Master Agreement for Lab Gases

The State of Maine Department of Administrative and Financial Services, Division of Procurement Services, is soliciting quotations for a Master Agreement to supply laboratory gases to State of Maine departments and agencies, with quotations due December 15, 2023 by 4:00 p.m. EST under RFQ 10A 231204-135.

The scope encompasses compressed gases (argon, helium, hydrogen, nitrogen, methane, nitrous oxide), specialty atmospheric mixtures for biological applications, carbon dioxide in various grades, clinical blood gas mixtures, chromatograph-grade helium, and dry ice in rice and nugget forms across multiple cylinder sizes from lecture bottles (2 cubic feet) through large industrial containers (sizes K, T, W) and liquid nitrogen vessels (180–3644 liters). The primary user is the Department of Health and Human Services HETL program in Augusta, Maine, though all State departments may purchase under the agreement. Delivery to any State facility is required, with requested frequency ranging from daily to as-needed.

The Master Agreement runs from January 1, 2024 through December 31, 2025, with two optional two-year renewal periods extending through December 31, 2028. All quoted prices must be FOB Destination, firm for a minimum of one year, with no hazardous material charges, fuel surcharges, or delivery charges assessed to the State. Price adjustments require sixty days' notice and documented manufacturer cost increases. The selected vendor must conduct monthly onsite visits with each account holder and provide emergency deliveries outside normal business hours.

Evaluation uses a best-value standard considering specification conformance, delivery performance, and past performance, with potential award to the lowest-priced compliant bidder absent documented poor performance or contract termination within the prior five years. Municipalities, school districts, and political subdivisions in Maine may access the contract at the vendor's discretion, though the State bears no responsibility for those orders.

Bidders must submit cost responses in Excel format with a signed cover page, complete debarment and performance certifications, and detailed quotes on company letterhead including vendor and manufacturer part numbers, quantities, and prices per cylinder.