Notice of Intent
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 USDA Forest Service, Forest Products Laboratory has issued a Notice of Intent to award a sole source contract to Airgas USA, LLC for the supply of liquid nitrogen. This procurement is critical for maintaining the cryogenic stability of sensitive laboratory instruments and preserving fungal cultures, valued at over $2,500,000. This is not a request for competitive proposals.
Scope of Work
The requirement is for the continuous supply of liquid nitrogen to the Forest Products Laboratory in Wisconsin. This nitrogen is essential to:
- Maintain cryogenic stability for CFMR’s sensitive laboratory instruments.
- Preserve cryogenically preserved fungal cultures, preventing a loss of over $2,500,000 in government property.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Special Notice (Notice of Intent to Award Sole Source)
- Anticipated Awardee: Airgas USA, LLC
- Justification: Sole source under FAR Part 6.302-1 (only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements).
- Set-Aside: 8(a) Sole Source (FAR 19.8)
- Response Due: May 3, 2026, 08:00 AM ET
- Published: April 30, 2026
Action Items
Interested parties who believe they can meet this requirement and that competition would be advantageous to the Government are invited to submit clear and convincing evidence of their capability. Responses will be considered solely to determine if a competitive procurement should be conducted. No reimbursement for providing capability information will be provided.
Contact Information
Primary Point of Contact: Mikaela Laney (mikaela.laney@usda.gov)