NRMJ10002200446 Statement of Need RFQ.docx

STATEMENT OF NEED

NRMJ1000-22-00446

PURPOSE:

Research by the Global Monitoring Division (GMD) has been critical in determining the degree of the depletion of stratospheric ozone and the trends of the compounds causing this depletion. GMD determines the vertical extent of depletion over Antarctica (the ozone hole) through the use of high altitude balloons carrying ozonesondes. The plastic balloons are necessary to reach the required height in extreme cold conditions. The entire lot of balloons must be shipped together since logistical support for the South Pole Station is suspended for nine (9) months due to weather conditions. The balloons at times may be stored outside where ambient temperatures can reach -80 C. It is imperative that the balloons are not defective and able to reach the required height since replacement shipments are not possible. GMD is required by the Clean Air Act - 1990 to fulfill this mission requirement and must have a reliable balloon to perform these critical measurements in extreme conditions.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS: QTY 60 Scientific Balloons

1. The balloons shall be made from a linear, low density polyethylene film (less than or equal to .30 mil thickness) capable of withstanding normal balloon handling in Antarctic conditions where ambient temperatures can be as low as -80 C with no sunlight. The balloon shall be a cylinder shape design. Each 18K balloon shall have a total weight for each balloon of less than or equal to 8.5 lbs.

2. The inflation tube shall be securely attached to the top of balloon.

3. The balloon shall have a fused button base or other light weight method to secure the ozonesonde package to the bottom of the balloon and have a cord or eyelet to attach the balloon package load line.

4. The plastic balloon design shall be teardrop or cylindrical shaped. The balloons are filled inside a heated balloon filling shelter. The operator must be able to hand carry the helium-filled bubble outside through a door opening of 16 feet high by 12 feet wide to release the ozonesonde balloon.

5. The balloon volume shall be 18,000 standard cubic foot and shall be capable of carrying a 2.8 pound (1.27 kilogram) package to a pressure altitude of 8 hectopascals (hPa) where the ambient temperature will be approximately -55 Celsius (C) at 8 hPa. This is approximately 29 kilometers (95,150 feet) above sea level for September South Pole atmospheric conditions. The balloon will be filled with helium with 30% free lift in order to ascend at minimum rise rates of 3-4 meters per second (590-790 feet per minute).

6. The balloons shall be packed in cardboard boxes with protective covering (cloth or other suitable material). If pallets are used for shipping they must not be made of particle board and meet shipping requirements of the National Science Foundation Antarctic Support contractor.

DELIVERY SCHEDULE: 120 days from the date of award. FedEx Account TBD

SHIP TO:

Attn: Patrick Cullis

NOAA/OAR/GML

SHIPPING/RECEIVING SECTION

325 Broadway, Bldg. 22 Boulder, CO 80305

GOVERNMENT CONTACTS:

TBD