2022 Compressed Laboratory Gases

The Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services, Oregon Occupational Safety and Health is soliciting bids for compressed laboratory gases through Invitation to Bid (ITB) #S-44000-00003475. The procurement covers the acquisition and delivery of specific compressed gases, including acetylene, air, argon, helium, hydrogen, nitrogen, and nitrous oxide, to government facilities in the Portland area. The contract has an initial two-year term with potential renewal options up to 10 years, with the required service start date of June 27, 2022. Bidders must provide comprehensive gas delivery services, including cylinder rentals, with strict delivery requirements: next business day for acetylene and 4 business days for other gases, with deliveries between 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM Monday through Friday, excluding state holidays. Evaluation will focus on the lowest responsible bidder, with the agency reserving the right to award to multiple contractors based on pricing for commonly purchased items. The bid submission deadline is July 6, 2022, at 3:00 PM Pacific Time, and bidders must comply with Oregon Administrative Rules regarding cylinder specifications and gas service requirements.

The procurement includes provisions for Certified Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (COBID), requiring bidders to take reasonable steps to ensure equal opportunity for certified firms in subcontracting opportunities. Bidders must indicate if they are a certified firm and provide a list of their past contractual relationships with certified and non-certified firms. While specific budget ranges are not explicitly detailed, the contract includes a maximum not-to-exceed compensation amount, with pricing to remain firm for the first two years and potentially negotiable upon renewal. The bid requires comprehensive documentation, including a reference check form with three firm references from completed services within the last five years, and a responsibility inquiry form detailing the bidder's financial resources, equipment, expertise, and past contract performance. Contractors must maintain various insurance coverages, including commercial general liability and automobile liability insurance. The agency prefers online ordering with credit card payment and will require contractors to provide immediate pricing benefits if any price decreases occur during the contract period.