Notice of Intent to Sole Source Liquid Helium Supply and Liquid Helium Pump Lease for NASA/KSC
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
NASA/John F. Kennedy Space Center (KSC) has issued a Special Notice indicating its intent to award a sole source contract to Air Products and Chemicals, Inc. (APCI) for the supply of bulk liquid helium (LHe) and the lease of six LHe pumps. This requirement supports critical space launch operations at KSC and Cape Canaveral Space Force Station (CCSFS). Interested organizations may submit capabilities by February 11, 2026, at 4:30 PM ET.
Scope of Work
The requirement is for the supply of bulk LHe and the lease of six LHe pumps to support operations at the KSC Converter Compressor Facility (CCF) and the KSC gaseous helium (GHe) supply pipeline. This pipeline serves both KSC and CCSFS. The GHe conversion system and CCF are launch-critical elements, requiring very high pressure (6000 psi) and flow rates (1500-1800 scfm) that exceed typical commercial supply lines.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Special Notice (Notice of Intent to Sole Source)
- Set-Aside: None (Sole Source)
- Response Due: February 11, 2026, 4:30 PM ET
- Published: January 26, 2026
Justification for Sole Source
NASA/KSC intends to sole source to APCI because APCI was identified as having the only operational LHe pump known to meet the required performance criteria, including peak pressure and flow rate, essential for supporting launches. Due to the proprietary nature of APCI's LHe pumps, only LHe from APCI can be utilized with these pumps. The statutory authority cited is FAR Part 6.302-1, "Only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements." This requirement is considered a commercial item.
Action Items
Interested organizations capable of performing this effort may submit their qualifications electronically to Rose Dougherty, Contracting Officer, at rose.a.dougherty@nasa.gov. Submissions must be received by the response deadline. These submissions will be evaluated to determine if the acquisition should be conducted on a competitive basis. The Government retains discretion regarding the decision to compete.
Additional Notes
NASA Clause 1852.215-84, Ombudsman, is applicable. The Center Ombudsman for this acquisition is Mr. Edwin Martinez (Edwin.Martinez-1@nasa.gov or (321) 867-1699).