IDIQ Contract for assorted compressed gases and cylinders
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
Timeline
Qualification Details
Fit reasons
- NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
- Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
- Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
- Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps
Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.
Quick Summary
The USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS) is conducting a Sources Sought market survey for a proposed IDIQ contract for assorted compressed gases and cylinders for its Southern Regional Research Center (SRRC) in New Orleans, LA. The primary purpose is to identify qualified Small Business, SBA-certified HUBZone, 8(a), Women-Owned, or Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) contractors and gather industry feedback on Economic Price Adjustment (EPA) mechanisms for gas commodities. Responses are due by May 1, 2026.
Purpose & Scope
This notice is for market research only and is not a solicitation. The government will use responses to determine the appropriate acquisition strategy. The anticipated requirement, as detailed in the Statement of Work, is for uninterrupted delivery and maintenance of specialized gases (e.g., Argon, Carbon Dioxide, Helium, Hydrogen, Nitrogen, Oxygen) and liquids, with approximately 100 cylinders used monthly by five research units at SRRC. Services include cylinder filling, inspection, testing, delivery within 7 business days, cleaning, and contractor-owned cylinder maintenance. Deliveries are expected on Wednesdays and Fridays (9:00 AM - 3:00 PM) to the SRRC courtyard cylinder storage cage.
The ARS is specifically requesting industry feedback on Economic Price Adjustment (EPA) for gas products, covering:
- Established Limits: Use of pre-set maximum/minimum adjustment thresholds.
- Published Price Indexes: Identification and application of relevant indexes (e.g., PPI categories).
- Administration Practices: Standard adjustment frequency and required documentation.
- Regulatory Considerations: Anticipated impacts from FAR Rewrite (RFO) and AGAR, and recommendations for EPA clause implementation.
- Supply Chain Impacts: How transportation surcharges, cylinder shortages, and fuel fluctuations affect pricing models.
Contract Details
- Opportunity Type: Sources Sought (for a proposed IDIQ contract)
- Anticipated NAICS: 325120 – Industrial Gas Manufacturing (Size Standard: 1,200 employees)
- Anticipated Period of Performance: Five-year contract with five ordering periods (Base + 4 option years), as indicated in the Statement of Work.
- Place of Performance: Southern Regional Research Center, 1100 Allen Toussaint Blvd, New Orleans, LA 70124.
Submission Requirements & Key Dates
Interested companies should submit a Capabilities Statement demonstrating expertise and experience, along with detailed responses to the EPA questions. Respondents must indicate their business size and certifications (Small Business, HUBZone, 8(a), SDVOSB, or Women-Owned Small Business).
- Response Due: May 1, 2026, 5:00 PM CDT
- Submission Email: kerrie.hodges@usda.gov
- Published: April 10, 2026
Additional Notes
Attachment 3, "Schedule of Items," provides a list of potential Contract Line Item Numbers (CLINs) for various gases, cylinder rental, and delivery fees, structured for a Base Year and four Option Years, which will be crucial for understanding future pricing requirements. Delivery drivers must adhere to facility entry instructions and property rules.