Liquid Helium Supply
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 National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), is seeking a contractor for the supply of liquid helium. This is a Combined Synopsis/Solicitation (RFQ), solicitation number 75N94026Q00040, to support research at NIH's Bethesda, MD campus. Quotations are due February 11, 2026, by 9:00 AM EDT.
Purpose & Scope
This requirement aims to secure a reliable supply of clean liquid helium for NIDDK laboratories to cool Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) superconducting magnets and for low-temperature experiments. The estimated annual usage is 5,620 liters. The contractor will deliver liquid helium in vendor-owned 60- and 100-liter dewars to various NIH buildings in Bethesda, MD.
Contractor Requirements
Key requirements include:
- Delivery: Weekly availability with a maximum one-week lead time. Estimated annual orders: 31 x 100L and 42 x 60L dewars.
- Purity: Minimum 99.998% liquid helium purity.
- Dewars: Non-magnetic, wheeled, with functional valves (over-pressure in open position), complete seals, and specific Goddard Compression fitting connectors (1/2" and 3/8"). Dewars must be internally clean and meet maximum helium loss rates (60L: <3%/day; 100L: <2%/day) and minimum delivered volumes (60L: 53L; 100L: 90L).
- Quality: Helium must be clean enough to prevent clogging in NMR magnets and transfer lines.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Firm Fixed Price (FFP) Purchase Order, issued under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (FAR Part 13).
- Solicitation Number: 75N94026Q00040
- NAICS Code: 325120 (Chemical Manufacturing)
- Set-Aside: None (Unrestricted)
- Period of Performance: February 25, 2026, to February 24, 2027.
- Payment Terms: Monthly in arrears.
- Quotations Due: February 11, 2026, 9:00 AM EDT.
- Published Date: January 29, 2026.
Evaluation & Submission
Award will be made to the contractor providing the most advantageous quote, with technical factors outweighing price. Technical acceptability will be assessed based on the Offeror's ability to meet the Scope of Work and Task requirements.
Offerors must submit a completed copy of FAR Clause 52.212-1. Quotations must be emailed to robinsti@mail.nih.gov, referencing "Solicitation number 75N94026Q00040". All questions must also be sent to this email with the solicitation number in the subject line. Contractors must be registered in SAM.gov to be eligible for award.