Compressed Helium Supply and Delivery

The contract entails the supply and delivery of industrial-grade compressed helium with 99.99% purity in high-pressure cylinders, specifically for use in weather balloon operations. A total of 14 scheduled deliveries will be made over a 10-month period, ensuring consistent and reliable access to the gas needed for atmospheric research and data collection. The requirement is structured as a subcontract under a Total Small Business Set-Aside, meaning only small businesses certified by the Small Business Administration are eligible to bid, promoting opportunity for small enterprise participation. The North American Industry Classification System code 325120 identifies this as a chemical manufacturing contract, reflecting the industrial nature of helium production and packaging. The solicitation was posted on July 21, 2026, with a response deadline of July 24, 2026, indicating a tight timeline for potential vendors to prepare and submit proposals. The contracting entity is the Department of Commerce, specifically under NOAA, which relies on weather balloons for meteorological monitoring. While specific delivery locations and point of contact information are not provided, the performance location is tied to NOAA’s operational needs across unspecified regions. This contract emphasizes precision in gas purity, timely logistics, and compliance with small business set-aside regulations, making vendor qualification, capacity, and reliability critical for successful fulfillment.