safety responsibilities at corporate and project levels, including lines of authority for subcontractors.
• Subcontractors and Suppliers: Requires identification and means of control for subcontractors and suppliers.
• Training: Details mandatory training and certifications, and requirements for supervisory and employee safety meetings.
• Safety and Health Inspections: Specifies who will conduct inspections, frequency, recording methods, and follow-up procedures.
• Safety and Health Expectations, Incentive Programs, and Compliance: Requires company safety program goals, accident experience goals, incentive programs, and procedures for noncompliance.
• Appendix A: Accident Prevention Provisions for Contractors: Prescribes guidelines and requirements for implementing accident prevention for construction/service contracts.
• Appendix B: Guide for Preparation of Accident Prevention Plans: Provides detailed guidance on preparing accident prevention plans, including instruction and training, accident reporting, sanitation, medical facilities, emergency plans, personal protective equipment, housekeeping, fire prevention, and more.
• Appendix C: Guide for Preparation of an Activity Hazard Analysis (AHA): Offers guidance on preparing AHAs for major phases of work, including identifying hazards and developing controls.
• Appendix D: Sample Activity Hazard Analysis (AHA): Provides a template and example for conducting an AHA.
• Forms: Lists various NIST safety forms to be used, such as Weekly Construction Safety Meeting forms, Contractor Accident Reports, and Safety Inspection Log Sheets.

This document is critical for any bidder responding to an opportunity that requires a safety and health plan. It outlines the specific requirements and expectations for safety compliance, which will be a significant factor in contract performance. Bidders must understand these requirements to accurately estimate costs, develop compliant safety programs, and ensure successful execution of the contract. The detailed appendices and forms provide a clear roadmap for developing the necessary safety documentation.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document provides instructions and requirements for vendors to register for a mandatory site visit related to Solicitation RFQ# 1333ND26QNB680013 for Liquid Nitrogen Recompete at NIST.

• Site Visit Details: Scheduled for January 20, 2026, at 10:00 AM ET at the NIST Gaithersburg, MD campus (Building 215, Entrance Area, 100 Bureau Drive). An alternative date is set for January 22, 2026, in case of weather cancellation.
• Registration Deadline: January 16, 2026, at 10:00 AM ET for U.S. citizens. January 12, 2026, for non-U.S. citizens.
• Required Information for Registration: Company name, full names of all visitors (matching photo ID), email address of each visitor, and country of citizenship. Non-U.S. citizens require additional details: Title, Employer/Sponsor, and Address.
• Access Requirements: Attendees must either have a NIST-issued badge or be registered as a visitor by a NIST employee. Visitors must present valid photo identification (REAL ID Act compliant or federally issued alternatives like a Passport, CAC, etc.) at the Visitor's Registration Center (Main Gate, Gate A).

Vendors planning to attend the site visit must adhere to the specified registration process and deadlines. Failure to register or present proper identification will result in denial of access. Attendance is strongly encouraged, and failure to attend may impact a bidder's ability to claim issues after contract award. This document is critical for understanding site access and registration procedures for this opportunity.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation (RFQ) for commercial products or services, issued under simplified acquisition procedures (FAR 13.5). The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) requires the supply, delivery, and filling services for liquid nitrogen to its Gaithersburg, MD; Boulder, CO; and Charleston, SC campuses. The requirement includes tank rental, telemetry unit rental, vaporizer rental, and annual tank inspections.

• Procurement, delivery, and filling of liquid nitrogen.

• Rental of liquid nitrogen tanks, telemetry units, and vaporizers.

• Maintenance and repair services for rented tanks.

• Annual inspection of NIST-owned tanks.

• Delivery of liquid nitrogen to specified NIST campuses.

• Provision of certificates of analysis for liquid nitrogen quality at each distribution point.

• Anticipated contract type: Firm-Fixed-Price.

• Period of Performance: One (1) 12-month base period (anticipated start April 1, 2026) followed by up to four (4) 12-month option periods.

• Inquiries Deadline: Five (5) calendar days after solicitation issuance.

• Quotation Due Date: February 3, 2026, by 10:00 AM ET.

• Submission Method: Electronic quotations via email to nina.lin@nist.gov and donald.collie@nist.gov.

• Evaluation Criteria: Best value award based on price and non-price factors, with non-price factors being more important than price. Factors include Technical Approach, Experience, Past Performance, and Price.

• Quotation Preparation: Must be clearly written, indexed, and logically assembled into four distinct volumes: Cover Letter, Technical Approach, Experience and Past Performance, Price Quotation, and Terms and Conditions.

• NAICS Code: 325120 (Industrial Gas Manufacturing).

• Small Business Size Standard: 1,200 employees.

• Acquisition is full and open competition.

• Small businesses must submit a subcontracting plan if not certified as a small business.

• A site visit is scheduled for January 20, 2026, at 10:00 AM ET at the NIST Gaithersburg, MD campus. Registration is required via Attachment A.

• Key attachments include: Attachment A (Site Visit Registration), Attachment B (Statement of Work - SOW), and Attachment C (NIST Safety Guidelines).

• Offerors must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM).