Modular Cryogenic Liquid Nitrogen Production System – OEM Equipment Manufacturer Inquiry

Request for Information

1. Purpose
This Request for Information (RFI) is issued to identify qualified original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) capable of supplying a commercial off-the-shelf (COTS), modular, skid-mounted cryogenic air separation unit (ASU) for the production of high-purity liquid nitrogen. The Government is seeking equipment manufacturers only—not general contractors or engineering firms—who can provide the equipment only or equipment with a complete turnkey solution including surrounding infrastructure design, fabrication, delivery, installation, and commissioning of the system.

The produced liquid nitrogen will be routed directly into existing on-site liquid nitrogen storage tanks. The system must be compatible with standard industry transfer connections and designed to integrate seamlessly with existing infrastructure.

Location: Building 3305, High Pressure Gas Facility, Stennis Space Center, MS 39529

2. System Requirements
The proposed system must meet the following minimum technical and operational requirements:

2.1 Production Capacity (2 separate systems being considered)

• Approximately 75 & 100 tons per day (TPD) of liquid nitrogen with (20-25%) turndown capability.
• Grade B Liquid Nitrogen (Reference MIL-PRF-27401)

2.2 Technology

• Cryogenic air separation process only (no membrane or PSA systems)
• Fully automated operation with remote/local/unattended control capabilities

2.3 Design & Footprint

• Modular, skid-mounted, train-style configuration
• Highly prefabricated skids with interconnecting piping and wiring
• Maximum total footprint: 180 ft x 50 ft
• Includes all electrical and cooling equipment (if required)

2.4 Turnkey Scope

• OEM must provide:
  • Complete system design
  • Fabrication and factory testing
  • Delivery and installation
  • Commissioning and activation
  • Operator training and documentation

2.5 Operational Features

• State-of-the-art analytical instrumentation
• User-friendly HMI/SCADA interface
• Designed for ease of installation, operation, and relocation
• Emphasis on cost efficiency, low maintenance, and energy savings
• Must include liquid nitrogen transfer system compatible with existing LN₂ storage tanks (the plant will be up to 50ft to tie-in point)

3. Requested Information – Interested OEMs are requested to submit the following:

1. Company profile, UEI, business size, and relevant experience with cryogenic ASUs
2. Technical specifications of the proposed system
3. System layout drawings or conceptual diagrams
4. Utility requirements (power, water, etc.)
5. Estimated lead time for:
   • Procurement/fabrication
   • Delivery
   • Installation and commissioning
6. Maintenance and support offerings
7. References or case studies of similar systems delivered
8. Manufacturing and U.S. Presence
   • Please include:
     •    Country of manufacture for major system components
     •    U.S.-based presence (e.g., offices, service teams, fabrication facilities)
     •    Availability of U.S.-based technical support and field service personnel
9. Pricing Information
   • Please provide the following pricing details:
     • Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM) pricing for equipment only (75 & 100 TPD systems each) 
     • Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM) pricing for each complete turnkey system
     • Breakdown of pricing by major components (e.g., ASU, instrumentation, skids, installation, etc.)
     • Tariff-impacted pricing: Include any applicable import duties or tariffs
     • Non-tariff pricing: Provide pricing assuming no tariffs or duties apply
     • Notes on tariff origin: Identify any components or subsystems sourced from countries subject to U.S. import tariffs

Additional RFI information
The market research information gathered from this RFI will be used to develop and plan any potential future procurement. Based upon information submitted in response to this RFI, NASA will determine the final content of any future solicitation(s). A determination by the Government not to procure this requirement, based upon responses to this notice, is solely within the discretion of the Government. Although all comments received will be carefully reviewed and considered for inclusion in any possible later action, the initiators of this request make no commitment to include any recommendations. Respondents will NOT be notified of the results of the analysis of submissions received.

This notice should not be construed as a formal Request for Quotation (RFQ) or Proposal (RFP) (solicitation). Responses to this RFI are not offers and cannot be accepted by NASA to form a binding contract. This notice is not to be construed as a commitment by the Government to make a purchase, nor will the Government pay for the information solicited or be held liable for any information obtained.

Submission of any information in response to this notice is completely voluntary. Responses should be based on the material contained in this notice and any other relevant information the contractor thinks appropriate. Comments or suggestions relevant to this requirement are welcome and may also be included in the response. Contractors are welcome to submit any additional documentation that may support their ability to comply with the Government’s requirement.

No solicitation exists; therefore, do not request a copy of the solicitation.

If an ombudsman is needed, contact Melissa Wagner at melissa.r.wagner@nasa.gov.

Acronym       Definition
ASU               Air Separation Unit
BOM              Bill of Materials
COTS            Commercial Off-The-Shelf
DCS              Distributed Control System
DOE              Department of Energy
EPC              Engineering, Procurement, and Construction
FAT               Factory Acceptance Testing
HMI              Human-Machine Interface
HPGF          High Pressure Gas Facility
HVAC           Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning
LN₂               Liquid Nitrogen
MIL-PRF       Military Performance Specification
NASA            National Aeronautics and Space Administration
NFPA            National Fire Protection Association
NFPA 70E    Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace
OEM            Original Equipment Manufacturer
O&M            Operations and Maintenance
PLC             Programmable Logic Controller
PSA             Pressure Swing Adsorption
PSSR          Pre-Startup Safety Review
QA/QC        Quality Assurance / Quality Control
ROM           Rough Order of Magnitude
RFI              Request for Information
SCADA       Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition
SSC            John C. Stennis Space Center
TPD            Tons Per Day
UEI             Unique Entity ID
UPS            Uninterruptible Power Supply
USA            United States of America

Responses to Questions:

1. Will NASA consider an onsite supply agreement for LIN on a BOO basis? The RFI appears to be structured more as an equipment purchase.
   NASA Response: NASA will not consider an agreement for LIN on a BOO Bases. We plan to procure, own, and operate the system.
2. When is the LIN demand from the RFI scope expected to begin?
   NASA Response: This is replacement of current LIN demand. The scope is expected to begin in FY26 depending on available funding and RFI responses.
3. Is this a new LIN demand, or is the scope intended as a cost-savings initiative to replace existing transported LIN supply?
   NASA Response: This is not a new LIN demand, a scope intended as a cost savings initiative to replace existing transported LIN supply. This scope is intended to supply the current LIN Tanks/System.
4. What is the required LIN pressure at the battery limit?
   NASA Response: Our current LIN storage tanks stay under 5 psi. The liquid nitrogen is pumped/vaporized up to 6000 PSI, but usually stays between 3000 – 4000 PSI.
5. Should contractors assume that NASA will provide the necessary cooling water for the system, or should we plan to include our own cooling system?
   NASA Response: The OEM will supply the cooling water system if required.