Medical and Industrial Compressed Gases

The State of Nebraska, through its Department of Administrative Services (DAS), Materiel Division, State Purchasing Bureau (SPB), is seeking a qualified contractor to provide Medical and Industrial Compressed Gases through Invitation to Bid (ITB) Number 6898 OF. The procurement covers a comprehensive range of compressed gases, including acetylene, argon, carbon dioxide, compressed air, helium, hydrogen, nitrogen, oxygen, and propane, in various tank and cylinder sizes for multiple state facilities and jurisdictions, including Blaine County. The contract will span three years with the option to renew for five additional one-year periods, with an estimated annual requirement of over 30,000 cubic feet of gases. Deliverables include not only the gases themselves but also associated services such as bulk tank rental, cylinder and tank hydrostatic testing, and respiratory therapist services. The bid is due on June 27, 2024, at 2:00 PM Central Time, with a vendor question deadline of June 12, 2024. Evaluation criteria will include price, quality, delivery time, and contractor qualifications, with the contract to be awarded to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder. Bidders must provide both core list items with fixed pricing and a percentage discount for catalog/non-core items.

The solicitation includes provisions for Nebraska contractor preferences, with consideration given to bidders who have maintained a bona fide place of business and at least one employee within Nebraska for six months preceding the ITB posting. There are also potential preferences for resident disabled veterans or businesses located in enterprise zones. The incumbent vendors appear to be Airgas USA, LLC and Matheson Tri-Gas, with multiple intent to award letters suggesting potential split awards or competitive negotiations. The contract is not exclusive, allowing the State to contract with multiple sources for compressed gases. While specific award values are not explicitly stated, the comprehensive nature of the contract covering multiple state agencies, including the Department of Correctional Services, Game & Parks Calamus Fish Hatchery, and various public health facilities, suggests a significant potential contract value. Emergency delivery fees are specified at $33 for deliveries requested within 24 hours, and the contractor must provide tracking software (such as Trackabout) to monitor cylinder location and usage, indicating a sophisticated procurement approach that goes beyond simple gas supply.