The Procurement Service Center (PSC) continues to actively manage the global helium shortage impacting research and operations systemwide.

While supplier Force Majeure remains in effect with no confirmed end date, a structured oversight process is in place to support helium distribution across the CU system.

How the Supply Is Being Managed

To minimize disruption and ensure transparency, the PSC is taking the following actions:

• Weekly Priority Reviews
  Ongoing coordination with the Helium Allocations Forum to reassess priorities and emerging needs.

The Helium Allocations Forum was established using historical usage data and includes all representatives from impacted user groups at UCCS, CU Boulder, and CU Denver to support fair and transparent allocation decisions.

• Direct Supplier Engagement
  Regular meetings with Airgas to advocate for CU allocations and closely monitor supply conditions.
• Centralized Order Tracking
  A shared Google Doc where the Helium Allocations Forum tracks approved demand and pending order releases. Forum members have viewing access to maintain full visibility.

What to Know Right Now

Supply Constraints Status
Helium remains under supplier allocation due to persistent global supply chain and geopolitical disruptions. While conditions continue to evolve, suppliers have not communicated a definitive timeline for a return to normal supply levels. As such, current planning assumes continued constraints and the ongoing need for prioritized distribution.

Order Releases
Helium orders are released systematically based on the approved demand list in the shared tracking document.

Urgent Needs & Communication

We recognize the strain these constraints place on research and operations. For any Critical Disruptions, contact Alicia Braveheart at Alicia.Braveheart@cu.edu [3]

Thank you for your continued patience and collaboration as we navigate this challenging supply environment together.