MODULAR HELIUM COMPRESSION SYSTEM – OEM EQUIPMENT MANUFACTURER INQUIRY

Request for Information (RFI)

Title: Modular Helium Compression System – OEM Equipment Manufacturer Inquiry
Location: Building 3305, High Pressure Gas Facility, Stennis Space Center, MS 39529

1. Purpose

This Request for Information (RFI) is issued to identify qualified original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) capable of supplying two(2) commercial off-the-shelf (COTS), modular, skid-mounted helium compression system for high-pressure helium applications. The Government is seeking equipment manufacturers only—not general contractors or engineering firms—who can provide the equipment only or a complete turnkey solution including surrounding infrastructure design, fabrication, delivery, installation, and commissioning of the system.

The compressed helium will be routed directly into existing on-site infrastructure. The system must be compatible with standard industry transfer connections and designed to integrate seamlessly with existing facility utilities and controls.

2. System Requirements

2.1 Performance Capacity

• Medium: Helium
• Inlet Pressure: 50-175 PSIG
• Final Discharge Pressure: 6000 PSIG
• Max Capacity: 300 SCFM
• VFD Driven

2.2 Technology

• Fully automated operation with remote/local control capabilities
• MODBUS TCP/IP communication
• Oil removal filtration system with residual oil content < 0.01 mg/m³

2.3 Design & Footprint

• Modular, skid-mounted, cabinet-enclosed configuration
• Exterior operation
• Sea-level installation
• Operating within the following temperature ranges:

Season                       Average High               Average Low   

Winter (Dec–Feb)      63–67°F                         41–44°F

Spring (Mar–May)      73–81°F                         50–70°F

Summer (Jun–Aug)    90–93°F                        71–73°F

Fall (Sep–Nov)             72–88°F                       47–69°F

2.4 Turnkey Scope

OEM must provide (by delivery):

• Fabrication and factory testing
• Delivery and installation
• Commissioning and activation
• Operator training and documentation

2.5 Operational Features

• Instrumentation for pressure, temperature, and flow monitoring
• Emergency stop and alarm systems
• Oil/water separators, safety valves, and ASME-certified buffer tanks
• Relocation capability

3. Requested Information – Interested OEMs are requested to submit the following:

• Company profile, UEI, business size, socio-economic category, and relevant experience with helium compression systems
• Technical specifications of the proposed system
• Conceptual diagrams
• Utility requirements (power, cooling water, etc.)
• Estimated lead time for:
  • Procurement/fabrication
  • Delivery
  • Installation and commissioning
• Maintenance and support offerings
• References or case studies of similar systems delivered

4. Manufacturing and U.S. Presence

Please include:

• Country of manufacture for major system components
• U.S.-based presence (e.g., offices, service teams, fabrication facilities)
• Availability of U.S.-based technical support and field service personnel

5. Pricing Information

Please provide the following pricing details:

• Budgetary Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM) pricing
• Tariff-impacted pricing: Include any applicable import duties or tariffs
• Non-tariff pricing: Provide pricing assuming no tariffs or duties apply
• Notes on tariff origin: Identify any components or subsystems sourced from countries subject to U.S. import tariffs

Additional RFI Information

The market research information gathered from this RFI will be used to develop and plan a potential future procurement. Based upon information submitted in response to this RFI, NASA will determine the final content of any future solicitation(s). A determination by the Government not to procure this requirement, based upon responses to this notice, is solely within the discretion of the Government.

This notice should not be construed as a formal Request for Quotation (RFQ) or Proposal (RFP). Responses to this RFI are not offers and cannot be accepted by NASA to form a binding contract. This notice is not to be construed as a commitment by the Government to make a purchase, nor will the Government pay for the information solicited or be held liable for any information obtained.

Submission of any information in response to this notice is completely voluntary. Comments or suggestions relevant to this requirement are welcome and may also be included in the response. Contractors are welcome to submit any additional documentation that may support their ability to comply with the Government’s requirement.

No solicitation exists; therefore, do not request a copy of the solicitation.

Here is a complete list of acronyms found across both documents:

Acronym       Definition

AC                  Alternating Current

ASME             American Society of Mechanical Engineers

ASTM             American Society for Testing and Materials

CE                  Conformité Européenne (European Conformity)

CSA                Canadian Standards Association

cULus             UL Certification for Canada and the U.S.

CFM               Cubic Feet per Minute

CTick / RCM   Regulatory Compliance Mark (Australia/New Zealand)

EX-WORKS    Ex Works (Incoterms – shipping term)

FM                   Factory Mutual

HMI                  Human-Machine Interface

ISO                  International Organization for Standardization

lbs                    Pounds

mg/m³              Milligrams per Cubic Meter

NEMA              National Electrical Manufacturers Association

NFPA               National Fire Protection Association

P&ID               Piping and Instrumentation Diagram

PLC                 Programmable Logic Controller

PSIG               Pounds per Square Inch Gauge

rpm                  Revolutions Per Minute

SCFM              Standard Cubic Feet per Minute

TEFC               Totally Enclosed Fan-Cooled

TFT                  Thin-Film Transistor (display technology)

UL                    Underwriters Laboratories

VFD                  Variable Frequency Drive

V                       Volts