Request for Information: Supply of Liquid Argon to Long-Baseline Neutrino Facility (Lead, South Dakota)

The Department of Energy’s Fermilab Detector Facility Group (FFD G) is conducting market research for an Indefinite‑Delivery, Indefinite‑Quantity (IDIQ) contract to supply high‑purity liquid argon (LAr) for the LBNF/DUNE cryostat‑filling program. The agency prefers a single IDIQ award but may issue multiple contracts if a single vendor cannot meet the required volume and schedule in a reliable, cost‑effective manner. Delivery orders will be placed for a base requirement of 37,400 metric tons (≈797 million scf) of LAr to purge, cool‑down, and fill Cryostats 1 and 2 between February 2029 and February 2031, with an optional additional 37,600 metric tons if Detectors 3‑4 are added later. On‑site storage at the SURF site is limited to four vertical tanks (52,800 gal ≈ 280 t); vendors must address any need for supplemental storage, 24/7 site access, and the steep (≈11 % grade) access road. The RFI requests detailed responses on: (1) the vendor’s capacity and willingness to serve as sole‑source or part of a multi‑supplier pool; (2) LAr purity and a plant‑level analysis; (3) cost estimates for 2026‑27 and adjustments for 2029‑35; (4) logistics plans, including handling of catastrophic supply disruptions; and (5) feasibility of the 90‑day proposal window for the subsequent RFP (planned for Q4 CY 2026). Responses, including contact information, must be submitted electronically by 17:00 EST on 30 January 2026, with any questions directed to Jeremy R. Duncan (deadline 15 December 2025). This RFI is for market research only and does not obligate the Government to award a contract or pay respondent costs.

Notice ID

b1b289fea1df459eb05f4fbe781a987f

Solicitation Number

LBNF-2025-LAR-RFI-JD

NAICS Code

325120

Classification Code

6830