Ultra high purity helium

The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) is soliciting bids for Ultra High Purity Helium (UHP, 99.999%) and associated bulk storage equipment for the SLED Forensic Services Laboratory located in Richland County. The procurement seeks a contractor to supply approximately 50,000 to 55,000 cubic feet of helium annually, with a potential three-year contract from July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2027. The successful vendor must provide and install a mini-tube trailer capable of storing a minimum of 24,000 cubic feet, rated to 2,400 psi with 10% overfill capacity, and fitted within a 12-foot by 29-foot space. Additionally, the contractor is required to install a cellular telemetry system for monitoring and automatic refill notifications, maintain all plumbing and hardware connections, provide onsite refilling services, and ensure backup container capabilities. A pre-bid conference and site visit are scheduled for May 7, 2024, at 10:00 AM, with questions due by May 8, 2024, at 10:00 AM. Offers are due May 22, 2024, at 3:00 PM, with award notification expected on May 24, 2024.

The solicitation includes provisions for South Carolina resident vendor, South Carolina end-product, and United States end-product preferences, which vendors can claim by line item. Prior to award, the contractor must supply a helium sample to verify purity and quality specifications. The contract structure allows for an initial one-year term with two automatic one-year renewal options, not exceeding three years total. Pricing must be submitted as unit prices for helium (per cubic foot) and monthly equipment fees for the 36-month period, with award made to the lowest responsible and responsive bidder. The total procurement volume is estimated at 165,000 cubic feet of helium over the contract period, with actual billings based on usage. The contractor will be responsible for equipment installation, maintenance, and continued support of all associated equipment, regulators, tubing, and fittings connecting the bulk storage to the laboratory building supply and separate filling station. Delivery and refilling services must be scheduled between 8:30 AM and 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday, excluding state holidays, with the bulk storage container required to be installed and operational by the July 1, 2024, contract start date.