Cryogenic Microbulk Microbulk 3000-Liter Liquid Argon

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This Request for Proposal (RFP) is for Fermi Forward Discovery Group LLC (FFDG) to procure cryogenic microbulk 3000-liter liquid argon Dewars and associated connector assemblies for Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory (Fermilab). This is not a purchase order, and FFDG anticipates procurement of these items.

• One (1) Cryogenic microbulk ASME industrial 3000-liter liquid argon Dewar.

• One (1) Connector assembly, argon tongue flange, 1.5", with dust cap and copper fill gasket.

• The Dewar must meet attached Technical Requirement Specifications.

• Product will be FOB Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory (Fermilab, Batavia, IL).

• Basis for Award: Low Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA) source selection. Award will be made to the responsible supplier with a technically acceptable proposal offering the lowest evaluated price. FFDG intends to award without discussions.

• Proposal Submission Deadline: May 8, 2026, 4:00 PM CT.

• Questions Deadline: May 4, 2026, 4:00 PM CT.

• Required Documents: Completed RFP page with price, completed SARC (Subcontractor Annual Reps & Certs), and PUR-466 (Proposal Certifications).

• Not specified in this document.

• FFDG General Terms and Conditions for Commercial Products and Commercial Services (8.2025) apply. These are available at: https://procurement.fnal.gov/terms-conditions/

• Materials, supplies, or services are for work done under Prime Contract NO. DE AC02 07CH11359 with the U.S. Department of Energy.

• Any items covered by G.S.A. Contracts should be indicated.

• Contractual questions should be directed to Grace Gomez at ggomez@fnal.gov or 630-840-2840.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document is a Request for Proposal (RFP) from Fermi Forward Discovery Group LLC (FFDG) for the procurement of cryogenic microbulk liquid argon Dewars and associated connector assemblies. This is not a purchase order, and FFDG is seeking firm fixed prices for the items.

• One (1) Cryogenic microbulk ASME industrial 3000-liter liquid argon Dewar.

• One (1) Connector assembly, argon tongue flange, 1.5", with dust cap and copper fill gasket.

• The items are to be provided "as is" with fill, as detailed in the attached Technical Requirement Specifications.

• The product will be FOB Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory (Fermilab, Batavia, IL).

• The solicitation references FFDG General Terms and Conditions for Commercial Products and Commercial Services (8.2025), available online.

• Proposals are due by May 8, 2026, 4:00 PM CT.

• The evaluation method is Low Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA).

• Award will be made to the responsible supplier with a technically acceptable proposal and the lowest evaluated price.

• FFDG intends to award without discussions.

• The RFP response must include a completed RFP page with pricing, a completed SARC (Subcontractor Annual Reps & Certs), and PUR-466 (Proposal Certifications).

• Not specified in the provided document pages.

• Questions regarding the solicitation must be submitted by May 4, 2026, 4:00 PM CT.

• All contractual questions should be directed to Grace Gomez at ggomez@fnal.gov or 630-840-2840.

• The work is performed under Prime Contract NO. DE AC02 07CH11359 with the U.S. Department of Energy.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document outlines the technical requirements for the purchase of a 3,000-liter Liquid Argon Microbulk Dewar for the Proton Assembly Building (PAB) at Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory (FNAL). The Dewar is intended for cryogenic microbulk ASME industrial liquid argon service with vaporizers.

• Dewar Specifications: Cryogenic Microbulk ASME industrial liquid argon service, integrated hot dipped galvanized (or similar) skid, forklift accessibility, lifting lugs, plumbing for quick telemetry/remote monitoring, all stainless-steel construction, designed for outdoor use, drop shipped to FNAL.

• Volume: 3,000 liters suitable for liquid argon.

• Footprint: Maximum 83" x 70" (with vaporizers); height is not restricted.

• Working Pressure: Rated to or greater than 250 psig, preferably to 500 psig. Vessel, components, and safety devices must meet Code Compliance section requirements.

• Operation: Gaseous and liquid argon withdrawal. Operating pressure range from 100 psig to 200 psig (relief set pressure), with normal operating pressure at 160 psig.

• Safety Devices: Pressure and vacuum relief devices sized and rated per ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code (BPVC) Section VIII or CGA S-1.3. Dual relief circuit with diverter valve. Relief valves set to a maximum operating pressure of 200 psig.

• Interfaces: VCR preferred for LAr and GAr withdrawal. LAr withdrawal line minimum 1/2" tube, preferably 1". GAr withdrawal line minimum 1/2" tube.

• Placement: To be placed on an existing concrete pad (70" wide by 83" deep) at FNAL.

• Instrumentation: Level and pressure instrumentation (4-20 mA or 0-10 VDC preferred), vacuum gauge readout ports with isolating valves. Plumbed for quick telemetry/remote monitoring.

• Documentation: Vendor must provide process flow diagram, compliance documentation, pressure safety device sizing calculations, 3-D model, performance data, warranty information, fill rate, and fill connection type.

• Vaporizer: Must include a pressure building and a gas use vaporizer.

• Code Compliance: Demonstration of compliance with national codes (preferred: ASME BPVC Section VIII). Alternatives may be proposed and are subject to FNAL approval.

• Signage: Weatherproof process flow diagram, valve identification, ASME stamp, NFPA Triangle, and related information.

• Not specified in this document.

• Not specified in this document.

• Not specified in this document.

• The document includes a "Fermilab Safety Code Requirements" form that vendors must complete to verify minimum safety codes have been met for the inner pressure vessel, relief devices, and piping.

• Connection types (VCR) are subject to change based on vendor discussions.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, "Proposal Certifications," outlines various certifications and representations required from offerors for proposals exceeding certain dollar thresholds. It serves as a checklist and attestation form for compliance with federal acquisition regulations.

• Certifications #1 (Required for all proposals ≥ $10,000): Covers Export/Import Control, including offeror's point of contact, and representations regarding specially designed items for military/space applications or those listed on the US Munitions List or Commerce Control List. It also includes the "Buy American – Construction Materials" clause (52.225-9) with detailed definitions and requirements for domestic content.
• Certifications #2 (Required for all proposals ≥ $150,000): Includes the "Certificate of Independent Price Determination" (52.203-2), "Certification and Disclosure Regarding Payments to Influence Certain Federal Transactions" (52.203-11), and "Certification Regarding Responsibility Matters" (52.209-5), addressing debarment, convictions, tax delinquencies, and contract terminations. It also covers patent rights and employment reports (VETS-4212).
• Certifications #3 (Required for all proposals ≥ $550,000): Addresses "Combatting Trafficking in Persons" (52.222-50) and "Certification Regarding Trafficking in Persons Compliance Plan" (52.222-56), requiring compliance plans and due diligence for work performed outside the U.S. or for services exceeding $550,000.
• Revision Table: Details changes made to the document across various revisions, including name changes, clause updates, and form field fixes.

Bidders must carefully review and complete the relevant sections of this document based on the anticipated value and nature of their proposal. Failure to provide accurate certifications can impact the evaluation of their offer and potentially render them non-responsible or ineligible for award. Specific attention should be paid to Buy American requirements, export controls, and certifications related to ethical business practices and compliance with federal regulations.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, "FFDG General Terms and Conditions for Commercial Products and Commercial Services (08/2025)", outlines the standard terms and conditions that will govern subcontracts for commercial products and services entered into by Fermi Forward Discovery Group, LLC (FFDG) for the operation and management of the Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory. It serves as a foundational document for potential subcontractors, detailing their rights and responsibilities.

This document is comprehensive and covers numerous clauses, including:

• General Provisions: Definitions, scope of subcontract, independent contractor status, assignment, acceptance, and standard of performance.
• Payment, Inspection, Licenses, and Permits: Terms related to payment, FFDG's right to inspect, and the subcontractor's obligation to maintain licenses.
• Changes and Modifications: Procedures for FFDG to order changes and for subcontractors to request equitable adjustments.
• Indemnification and Liabilities: Subcontractor's responsibility for losses, assumption of risk, theft, warranty obligations, suspect/counterfeit parts, limitation of liability, and excusable delays.
• Termination and Non-Waiver of Defaults: Conditions under which FFDG may terminate the subcontract and the non-waiver of defaults.
• Laws and Regulations; Disputes; Applicable Law: Compliance with laws, dispute resolution processes (negotiation, mediation, arbitration/litigation), and applicable law (Illinois law if Federal law does not apply).
• Release of Information: Restrictions on disclosing information related to the subcontract.
• Notifications: Requirements for subcontractors to notify FFDG of actions, claims, or circumstances jeopardizing performance.
• Entire Agreement and Order of Precedence: Defines the scope of the subcontract agreement and how to resolve inconsistencies.
• Site and Facilities Access: Requirements for subcontractor personnel accessing Fermilab facilities, including restrictions on foreign nationals.
• Environment, Safety & Health (ES&H): Subcontractor's responsibilities for protecting health and safety and complying with environmental regulations.
• Stop-Work Order: FFDG's authority to issue stop-work orders and potential adjustments.
• Insurance: Subcontractor's obligation to comply with insurance requirements.
• Information Technology Acquisitions: Requirements for IT to be compliant with security policies and IPv6 standards.
• Special Government Flow Down Provisions: Incorporation of numerous FAR and DEAR clauses applicable to commercial products and services, with specific conditions based on subcontract value.

This document is critical for any potential bidder as it establishes the fundamental contractual obligations, rights, and responsibilities that will apply if they are awarded a subcontract. Bidders must review these terms carefully to understand the legal, financial, and operational requirements, including those related to performance, liability, dispute resolution, safety, and compliance with government regulations. Failure to comply with these terms can lead to termination or other adverse actions. The extensive list of incorporated FAR and DEAR clauses highlights the significant regulatory framework governing the subcontract.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, "Subcontractor Annual Representations & Certifications (SARC)," is a form required by Fermi Forward Discovery Group, LLC for subcontractors. It collects essential business and compliance information from potential subcontractors to ensure adherence to various federal statutes, executive orders, and regulations related to government contracting.

• Offeror Information: Collects details such as Offeror Name, Parent Company Name, address, contact information, EIN/TIN, DUNS#, NAICS code, and SAM.gov registration status.
• Business Category: Gathers information on ownership (U.S. Owned, Foreign Owned), operating structure (Corporation, LLC, Partnership, etc.), and common parentage.
• Small Business Classifications: Allows the offeror to self-certify as a Large Business, Small Business, or Foreign Business, and to select specific small business diversity categories (e.g., Woman-Owned, Veteran-Owned, HUBZone).
• Executive Compensation: Requires reporting of names, titles, and compensation for the top five executives if certain federal financial assistance thresholds are met.
• Offeror Responsibility: Includes certifications regarding accounting systems, responsible business practices (e.g., prohibiting trafficking of persons, forced labor), and employment eligibility verification (E-Verify).
• Export/Import Control Certifications: Requires agreement to comply with U.S. export control laws and regulations.
• Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Certifications: Includes representations regarding limitations on pass-through charges for cost-reimbursement subcontracts.
• Certification: A final section for a duly authorized representative to certify the accuracy of all statements.

This form is critical for any entity seeking to subcontract with Fermi Forward Discovery Group, LLC. Bidders must accurately complete all relevant sections to demonstrate their eligibility, compliance with federal requirements, and business status. Failure to complete this form correctly may impact the ability to be considered for an award or to proceed with a subcontract. The certifications provided are effective for 12 months from the signature date, and any changes in status must be promptly reported.