Compressed Gas

This Sources Sought Notice is being published for the purpose of conducting Market Research to obtain information regarding the availability and capability of all qualified sources to perform a potential requirement. This is not a solicitation. All costs associated with providing information, as requested by this Sources Sought Notice, shall be the responsibility of the submitter. Submission is voluntary.
The contractor shall furnish specialty gases and related accessories for U.S. Geological Survey laboratory and research facilities located within the Boulder/Denver metropolitan area. Estimated quantities are for the basic contract period. No claims shall be made against the U.S. Geological Survey for an excess or deficiency of such quantities within the limitations set forth herein. The Government reserves the right to require less than the quantities set forth or to unilaterally order additional quantities at the unit prices specified. Orders for supplies to be furnished under this contract shall be placed unilaterally by the Contracting Officer or authorized purchase card holders. All prices for each type of gas shall include all transportation costs and any other delivery charges normally assessed.
The contractor shall employ an inventory control or tracking system on each individual cylinder to maintain a rental fee assessment system listing each individual cylinder, dewar, and container cross-referenced by the original delivery order number and by the U.S. Geological Survey's end-user's order account number. The bar-code affixed to the gas cylinder or dewar, at any given time, shall relate to the serial number stenciled on the cylinder or dewar at the time of manufacture. The inventory control system or tracking system shall be such that the location of any cylinder, dewar, or container can be determined at all times.

All cylinders and accessory valves furnished by the contractor shall be free from impurities, have been periodically pressure tested at the contractor's expense, shall be guaranteed in good working order, free of any malfunctions such as leaks, (leakage on dewars less than .56lbs/hr or 13.41 lbs in a 24-hour period [Union Carbide NAR test]) rust, and bleeding and shall meet industry standards. In the event of deficiencies concerning bulk tanks (venting, etc.) the contractor shall respond within four (4) hours of notification by the Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) or the Contracting Officer (CO).

The contractor shall employ an inventory control or tracking system on each individual cylinder to maintain a rental fee assessment system listing each individual cylinder, dewar, and container cross-referenced by the original delivery order number and by the U.S. Geological Survey's end-user's order account number. The bar-code affixed to the gas cylinder or dewar, at any given time, shall relate to the serial number stenciled on the cylinder or dewar at the time of manufacture. The inventory control system or tracking system shall be such that the location of any cylinder, dewar, or container can be determined at all times.

All cylinders and accessory valves furnished by the contractor shall be free from impurities, have been periodically pressure tested at the contractor's expense, shall be guaranteed in good working order, free of any malfunctions such as leaks, (leakage on dewars less than .56lbs/hr or 13.41 lbs in a 24-hour period [Union Carbide NAR test]) rust, and bleeding and shall meet industry standards. In the event of deficiencies concerning bulk tanks (venting, etc.) the contractor shall respond within four (4) hours of notification by the Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) or the Contracting Officer (CO).

Interested firms who feel that they can provide the item (based upon the criteria specified herein), are invited to submit in writing an affirmative response to this announcement. An affirmative response must include references with contact names, email address, and phone numbers. These references are to be for contracts similar in scope as the contract under consideration. This information will be evaluated and used to determine if competitive opportunities exist. Affirmative responses must also include supporting information showing the firm can meet all requirements set forth in this announcement.

All responses must be submitted NLT 03/14/2025 at 5:00pm MST via e-mail to: ysornberger@usgs.gov.