Hydrogen Gas Generators (HOGEN) for the National Weather Service

***The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Acquisition & Grants Office (AGO), Western Acquisition Division-Boulder (WAD), National Weather Service (NWS) Pacific Region Headquarters (PRH), intends to negotiate, on a sole source basis, under authority of FAR 13.106-1(b)(1), with Proton Energy Systems, Inc located in Wallingford, CT for (2) Proton Hydrogen Gas Generator Hydrogen Gas Generators (HOGEN)s.  One will be delivered to Barrigada, Guam and the other will be delivered to Majuro, Marshall Islands.  The associated NAICS code is 334516.***

The sole source determination is based on NOAA’s requirement that Proton Energy Systems, Inc is the only vendor that manufactures and distributes this Proton/Nel hydrogen gas generator that is compatible for the existing HOGEN network within the NWS Pacific Region. The National Weather Service (NWS), under NOAA, operates and maintains a network of Upper Air (UA) observing stations with some sites that rely on on-site hydrogen generation and storage systems to support routine weather balloon launches. These stations are standardized on the Proton/NEL S40 hydrogen gas generator platform, specifically the Series 2 and Series 3 models, manufactured and distributed exclusively by Proton Energy Systems, Inc., a subsidiary of NEL Hydrogen. This standardization is critical to maintaining consistency, reliability, and operational efficiency across the national network.

The Proton/NEL S40 generator has a unique footprint and performance profile that is fully compatible with the physical and functional design of the existing Upper Air Inflation Buildings. It meets the generation requirements necessary to support balloon launches and maintain up to 4,000 gallons (200psig) of on-site hydrogen storage. These characteristics are not only important from an operational standpoint but also avoid the need for costly modifications to NOAA facilities or significant disruptions to ongoing meteorological operations.

Equally important is the software integration associated with these systems. The control software for the generators is embedded directly into the HOGEN units themselves, and Weather Forecast Office, Weather Service Office, Regional Headquarters, and the Sterling Field Support Center (SFSC) personnel are trained and equipped to interface specifically with this system. If NOAA were to deploy a different hydrogen generation system, the regional, and program staff would be unable to provide technical support or troubleshooting assistance, as they do not have access to compatible software platforms for alternative units. This lack of interoperability would represent a significant gap in field support and reduce system availability.

Given these factors, including the need for physical and software compatibility, standardized operations, and uninterrupted field support, the Proton/NEL S40 hydrogen generator is the only known product.

***This notice of intent is not a request for competitive proposals and no solicitation package is available. However, firms that believe they can fully meet the government's requirements may submit substantiating documentation in writing to the identified point of contact within 15 days after publication of this synopsis. Such 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 responses to this notice, is solely within the discretion of the government. Oral communications are not acceptable in response to this notice.