Intent to Sole Source - Jimsphere Balloons
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
Timeline
Qualification Details
Fit reasons
- NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
- Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
- Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
- Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps
Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.
Quick Summary
The Department of the Air Force has issued an Intent to Sole Source for Jimsphere High Resolution Wind Profiler balloons to Meteorological Products Incorporated. This special notice is for the 309th SWEG to procure these critical items for the Atmospheric Meteorological Profiling System (AMPS) at Vandenberg Space Force Base. Interested parties must submit capability statements by May 22, 2026, to be considered for potential competition.
Purpose & Scope
This notice serves as a justification for a single-source procurement of one (1) Jimsphere High Resolution Wind Profiler, 2-meter diameter, clear 1/2 mil polyester film. These balloons are essential for the AMPS system at Vandenberg Space Force Base, providing critical launch data and determining launch go/no-go status by analyzing atmospheric conditions. The Jimsphere balloon is identified as the only approved balloon for the Western and Eastern Ranges, offering superior high-resolution wind data and compatibility with existing 520AD program devices.
Contract Details
- Opportunity Type: Special Notice (Intent to Sole Source)
- Intended Contractor: Meteorological Products Incorporated
- Authority: RFO 6.103-1
- Product: Jimsphere High Resolution Wind Profiler (Part Number: JC20-12-05)
- Delivery: Not to exceed 120 days After Receipt of Order (ARO)
- Set-Aside: None (Brand-name sole source justification)
- Place of Performance: Vandenberg Space Force Base (for product use)
Response & Evaluation
This is not a request for competitive proposals. However, all responsible sources may identify their interest and provide capability statements. Responses received within 8 calendar days of the publication date will be considered. A determination by the Government not to compete is solely at its discretion. Approval of technical capabilities is required, and AFSC PZIEA will not delay award pending new source approval, as the time required for such approval is typically extensive.
Key Dates
- Response Due: May 22, 2026, at 5:00 PM ET
- Published: May 14, 2026
Additional Notes
Market research, including an RFI, confirmed Meteorological Products Incorporated as the sole source for this specific brand-name item, and no viable alternative sources were identified. The Government does not possess the necessary information to service this equipment from any source other than the OEM.