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

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).