Bid Amendment Argon Helium and Nitrogen gases SPO 6.29.26.docx

This is a Bid Amendment document for the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) responding to vendor questions regarding IFB 26-532EPA-LAB53-B-52729 for laboratory-grade gases. The IEPA seeks a five-year contract for the supply of Argon, Helium, and Nitrogen gases, all of Ultra High Purity (99.99% purity) in T-size tanks, along with Air Breathing gas in T-size tanks. The gases will be ordered regularly throughout the contract term as needed by IEPA. The amendment clarifies that the IEPA has existing tanks that require refilling rather than new tank supply, and that a nitrogen generator is not being requested. The contract will commence upon execution, with bids originally due July 2, 2026. Vendor questions and responses are submitted through the BidBuy platform and posted as bid amendments.

Pricing shall be submitted on a per-unit basis for each gas type, with costs remaining fixed throughout the five-year initial term. Award will be made to the lowest priced responsive and responsible bidder. Domestic product preference applies, requiring vendors to affirmatively declare U.S. manufacturing; the State will purchase foreign alternatives only if they cost 12 percent or more less than domestic products. All bids must remain firm for 90 days from opening. Vendors must submit a Vendor Disclosure or active IPG registration, an Offer to the State of Illinois, and applicable Business Enterprise Program and Veterans Small Business Program Utilization Plans. For contracts valued over $100,000, vendors must disclose lobbyists and all current and pending state contracts. A $15 administrative fee applies for contracts valued at $1,000 or more. The contract may be partially or fully funded with Federal funds, with the funding percentage and dollar amount disclosed upon notice of award.