Helium Refill Services; New Solicitation

The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), part of the National Institutes of Health, is seeking helium refill services for a Bruker AV4400N NMR system with an Ascend 400 cryogenic magnet located at their Bethesda, MD facility. The solicitation requires a qualified technician to perform approximately three liquid helium refills per year using a 60L transfer dewar, with the ability to provide magnet quench recovery services if needed. Quotes must be submitted via email to francesca.alvarez@nih.gov and through SAM.gov by January 22, 2025 at 4:00 PM ET. The contract will be awarded on a best value basis, considering technical capability, past performance, and price. Evaluation criteria will include the vendor's ability to meet specific technical requirements, such as filling helium levels to >90% (preferably >98%) and working within the facility's 110-inch ceiling height limitation.

This procurement is not a small business set-aside and will be conducted as a full and open competition in the open market. The current incumbent, Bruker, has provided services for four consecutive years but will not offer option years due to helium supply concerns. The Independent Government Cost Estimate values the contract at $21,090 for a one-year term from February 1, 2025, through January 31, 2026. The work will be performed in Building 10, room B2C308 at the NIH Clinical Center, with access through laboratory 10/B2C315. Potential challenges include volatile liquid helium supplies and limited market competition, as previous potential vendors like Triangle Analytical and Tecmag have been unable or unwilling to provide the required services. The contractor must also coordinate with NIBIB personnel for secure facility access and submit monthly invoices through the Department of Treasury's Invoice Processing Platform.