Laboratory Gas Tank Rental and Gases

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is conducting a market survey to assess the availability and potential technical capability of small businesses as defined by NAICS code 325120 to provide Laboratory Gas Tank Rental and Gases. The Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) Northeast Food and Feed Laboratory (NFFL) needs gas tank rentals and gases. Gas tank rentals are associated with the delivery of laboratory gases supplied by the vendor for consumption by the NFFL. Laboratory gases are essential to the operation of most laboratory instrumentation. Some instruments require highly purified inert gases (such as helium or argon) as carriers to move the analyte of interest through the system. Other instruments use gases as fuel (such as hydrogen or acetylene) or oxidizers (such as air) to vaporize the analyte of interest. Liquid nitrogen is used to cool instruments and/or analytes during analysis. At times, specialty gas mixtures are used as standards for the calibration of analytical instrumentation. A modern analytical laboratory cannot function without a reliable supply of laboratory gases. Minimum Technical Requirements : Contractor shall provide delivery of the gases below in 48 hours or less 90% of the time or better. In emergency situations the Contractor may be required to provide same day delivery. Capable of supplying a wide range of laboratory gases, including, but not limited to: Liquid Nitrogen Liquid Argon Nitrogen (commercial grade, pre-purified and ultra-high purity) Helium (high purity, ultra high purity and ultra-carrier grade) Hydrogen (pre-purified and ultra-high purity) Air (zero grade) Argon (pre-purified) Carbon Dioxide (bone dry) with and without syphon Custom Specialty Gas Mixtures Laboratory gases will be purchased on an as needed basis. The end user will place orders for the gases as required. High pressure cylinders are usually size 300; dewars for liquid nitrogen and argon are either 180L or 240L. Offers safe gas handling training to laboratory personnel when requested at no cost to the government. Training estimated at no more than twice per year. Delivery of tanks shall occur Monday through Friday between 8:00am and 4:30pm. Required Gases/Cylinder Sizes Liquid Nitrogen, 240LT Liquid Argon, 180LT Nitrogen, Commercial Grade Size 300 Nitrogen Pre-purified Grade Size 300 Nitrogen, Ultra High Purity Size 300 Hydrogen Pre-purified Grade Size 300 Hydrogen, Ultra High Purity Size 300 Argon, Pre-purified Grade Size 300 Argon Ultra High Purity Size 300 Helium, High Purity Size 300 Helium Ultra High Purity Size 300 Helium, Ultra Carrier Grade Size 300 Air, Zero Grade Size 300 Carbon Dioxide, 70 lbs w/Dip Tube Methane, Research Grade Size 200 Required Services Cylinder Rentals Size 300 Dewar Rentals 160/180LT Dewar Rentals 230/240LT Deliverables Liquid Nitrogen, 240LT - Roughly 1 tank per month Liquid Argon, 180LT - Roughly 8 tanks per month Helium, Ultra Carrier Grade Size 300 - Roughly 8 tanks per month Additional Gases - The remaining gases are typically ordered at a rate of 0-5 tanks year. Inspection and Acceptance The gas tank user will monitor gases and tanks provided and will report unacceptable product to the Contractor. Tank quality issues are often not apparent upon receipt but only at the point at which the tank is actively being used. The Government will accept goods, reports and services only if they conform to all terms and conditions of the SOW, and satisfy the performance standards developed under this SOW. Shipping Destination Food and Drug Administration, Northeast Food and Feed Laboratory 158-15 Liberty Avenue Jamaica, NY 11433-1034 The delivery or services must be during regular business hours (Monday-Friday) during the times of 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM, excluding holidays. Period of Performance The Period of Performance is as follows: Base Period – June 5, 2020 – June 4, 2021 Option Year 1 – June 5, 2021 – June 4, 2022 Option Year 2 – June 5, 2022 – June 4, 2023 Option Year 3 – June 5, 2023 – June 4, 2024 Option Year 4 – June 5, 2024 – June 4, 2025 The information received will be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement. Respondents shall specify and document that their NAICS code is 325120 and provide proof of their business size.