Liquid Helium Fill Service for 600 MHz Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) Spectrometer

Summary (Newest Update)

Background The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) intends to negotiate a sole source, firm-fixed-price contract with Bruker Biospin Corporation for a 12-month liquid helium fill service for a Bruker 600 MHz Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectrometer. The Office of Pharmaceutical Quality Research in St. Louis, MO (OPQR-STL) is a regulatory laboratory that conducts research and testing related to pharmaceuticals. The NMR spectrometer is essential for analyzing drug products, including critical drugs like heparin and semaglutide. To maintain the functionality of the spectrometer, an annual helium fill service by an authorized OEM provider is required. Work Details The contractor shall provide liquid helium fill service for the Bruker 600 MHz NMR spectrometer located at the FDA's OPQR-STL lab. The vendor must perform the following tasks: 1. Provide liquid helium and fill the instrument with 160 liters of helium approximately twice a year, increasing the helium level from 50% to 100%. 2. Monitor helium levels and refill upon request when levels drop to approximately 55%. 3. Ensure that the liquid helium level remains above 55% during the contract period and respond within 5 business days to refill requests. 4. Be an OEM authorized contractor with certification or a letter from the OEM validating compliance with specifications. 5. Have technical expertise to respond to any quench events, restoring magnet performance at no additional cost. 6. Provide service reports indicating helium levels before and after each refill. 7. Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations regarding handling and transport of liquid helium. Period of Performance The period of performance for this contract is from April 1, 2026, to March 31, 2027. Place of Performance The contract will be performed at FDA/CDER/OPQ/OPQR, 645 S Newstead Ave., St. Louis, MO 63110.