Details on Liquid Helium Purchasing Program

Benefits

DLA, which is permitted to purchase liquid helium via the in-kind program on behalf of any federal grantee, serves as a “broker” for program enrollees. By combining its customers’ needs, DLA substantially increases its purchasing power when negotiating contacts and price. Additionally, DLA offers a more reliable liquid helium procurement route – DLA has established relationships with multiple liquid helium suppliers and their customers are not tied to a single vendor. Further, as a federal agency DLA has better ability to enforce breach of contract penalties.

Results and Testimonials

OPA pilot tested LHeP² with a small group of researchers with diverse helium needs at seven institutions across the U.S: Stanford University, Boise State University, West Texas A&M University, University of Memphis, Amherst College, Worcester Polytechnic University and University of New Hampshire. The program enrollees achieved more reliable delivery and an average savings of 15%.

Additionally, LHeP² is helping some of APS’s most vulnerable members procure liquid helium at an affordable price. Professor Catherine Clewett (West Texas A&M) recalls having trouble gaining access to liquid helium prior to joining the program:

“We were concerned because we are both a new customer and a small customer. We had never ordered liquid helium and were finding it difficult to begin a relationship with the major helium companies. The program has ensured that we can get the helium when we need it at a stable cost. We also don’t have to worry about being the last customer to have our order fulfilled when helium is in short supply.”

APS leadership recognizes the program’s value to the community. Added Laura H. Greene, a condensed matter physicist and vice president of APS:

“It is remarkable what the OPA has done on behalf of the scientific community.”

Participation Information

Deadline to indicate interest: September 25, 2015

APS will work with DLA during fall 2015 to expand LHeP² to more academic users. Interested parties should begin by contacting Mark Elsesser (elsesser@aps.org), APS senior policy analyst, no later than Friday, September 25. You will be asked to complete a brief survey regarding your current liquid helium needs and contract details. Please note that contacting Mark Elsesser to indicate your interest is in no way a commitment to join the program.

In October, OPA will host an informational call with DLA, allowing all interested users to learn more about the program and providing an opportunity to have their questions answered directly by DLA. Program selection will take place in November and selected users will be asked to commit to joining the program by December 4. DLA will use the next several months to negotiate two year sales contracts with vendors for program enrollees. Program enrollees will begin ordering and receiving helium on June 1, 2016.

Should the number of interested users exceed the program’s available slots, preference will be given to those that are the most vulnerable, i.e., paying the highest price and/or have unreliable delivery.

Questions?

Email Mark Elsesser (elsesser@aps.org)