NOAA Fisheries Special Notice of Intent to a Single Source_Liquid Nitrogen Generator
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 U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), Alaska Fisheries Science Center (AFSC), intends to award a sole-source, firm fixed-price contract to Rutherford & Titan, Inc. of Houston, Texas, for one (1) liquid nitrogen generator. This is a Special Notice of Intent to a Single Source under FAR 13.106-1(b)(1). Firms believing they can fully meet the requirements must submit documentation by June 26, 2026, 5 PM Eastern Time.
Purpose & Background
The liquid nitrogen generator is essential for the nutritional ecology laboratory at the AFSC in Seattle, WA. It will support cryogenic homogenization of samples for fatty acids, thiaminase, and compound specific stable isotope analysis of fish, plankton, marine mammal, and other animal tissues. The existing generator is malfunctioning, its manufacturer is out of business, and repairs are not feasible. This replacement is critical to prevent significant delays in processing samples and providing vital data for fisheries and oceanographic research.
Required Specifications
The liquid nitrogen generator must meet the following technical requirements:
- Generate at least 10 liters of liquid nitrogen per day.
- Storage tank capacity of approximately 55 liters.
- Air-cooled system with an included air compressor.
- Operate on a 120V power outlet.
- Relatively quiet operation (less than 70 dB).
- Easy to move (wheels or casters).
- Capable of easily filling a dewar.
- Footprint in the range of 36"L × 25"W × 63"H, or smaller.
- Include a 1-year warranty.
Contract Details
- Type: Firm Fixed-Price, Sole Source (FAR 13.106-1(b)(1))
- NAICS: 335312 (Electrical Apparatus and Equipment, Wiring Supplies, and Related Equipment Merchant Wholesalers) with a 1,250-employee size standard.
- Place of Performance: Seattle, WA.
Submission Information
This Special Notice is not a request for competitive proposals, and no solicitation package is available. However, firms that believe they can fully meet the Government's requirements, as detailed above, may submit substantiating documentation in writing. Responses will be evaluated solely to determine if this procurement should be conducted on a competitive basis. The Government believes only Rutherford & Titan, Inc. can provide the required item. Submissions are due no later than June 26, 2026, at 5 PM Eastern Time, and should be emailed to Christie.Lang@noaa.gov.