Hydrogen Generator for Cooperative Hurricane Upper Air Station

The U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Eastern Region Acquisition Division office intends to award, on a sole source basis, under the authority of FAR 13.106-1(b)(1), with Proton OnSite, to provide an S20 model Hydrogen Generator and accessories for the St. Maarten Cooperativer Upper Air Station (CHUAS).

Justification for Sole Source
The National Weather Service Office of Observations Program Management Branch has a requirement for a Series 3 S20 Hydrogen Generator and associated auxiliary equipment for CHUAS. This station was damaged by Hurricane Irma in September 2017 and the procurement of this equipment is replace NOAA owned equipment that was destroyed during the hurricane.

The S20 Hydrogen Generator is essential in producing hydrogen lifting gas at the Upper-Air site to launch balloon born radiosondes. The radiosonde is a small, expendable instrument package that is suspended below a large balloon inflated with hydrogen gas. As the radiosondes rise at about 300 meters/minute, sensors on the radiosonde measure atmospheric profiles of pressure, temperature, wind direction, and relative humidity. This meteorological data is used in regional weather forecasting, especially during the Atlantic hurricane season.

The S20 Generator produces 20 cubic feet of gas per hour and is compatible with units that are currently fielded in the Upper Air Network in Alaska, Hawaii, South Pacific, and the Caribbean. While there are other manufacturers of laboratory, low producing hydrogen generators, the government does not know of any other manufacturers that meet the production, capability, compatibility, and US safety standards as the S20 generator. Proton Onsite, is the sole manufacturer and distributor of the Series 3 S20 hydrogen generator in the United States.

Special Notice
This special notice is not a request for competitive offers and no solicitation package is available. However, firms that believe they can provide the supplies may submit substantiating documentation in writing within five (5) business days of this notice. Responses can be sent via e-mail to elliott.waxman@noaa.gov. Documentation will be evaluated solely for the purpose of determining whether or not to conduct this procurement on a competitive basis. A determination by the Government not to conduct a competitive procurement, based upon response to this notice, is solely within the discretion of the Government. Oral communications are not acceptable in response to this notice. If no documentation is received, award will be made directly to Proton OnSite.
DOC, Eastern Region Acquisition Division requires that all contractors doing business with this office be registered with the System for Award Management (SAM). No award can be made to a company not registered in SAM. For additional information and to register in SAM, please access the following web site: www.sam.gov. To register, all contractors must have a Dun and Bradstreet number. A Dun and Bradstreet number may be acquired free of charge by contacting Dun and Bradstreet on-line at http://www.dnb.com/eupdate or by telephone at (800)333-0505.

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