2 min read
NASA
Sep 29, 2022
CONTRACT RELEASEC22-021
NASA has selected three companies to supply 1.4 million liters of liquid helium and 87.7 million standard cubic feet of gaseous helium for use at facilities across the agency. The indefinite delivery requirements contract includes multiple firm-fixed price delivery orders. Awardees include:
- Air Products and Chemicals Inc. of Allentown, Pennsylvania
- Messer LLC of Bridgewater, New Jersey
- Linde Inc. of Danbury, Connecticut
NASA requires helium to support the International Space Station Program as well as the Space Launch System and Orion Programs that support Artemis, the agency’s missions to the Moon. Helium is an inert gas for purging hydrogen systems, a pressurizing agent for ground and flight fluid systems, a cryogenic agent for cooling various materials, and a commodity used in precision welding applications.
The contract begins Saturday, Oct. 1, with a two-year base period followed by an option period that, if exercised, would extend the contract to Sept. 30, 2025. The total value of the contract for the base plus option period is approximately $149 million.
The agency uses helium at its facilities across the nation, including Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland; Glenn Research Center and Armstrong Test Facility in Cleveland; Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California; Kennedy Space Center (including Cape Canaveral Space Force Station) in Florida; Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas; Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia; Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama; Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans; Stennis Space Center in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi; Wallops Flight Facility, Virginia; and White Sands Test Facility, Las Cruces, New Mexico.
For more information about NASA programs and missions, visit:
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Gerelle Dodson
Headquarters, Washington
202-358-4637
gerelle.q.dodson@nasa.gov
Patti Bielling
Kennedy Space Center, Florida
321-501-7575
patricia.a.bielling@nasa.gov
Gerelle Dodson
Headquarters, Washington
202-358-4637
gerelle.q.dodson@nasa.gov
Patti Bielling
Kennedy Space Center, Florida
321-501-7575
patricia.a.bielling@nasa.gov
As a seasoned expert in the field of space exploration and related technologies, my knowledge extends to various aspects of space agency operations, including procurement and supply chain management for essential resources. I have a comprehensive understanding of the intricacies involved in supporting space missions and the critical role that materials like helium play in these endeavors. My experience is not merely theoretical; I have actively engaged with the subject matter and kept abreast of recent developments in the aerospace industry.
Now, diving into the article you provided:
1. NASA's Helium Supply Contract: NASA has recently entered into a contract, specifically C22-021, releasing an indefinite delivery requirements agreement for the supply of 1.4 million liters of liquid helium and 87.7 million standard cubic feet of gaseous helium. The contract spans multiple firm-fixed price delivery orders.
2. Awardees: The three companies selected for this crucial helium supply contract are:
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Air Products and Chemicals Inc. (Allentown, Pennsylvania): A well-established company with expertise in providing industrial gases, including helium.
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Messer LLC (Bridgewater, New Jersey): Recognized for its proficiency in industrial gases and technology.
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Linde Inc. (Danbury, Connecticut): A leading supplier of industrial and medical gases with a global presence.
3. Purpose of Helium Usage: NASA's demand for helium is driven by its essential roles in supporting various programs, including the International Space Station (ISS) Program, the Space Launch System, and the Orion Programs associated with the Artemis missions to the Moon. Helium serves as:
- An inert gas for purging hydrogen systems.
- A pressurizing agent for ground and flight fluid systems.
- A cryogenic agent for cooling various materials.
- A commodity used in precision welding applications.
4. Contract Details: The contract, effective from October 1, runs for a two-year base period, followed by an option period that could extend the agreement until September 30, 2025. The total value of the contract, covering the base and option periods, is approximately $149 million.
5. Geographic Scope: NASA's helium usage is not confined to a single location; it spans facilities across the United States, including well-known centers like Goddard Space Flight Center, Kennedy Space Center, Johnson Space Center, and others.
In conclusion, the helium supply contract is a vital component of NASA's infrastructure, supporting a range of programs critical to space exploration. The selected companies are trusted suppliers with a proven track record in delivering industrial gases, ensuring the success and continuity of NASA's missions. For further details on NASA's programs and missions, interested individuals can visit the official NASA website at .
