B--CHEU Reduced Plant Feed Studies

The Department of the Interior (DOI), Bureau of Land Management (BLM), in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Part 13, Simplified Acquisition Procedures, intends to award a sole source purchase order contract under the authority of 41 U.S.C. 253(c)(1) and FAR 6.302-1, only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy any agency requirements. The BLM Amarillo Field Office has been tasked by the Washington Office to determine the lowest flow rates achievable for the continued operation of the Crude Helium Enrichment Unit (CHEU). To successfully accomplish this task requires an engineering and technical study by the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM). This study will determine the minimal flow rates and gas composition necessary for the reservoir and CHEU equipment. A total of 4 simulation/studies are required and based on each case study, the flow rates shall include the following: 1) Purity (helium percent) out of the cold box; 2) Natural Gas out of the box meets specification for sale; 3) For each simulation is the boot strap on or off; and 4) In each simulation what will happen to the regeneration cycle of TSA dryer beds at the lower flow rates. Air Products and Chemicals, Inc. 7201 Hamilton Blvd., Allentown, PA 18195-1501 has been determined the only source that can fill the needs of this requirement based upon proprietary information and software related to their equipment. This equipment is currently in place and is in use at the Cliffside Gas Field, 13301 Brickplant Road, Amarillo, TX 79124. The National American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code for the requirement is 541330 Engineering Services, Size Standard $4.5 million. This action will result in a Firm Fixed Price contract with a period of performance that shall not exceed 2 months. This Notice of Intent to award a sole source contract is not a request for competitive proposals. BLM has only one known source for this procurement that is in the Government's best interest. No solicitation or Request for Quote (RFQ) is available for this procurement. A request for more information, or a copy of the solicitation, will not be considered an affirmative response to this Special Notice. Nevertheless, any firm or individual that believes it is capable of meeting the BLM requirement described herein may submit a response; which, if received within three business days of the date of this announcement, will be considered. Responses to this posting must be submitted via e-mail. No phone calls will be accepted. The point of contact for the action is Debra L. Huff (contact@example.gov) Interested parties may express their interest and provide a capability statement no later than April 2, 2013 at 4:00 PM, Central Standard Time. A determination not to compete the described purchase order is based upon responses to this notice and is solely within the discretion of the Federal Government. Any questions or comments should be directed to the Contracting Officer, Debra L. Huff, via e-mail. If no written response is received that clearly demonstrates an ability to meet all requirements by the date and time set, BLM shall make award on a sole source basis to Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.