Helium Certification
Awarded Limited / Sole Source Justification Posted
- Solicitation number
- 20157281
- Agency
-
Customs and Border Protection
Department of Homeland Security
- Set-aside
- No set-aside
Opportunity facts
- Contract number
- 70B02C26C0000000X
- NAICS code
- Not on record
- Place of performance
- Shawnee, Kansas 66203, United States
- Points of contact
Notice details come from SAM.gov. Updated .
About this opportunity
U.S. Customs and Border Protection, a component of the Department of Homeland Security, has awarded a sole-source services contract for rehabilitation and requalification of helium tube trailers on August 31, 2026, under a single responsible source justification.
The contract supports operations of Tethered Aerostat Radar Systems (TARS), Argos Tactical Maritime Surveillance Systems (TMSS), and Tactical Aerostat System (TAS) across CBP's Southern Border, Florida Keys, and Caribbean operational areas. Market research and a Request for Information issued in March 2025 identified only one vendor capable of meeting all government requirements: helium trailer certification capability, three-month maximum turnaround per trailer, centralized location near operational sites, and storage capacity for up to 30 trailers. CBP currently operates 30 trailers across seven TARS sites, two TMSS sites, and four TAS sites, with six trailers currently out of certification or nearing expiration. Non-award would result in interruption of helium supply and potential loss of 24/7/365 surveillance capability across multiple operational areas, creating significant national security implications.
The contract authority is 41 U.S.C. 3304(a)(1). The vendor operates a testing facility in Amarillo, Texas, with central proximity to five of seven TARS sites, one of two TMSS sites, and all four TAS sites. The contract value does not exceed $9 million and is funded with Fiscal Year 2026 Operations and Support funds. The contract award is designated PSC 8145 (Specialized Shipping and Storage Containers).
Notice text
The DAPS Directorate requires a services-oriented contract that will provide directions
and methodology for rehabilitation and requalification of helium tube trailers.
Awarded contract 70B02C26C0000000X to unknown vendor for unknown amount on 2026-08-31.
Files
| File | Type | Posted |
|---|---|---|
| Helium_Certification_JA_Redacted 8.4.26.pdf |
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