Outdoor Liquid Nitrogen Delivery System Upgrade
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 Standards and Technology (NIST) is conducting market research via a Sources Sought Notice for an Outdoor Liquid Nitrogen Delivery System Upgrade at its Boulder, CO campus. This initiative aims to identify potential sources for replacing the Adjustable Pressure Phase Separator (APPS) and upgrading the Liquid Nitrogen Fill Station to an automated system. Responses are due April 16, 2026.
Scope of Work
NIST seeks to upgrade its liquid nitrogen delivery system to support state-of-the-art research activities. The upgrade involves two main components:
- Adjustable Pressure Phase Separator (APPS) Replacement: The new APPS unit must receive low-temperature, high-pressure nitrogen, separate it into liquid nitrogen and nitrogen gas, and deliver liquid nitrogen at a reduced pressure to a permanent transfer line.
- Automated Liquid Nitrogen Fill Station Replacement: The new fill station must transfer liquid nitrogen from a supply line to standard commercial dewars (e.g., 196 L and 230 L) via the dewar's liquid fill port. It must also collect exhaust, monitor exhaust contents, and automatically shut off when the dewar is full. Both replacements include removal of existing units, installation, and on-site testing. The system must comply with all relevant industry codes, regulations, and safety requirements.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Sources Sought / Market Research
- Agency: National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), Department of Commerce
- Place of Performance: Boulder, CO
- Set-Aside: None specified
- Response Due: April 16, 2026, 5:00 PM ET
- Questions Due: April 6, 2026, 5:00 PM ET
- Published: April 2, 2026
Response Requirements
Respondents should provide:
- Company details (name, address, contact, UEI).
- Equipment details (manufacturer, model, technical specifications, reseller status).
- Performance capabilities, customization limits, and suggestions for improving specifications.
- Manufacturing location (US or foreign) and any planned changes.
- Small business status for the NAICS code, or suggest an alternative NAICS.
- Available services (installation, training, maintenance).
- Standard terms and conditions of sale (delivery, warranty, manuals, cleanup, renovation services).
- Published pricing or links.
- Federal Supply Schedule contract information, if applicable.
- Customer references.
- Any other valuable information for NIST. Responses are limited to 2 pages and should not include proprietary information.
Additional Notes
This is a market research notice only and does not constitute a commitment by NIST to issue a solicitation or award a contract. The government is not obligated to pay for information provided. Responses to this notice will not be considered an adequate response to any future solicitation.