Nitrogen Generators
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 Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Office of Acquisitions and Grants Services (OAGS), is conducting market research through a Sources Sought Notice to identify qualified vendors capable of providing two high-flow (70 L/min) and one low-flow (35 L/min) laboratory nitrogen generators. This requirement includes on-site installation, performance verification, and a three-year warranty to support mass spectrometry operations at FDA's Office of Science and Engineering Laboratories (OSEL) in Silver Spring, MD. Responses are due by June 10, 2026, at 5:00 PM Eastern Time.
Scope of Work
The FDA requires specific laboratory nitrogen generators:
- Two High-Flow Units: Each with a maximum flow rate of 70 L/min, purity up to 99.5% (minimum ~95% at max flow), hydrocarbon-free (<1 ppm), output pressure up to 116 psi (8 bar), integral air compressor, two-stage moisture removal, Triflex particulate filter, touchscreen interface, and ECO technology. These units must be compatible with multi-vendor LC/MS and LC/MS/MS instruments (Agilent, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Waters). Dimensions must be less than 23"W × 20"D × 40"H, requiring 230 VAC / 50–60 Hz power.
- One Low-Flow Unit: With a maximum flow rate of 35 L/min, purity up to 99.5% (minimum ~95% at max flow), hydrocarbon-free (<1 ppm), output pressure up to 116 psi (8 bar), integral air compressor, two-stage moisture removal, Triflex particulate filter, touchscreen interface, and ECO technology. This unit must be compatible with Thermo Q-Exactive systems, sample evaporation, and auxiliary lab applications. Dimensions must be less than 23"W × 20"D × 40"H, requiring 120 VAC power.
Installation & Service:
- On-site delivery and installation by manufacturer-certified field service engineers (FSE) at FDA/OSEL, Silver Spring, MD.
- Post-installation performance testing (flow rate, pressure, purity).
- A three-year manufacturer warranty covering parts, labor, and travel.
- Technical support (Mon-Fri, 8 AM-5 PM ET) and emergency service response within 24 hours (repair within 72 hours). Non-emergency repair within 148 hours of visit.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Sources Sought / Market Research
- Set-Aside: The government is seeking to identify potential small business sources and determine the appropriate acquisition strategy. Vendors should indicate their business size and socioeconomic status.
- NAICS Code: 334516 (Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing), Size Standard: 1,000 Employees.
- PSC Code: 6640 (Laboratory Equipment And Supplies).
- Response Due: June 10, 2026, 5:00 PM Eastern Time.
- Published Date: June 3, 2026.
Submission & Evaluation
Interested vendors must submit a capability statement (maximum 10 pages) addressing the specific information requested in Section 5 of the notice. Responses will be used solely for market research to determine qualified sources and inform the acquisition strategy.
Additional Notes
This is a Sources Sought Notice only and does not constitute a solicitation or commit the Government to any future award. Point of Contact: Freshta Javid, freshta.javid@fda.hhs.gov.