Helium RFI 80SSC023K0004.pdf

Request for Information (RFI)

Posting Date (Est): August 9, 2023 NAICS Code: 325120 - Industrial Gas Manufacturing (1,200 employees) Set-Aside Code: N/A Title: Helium Compression System Question Due Date and Time: August 18, 2023 Response Date: September 11, 2023 Primary Point of Contact: Travis A. Sippel Secondary Point of Contact: Chuck Heim Reference: 80SSC023K0004

THIS IS NOT A REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL. NO PROPOSALS ARE TO BE SUBMITTED IN

RESPONSE TO THIS NOTICE.

This notice is issued by the NASA / Stennis Space Center (SSC) to post a Request for Information (RFI) to solicit responses from interested parties. This document is for information and planning purposes and to allow industry the opportunity to verify reasonableness and feasibility of the requirement, as well as promote competition.

Abstract:

Stennis Space Center (SSC) currently has a gaseous helium (He) compression system that utilizes industrial scale compressors which, in turn, utilize cooling towers and a cross-country site-wide distribution piping network to provision its multiple test stands with high-purity, high-pressure gaseous helium. He is primarily used as a pressurant during hot fire static engine testing and as an occasional purge gas. SSC historically consumes 7,000,000 SCF per year of He and is anticipating an increased need to the current consumption rate. This RFI’s objective is to seek price differences for multiple options, each option defined by flow rates for three separate options: Option 1:

maximum flow rate of up to: 200 SCFM; Option 2: 400 SCFM; and Option 3: 700 SCFM. The system should have a design pressure of up to 6,000 psig to replace the existing system. The objective is to have the He discharged through SSC’s existing piping network. SSC will provide adequately prepared physical space, electrical utilities (up to transformer(s)), makeup cooling water, interface tie-in valves and piping. The awardee will provide a system that will provide high purity helium at a flow rate and pressure in accordance with the following technical specifications. The awardee will also provide complete system maintenance and support services.

Desired Operational Model:

• Produce gaseous helium for the following conditions:

o Operate at a nominal pressure of 4,000 psig with capability of operating up to a design pressure of 6,000 psig.

o Projected annual consumption rates of between 7,000,000 SCF – 10,000,000 SCF o Produce at a maximum for each of the following flow rates:

Option 1: 200 SCFM Option 2: 400 SCFM Option 3: 700 SCFM o Maintained by the awardee; including all necessary equipment for pressurization of He, maintenance of the system, and priority service in the event there is a disruption in the required flow rates.

o Allows SSC to operate and control the system based on Stennis Space Center’s operational requirements o SSC will provide required utilities (power, makeup cooling water, access roads, etc.)

Operational parameters:

1. Commodity compression is currently centralized at the High-Pressure Gas Facility (HPGF) . The existing system will remain in place for the near future, but new system is scheduled to eventually replace existing system

2. Required flow rates – 200 SCFM, 400 SCFM or 700 SCFM

3. Operating and design pressure – 4,000 psig operating / 6,000 psig design

4. Minimum site pressure – 1,000 psig

5. Pressure is reduced at Pressure Reducing Areas (PRA) as needed near end points of use.

6. Existing system can provide up to 1,600 scfm. The new helium compression system will replace the existing system.

7. SSC will provide infrastructure up to property limits (i.e. road structure, connectivity piping for product, cooling water piping and cooling water for a recirculating system, electrical transformer, etc.). The awardee will be responsible for civil work and infrastructure internal to the property limits. All interface requirements would be developed with vendor after contract award.

8. Purity – MIL-PRF-27407D, Grade A

SSC is interested in the industry’s input regarding the following questions. Please respond to the following questions in the specified order. If a question is not applicable, include the number in your response and add “NA”. **Clarification questions can be sent to the undersigned at:

Travis.a.Sippel@nasa.gov before 3pm (Local time) on August 21, 2023.

1. Explain the type of contract schedule structure proposed to fulfil this requirement effectively and efficiently. (IE.: lease-to-own, rental with maintenance agreement, outright purchase with maintenance agreement, etc.)

2. Explain how commercial market (industry standard) pricing is structured for this type of requirement.

o The Government’s preferred contract type is Firm Fixed Price (FFP).

Would this be considered a service with a monthly fixed price?

Would this be considered a service with a fixed price per SCFM conversion?

List any other unique considerations and explain. (Economic price adjustment?)

mailto:Travis.a.Sippel@nasa.gov

3. How would the following contract lengths impact price? (IE.: Base with options, Fixed 5 year base and Task Orders issued as needed.)

o 5 year o 10 year o 15 year

4. How would a contract with options impact price? (IE.: 5-year base with options (options exercised based on needs of the Government).)

5. Possible additional fees expected (setup, assembly, removal, etc.)?

6. What size footprint does the suggested system require?

7. SSC will provide a Geotechnical Survey during a Request for Proposal (RFP). What loads would be recommended for use for that survey?

8. Is the suggested system considered Commercial off the Shelf (COTS) or custom designed specific to SSC’s needs?

9. Any subcontracting possibilities for your company associated with this procurement (sufficient in-house capability or any product prequalification requirement (Small Business Plan for large businesses)?

10. Any standard industry terms and conditions ie. warranty, discounts, delivery?

11. Expected approximate length of time that it will take to fabricate and install this helium supply system?

12. Will SSC be required to procure helium from the selected vendor (lessee)?

13. Are there additional questions about infrastructure that need to be answered?

14. What is your SAM Unique Entity ID or DUNS if you have not converted yet?

15. What is your firm’s size standard?

This RFI is not to be construed as a commitment by the Government, nor will the Government pay for the information submitted in response.

All comments or questions shall be submitted electronically via email to Travis A. Sippel, travis.a.sippel@nasa.gov , no later than 3pm Central, August 18, 2023. When responding reference

80SSC023K0004.

NASA Clause 1852.215-84, Ombudsman, is applicable. The Center Ombudsman for this acquisition can be found at : https://www.hq.nasa.gov/office/procurement/regs/Procurement- Ombuds-Comp-Advocate-Listing.pdf mailto:travis.a.sippel@nasa.gov https://www.hq.nasa.gov/office/procurement/regs/Procurement-Ombuds-Comp-Advocate-Listing.pdf https://www.hq.nasa.gov/office/procurement/regs/Procurement-Ombuds-Comp-Advocate-Listing.pdf

If a solicitation is released, then it and any additional documents will be available on www.Sam.gov. It is the offeror's responsibility to monitor this website for the release of the solicitation and amendments (if any). Potential offerors will be responsible for downloading their own copy of the solicitation and amendments, if any.

NASA intends to publicize a listing of respondents in order to facilitate teaming arrangements. Should your firm desire not to be included in this listing, clearly indicate this desire in your response.

Approved:

Charles J. Heim, DA10 Division Chief / Contracting Officer