Sept 8, 2009

Allard Beutel Kennedy Space Center, Fla 321-867-2468 allard beutel@nasa gov

Michael Curie Headquarters, Washington 202-358-1100 michael curie@nasa gov

CONTRACT RELEASE: C09-045

NASA AWARDS HELIUM CONTRACT

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla -- NASA has selected five companies to provide liquid and gaseous helium for 17 agency locations, including centers and facilities

This new fixed-price requirements contract with economic price adjustment is for the acquisition of approximately 12 5 million liters of liquid helium and 235 7 million standard cubic feet of gaseous helium during a five-year period of performance starting Oct 1 It has a maximum potential value of approximately $56 5 million The awardees are:

--Air Products and Chemicals, Inc , of Allentown, Pa , has been awarded about $18 7 million of the base contract plus options

--Linde LLC, of Murray Hill, N J , has been awarded $80,000 of the base contract plus options

--Matheson Tri-Gas, Inc , of Basking Ridge, N J , has been awarded $3 8 million of the base contract plus options

--Praxair Distribution, Inc , of Austin, Texas, has been awarded $553,000 of the base contract plus options

--Praxair, Inc , of Danbury, Conn , has been awarded $33 4 million of the base contract plus options

NASA uses helium as a cryogenic agent for cooling various materials, precision welding applications, lab use, as an inert purge gas for hydrogen systems, and as a pressurizing agent for the space shuttle's ground and flight fluid systems

The total period of performance for all awards is five years, with a three-year base period plus two one-year options The base contract period ends Sept 30, 2012 Option 1 would extend the contract from Oct 1, 2012, to Sept 30, 2013 Option 2 would extend the contract from Oct 1, 2013, to Sept 30, 2014

NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida is responsible for the acquisition of helium on behalf of the agency

For information about NASA and agency programs, visit:

http://www nasa gov

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