Sole Source Notification - Helium Recovery and Reliquefaction System

The University of Wyoming's Procurement and Payment Services is issuing a sole source purchase order for a Helium Recovery and Reliquefaction System from Bluefors, specifically the Cryomech LHeP55 Liquid Helium Plant and Recovery System. This procurement is located in Albany County and will be installed in the basement of the Physical Sciences building, supported by an NSF Major Research Infrastructure award. The system's primary objectives include collecting and reliquefying evaporated helium gas from cryogenic laboratories and providing a reliable 55+ liter/day helium supply for the entire university. Interested parties must submit a Statement of Capabilities electronically through BidNet by 2:00 PM Mountain Time on November 3rd, 2025. The procurement aims to address Wyoming's historical challenges with unreliable and expensive liquid helium supply, with the Bluefors system selected for meeting three critical specifications: an oversized helium collection bag with high-speed compressors, a cryocooled autopurifier for higher helium purity, and pulse tube cryocoolers requiring maintenance only every five years.

The procurement appears to have no specific set-aside designations or restrictions on responding organizations. The system is designed to be predominantly operated by graduate students and features reliable function with minimal maintenance requirements. While no specific budget range is explicitly stated, the procurement is directly linked to an NSF Major Research Infrastructure award. The sole source notification is informational and does not constitute a request for competitive quotes, with the university reserving the right to determine whether to conduct a competitive solicitation based on received responses. The incumbent vendor is Bluefors, providing the Cryomech LHeP55 Liquid Helium Plant and Recovery System, which will integrate with the existing cryogenic laboratory infrastructure at the University of Wyoming's Physical Sciences building.