The Procurement Service Center (PSC) is actively managing the global helium shortage affecting research and operations across the CU system.

As we enter week 14 of supplier Force Majeure, conditions have further tightened due to ongoing global supply and geopolitical constraints.

What Has Changed

Our supplier has implemented additional reductions across the region, resulting in:

• A reduction in baseline allocation from 50% to 40% of historical usage for CU Denver, CU Boulder, and UCCS
• Continued use of a historical baseline (prior 12 months from March 01, 2025, to March 01, 2026) to determine supply level allocations
• There is strict enforcement of allocations, with no flexibility beyond approved volumes and no negotiations

How Supply Is Being Prioritized

• Life-critical and life-sustaining activities are approved exceptions and continue to receive up to 100% of historical baseline volumes (not current demand)
• All other activity is managed within the 40% allocation framework

What This Means for CU

• Helium supply will remain constrained and tightly managed
• Not all current demand can be fulfilled; prioritization remains necessary
• The multi-campus allocation model will continue to be used to distribute supply as equitably as possible
• The Physics Liquefier must fulfill all Liquid Helium requirements for CU Boulder

Ongoing Management Actions

To support the CU community during these constraints, PSC will continue:

• Monthly priority reviews with the Helium Allocations Forum
• Direct supplier engagement
• Centralized order tracking and visibility across campuses

What to Expect

There is no confirmed timeline for a return to normal supply conditions. Current planning assumes continued constraints and the need for ongoing prioritization of critical activities.

We recognize the continued impact on research and operations and appreciate the CU community’s flexibility and collaboration during this time.

For urgent or critical needs, please contact:
Alicia Braveheart
Alicia.Braveheart@cu.edu