NOTICE OF INTENT TO SOLE SOURCE - HYDROGEN GENERATORS

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.