Notice of intent to sole source - hydrogen generators
Closed Special Notice Posted
- Solicitation number
- NOITSS-HYDROGEN_GENERATORS
- Agency
-
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Department of Commerce
- Responses due
- Set-aside
- No set-aside
Opportunity facts
- NAICS code
- 325120 Industrial Gas Manufacturing
- Points of contact
Notice details come from SAM.gov. Updated .
About this opportunity
The Department of Commerce's National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has published a notice of intent to sole source hydrogen generators for its National Weather Service operations. NOAA's Eastern Region Acquisition Division plans to negotiate exclusively with Proton Energy Systems, Inc. of Wallingford, Connecticut to procure two Hydrogen Generators S-Series 3 S20 units and associated equipment. This acquisition will be conducted under FAR Part 13 simplified acquisition procedures, with the justification that only one source is reasonably available. The equipment is essential for the Upper Air Program's weather balloon operations, which require hydrogen gas for balloon inflation to collect meteorological data. The procurement is intended to replace deteriorating systems and support new installations across the national weather monitoring network.
The sole source justification centers on the unique compatibility requirements of NOAA's existing infrastructure and operational systems. The Proton/NEL S20 hydrogen generators are specifically designed to integrate with current NOAA Upper Air Inflation Buildings and software systems, supporting 350-gallon tanks at 200 psig without requiring costly facility modifications. Alternative systems would create significant logistical and safety challenges because they require methanol instead of deionized water, making them incompatible with existing NWS infrastructure. NOAA emphasizes that standardization on the Proton/NEL S20 platform is critical for maintaining consistency and operational efficiency across the national weather monitoring network. Interested parties have until August 18, 2025 to respond to this notice, though the agency has indicated its intent to proceed with the sole source procurement based on the technical and operational requirements that only Proton Energy Systems can fulfill.
Notice text
NOTICE OF INTENT TO SOLE SOURCE
The US Department of Commerce (DOC), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Eastern Region Acquisition Division, Simplified Acquisition Branch intends to negotiate on a sole source basis with Proton Energy Systems, Inc., using the procedures in FAR Part 13, to purchase hydrogen gas generator platforms.
Description of Supplies/Services:
The National Weather Service (NWS) intends to procure two (2) Hydrogen Generators S-Series 3 S20, and all required ancillaries, for the Upper Air Program. These generators are essential for the safe storage of hydrogen used to inflate weather balloons for data collection, replacing dilapidated systems and supporting new installations.
The Government intends to solicit and negotiate with only one source, Proton Energy Systems, Inc., located at 10 Technology Drive, Wallingford, CT 06492. This acquisition is being conducted under the authority of FAR 13.106-1(b)(1)(i), as only one source is reasonably available. The Proton/NEL S20 hydrogen gas generator platform (Series 2 and Series 3 models), exclusively from Proton/Nel Hydrogen, is uniquely compatible with existing NOAA Upper Air Inflation Buildings and integrated software systems, supporting a 350-gallon (200 psig) tank. This avoids costly facility modifications or disruptions. The control software is embedded in the units, and Sterling Field Support Center (SFSC) personnel are trained for this system, ensuring interoperability and support. Standardization on the Proton/NEL S20 is critical for consistency and operational efficiency across the national network. Alternative systems present significant logistical and safety challenges due to their requirement for methanol, which is incompatible with current NWS infrastructure designed only for deionized water. Furthermore, Proton Energy Systems, Inc. offers a single-source provider advantage with integrated manufacturing, support, and parts replacement, simplifying the entire lifecycle compared to multi-vendor alternatives.
This notice of intent is not a request for competitive proposals. However, interested parties may identify their interest and capability to meet the requirement on or before 11:00 AM EST on August 18, 2025. All responsible sources that believe they can meet this requirement must submit a clear and convincing statement of capabilities and any other supporting documentation demonstrating their ability to provide the specified hydrogen generators. Supporting evidence must be in sufficient detail to allow the agency to determine if the vendor can meet the requirements. Information received will be evaluated solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement. A determination by the Government not to compete this proposed procurement based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government.
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