Notice of Intent to Sole Source - Liquid nitrogen (LN2) Stop-Check and Delivery Service
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 Institutes of Health (NIH), National Cancer Institute (NCI), Center for Cancer Research (CCR), Surgery Branch (SB) intends to award a sole source Firm-Fixed-Price contract to Roberts Oxygen Company, Inc. for Liquid nitrogen (LN2) Stop-Check and Delivery Service. The anticipated base period of performance is May 1, 2026, through April 30, 2027, with an option for additional services.
Scope of Work
This requirement involves the routine monitoring and delivery of NF-grade LN2 to maintain a continuous supply to cryogenic freezers located within the VPF at Bethesda, MD. The service includes stop-check and delivery.
Contract & Timeline
- Contract Type: Firm-Fixed-Price, Sole Source
- Authority: FAR Subpart 13.5, in accordance with FAR 13.106-1(b) and 41 U.S.C. 3304(a)(1)
- Intended Awardee: Roberts Oxygen Company, Inc. (UEI: HF9HCHM74RY5)
- Base Period: May 1, 2026 – April 30, 2027
- Option Period: One option line item for additional monthly service
- NAICS Code: 423450 – Medical, Dental, and Hospital Equipment and Supplies Merchant Wholesalers
- Size Standard: 201 - 500 employees
- Response Due: April 1, 2026, 10:00 A.M. Eastern Time
- Published Date: March 18, 2026
Sole Source Rationale
Market research determined that Roberts Oxygen Company, Inc. is the only vendor with written interest capable of providing the required routine monitoring and delivery of NF-grade LN2. The Government states that substitution with an alternate vendor is not feasible, as no other vendor is available for this indication, and using a non-equivalent vendor would introduce clinical risk.
Action for Other Vendors
This notice is not a request for competitive quotations. However, any responsible source that believes it can provide the required Liquid nitrogen (LN2) Stop-Check and Delivery Service may submit a capability statement demonstrating its ability to meet the Government's requirement. Responses must be submitted via email to Nien-tzu.Wang@hhs.gov by the deadline. Information received will be considered solely for determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement.