Helium

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides answers to vendor questions regarding the solicitation for UHP Helium supply.

• Helium Grade: UHP (Ultra High Purity) grade helium is required.
• Cylinders: Refurbished cylinders with a 5-year warranty are acceptable; however, valves must be brand new.
• Cylinder Size: T-size tanks (291 cu. ft.) are preferred.
• Rack Configuration: 16-cylinder racks are required. These racks will have three closed sides and one open side for easy loading/unloading, secured with straps, and are not manifolded.
• Cylinder Pressure: Cylinders can be provided at standard service pressure (approximately 2400 PSI), which exceeds the specified 1500 PSI requirement.

These clarifications confirm specific requirements for helium grade, cylinder condition, size, rack configuration, and pressure, which bidders should incorporate into their proposals.

Amendment / Modification

This amendment (0002) to Solicitation N6893626Q51060002 serves to:

• Add additional Questions and Answers to the solicitation.

• Close question submissions at 0900 PST on March 31, 2026. No further questions will be answered after this time.

• Section J - List of Attachments:

  • Added: Updated Questions and Answers
  • Deleted: Questions and Answers

• The deadline for submitting questions has been established. No changes were noted regarding proposal submission deadlines or evaluation factors.

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides answers to vendor questions regarding the solicitation for Helium.

• Helium Grade: The required grade of Helium is Ultra-High Purity (UHP).
• Cylinders and Valves: Cylinders can be refurbished with a 5-year warranty. However, valves must be brand new.
• Tank Size: The preferred tank size is T-size (291 cubic feet). The RFQ mentioned a non-standard volume/size, and while H-size was used in the past, T-size is the current industry standard for this requirement.

These clarifications confirm specific material requirements (UHP Helium, new valves) and preferred equipment specifications (T-size tanks), which bidders should incorporate into their proposals.

Amendment / Modification

This amendment to Solicitation N6893626Q51060001 adds "Questions and Answers" to the list of attachments.

• Section J - List of Attachments

No changes to proposal deadlines, requirements, or evaluation factors are indicated by this amendment.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This solicitation is for the procurement of 48 tanks filled with balloon grade or purer helium, delivered to Naval Base Ventura County (NBVC) Point Mugu, CA. The government is procuring the helium, tanks, and racks; they will not be exchanging existing tanks or racks.

• 48 Steel Tanks (242 Cubic Feet, 1500 PSI) with CG 580 valves.

• UN1046 Ultra High Purity (UHP) Helium.

• 3 Galvanized Steel Pallets.

• 16 filled tanks per rack at delivery.

• 5-year warranty on all cylinders, racks, and valves.

• Contractor is liable for rectifying any issues at the site of delivery at no additional cost.

• Contract Type: Firm Fixed Price.

• Period of Performance: Delivery within 7 business days after award.

• Place of Performance: NBVC, 575 Avenue I, Building PM 532, POINT MUGU, CA 93042.

• Offer Due Date: April 2, 2026, 12:00 PM.

• Evaluation Factors: Price, Delivery, proof of supply line as new items, and award without discussions. A separate quote for items/services must be provided.

• Invoicing and Payment: Will utilize Wide Area WorkFlow (WAWF). Apple products are not compatible with WAWF.

• This acquisition is set aside for Small Business.

• NAICS Code: 325120 (Industrial Gas Manufacturing).

• Size Standard: 1200 employees.

• Early delivery is accepted at no additional cost.

• Additional costs or parts not listed require Contracting Officer approval and a modification.

• Vendors must coordinate access to the base prior to arrival.