UNSPSC 12142113: Liquid helium

Liquid helium is a cryogenic fluid, helium in a liquid state at an extremely low temperature.

UNSPSC 12142113 Liquid helium, a Commodity code, covers the supply of ultra-high-purity liquid and gaseous helium to state and local laboratories, research facilities, and specialized industrial operations. State and local governments procure helium primarily for laboratory and analytical instrumentation—mass spectrometry, cryogenic research, gas chromatography, and related scientific applications—often bundled with nitrogen and argon in multi-gas procurement vehicles. Helium appears in recent solicitations alongside argon and nitrogen, reflecting the tendency for state environmental protection agencies and college laboratories to consolidate gas procurement into single contracts. The issuing body mix spans state environmental protection agencies (Illinois EPA), community colleges and college districts (Collin College, Collin County Community College District), forensic science institutes (Harris County Institute of Forensic Science), and specialized state agencies. Most helium procurement is driven by operational laboratory needs rather than by high-volume industrial demand.

Recent activity concentrates in Texas and Illinois. The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency posted two successive IFBs for argon, helium, and nitrogen gases in June and July 2026 (solicitation 27532EPAFISCPB53314, due July 30, 2026; solicitation 26532EPALAB53B52729, due July 9, 2026), each specifying ultra-high-purity helium (99.99% minimum) in T-size cylinders for laboratory operations at Springfield facilities. Collin College and Collin County Community College District each solicited three-year welding materials contracts (FY2024ITB020 and FY2024ITB024, both posted July 7, 2026) that include helium and specialty gases; the Harris County Institute of Forensic Science issued an ITB for specialty chemicals and industrial gases due July 20, 2026. The State of Texas Comptroller conducted a statewide RFI for laboratory, medical, and welding gases including helium across 25 TxDOT Highway Districts (RFI 304T26430M2, March 25, 2026). Illinois also extended a standing contract for oxygen cylinder rentals (JPMC extension notice 26416CMSBOSS4B52754, June 24, 2026). Contracts typically run three to five years with firm pricing for the initial term. Illinois requires domestic product preference with a 12 percent cost threshold for foreign alternatives, and Standard Illinois Certifications apply. No set-asides for small, minority, or disadvantaged businesses appear in the recent helium-specific solicitations; Texas and Florida procurements encourage or consider MBE, WBE, and VBE participation when applicable. Helium supply is a lower-frequency, lower-visibility code relative to nitrogen and oxygen procurement, with opportunities concentrated among state research and environmental agencies and technical education institutions.