NOTICE OF INTENET TO SOLICIT ONLY SOURCE FOR ONE (1) HYDROGEN GENERATOR, ASSOCIATED PARTS, AND ONE (1) YEAR OF PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE.

Other / Unclassified

This document provides special instructions and information related to the Adelphi opportunity. It details:

• Points of Contact: Identifies the ACC-APG Contract Specialist (NyShaun Greene) and Contracting Officer (Eddie Kemp) with their contact information. The Technical Point of Contact (TPOC) is listed as TBD.
• Type of Contract: Specifies a Firm-Fixed Price contract type, referencing FAR 52.216-1.
• AT-OPSEC Requirements: Outlines Anti-Terrorism and Operational Security requirements for contractor employees, including background checks, personal identity verification, and compliance with Force Protection Conditions (FPCON). It also addresses requirements for contractors not requiring CAC but needing access to DoD facilities.
• Government Inspection and Acceptance: States that inspection and acceptance will be performed by an authorized Government Representative at the Army Research Laboratory (ARL).
• Exercise of Option: Notes that the Contracting Officer may exercise options contained at CLIN 0002 via written modification within 180 days after contract award.
• Tax Exemption Certificate (ARL): Provides the exemption certificate number (30005004) and Federal Tax Identification number (53-0215803) for the Army Research Laboratory.
• Receiving Room Requirements: Specifies that truck shipments are accepted at Building #102, Receiving Room, Adelphi Laboratory Center, Monday through Friday, 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM (excluding holidays).
• Offeror's Proposal Exceptions: Instructs offerors to set forth any exceptions or conditions in a cover letter to their proposal.
• Distribution Statement: Indicates the document is approved for public release with unlimited distribution.
• Payment Instructions: Refers to DFARS PGI 204.7108(b)(2) for guidance on allocating and recording payments.
• Foreign Nationals Performing Under Contract: Details requirements for foreign nationals, including approval by Foreign Disclosure Officers and submission of employment eligibility documentation.
• Payment Terms: States that payment terms of less than net thirty (30) days are unacceptable and will not be considered for award.
• DFARS Commercial Clauses: Lists numerous DFARS provisions and clauses that are included by reference, with checkboxes indicating which are selected.

This document is crucial for bidders as it provides essential administrative, logistical, security, and contractual information. It clarifies points of contact, contract type, security protocols, delivery procedures, payment terms, and specific clauses that will govern the contract. Understanding these details is vital for preparing a compliant and competitive proposal.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items, specifically a "NOTICE OF INTENT TO SOLICIT ONLY ONE SOURCE" for one (1) Hydrogen Generator, associated parts, and one (1) year of preventative maintenance. The government intends to award a contract to Nel Hydrogen US, located at 10 Technology Dr. Wallingford, CT 06492 (CAGE: 1UZE7), citing FAR 13.106-1(b)(1)(i) as the authority for sole-source procurement. This notice is not a request for competitive proposals, but the government will consider all proposals received prior to the closing date.

• One (1) Hydrogen Gas Generator (Model SF40) utilizing Proton PEM caustic free electrolysis technology, capable of producing gas up to 1.05 Nm3/hr at 200 psig and 99.9995% purity. Operates on 230 VAC, Single-Phase, 50 or 60 Hz. Requires specific associated parts including a 3-way valve, calibration kit, and liquid drain trap.

• One (1) year warranty covering full generator breakdown, parts, shipping, labor, travel, and preventative annual maintenance.

• Required Start Up & Commissioning, Operation & Maintenance Training.

• Recommended Spares for S Series 3 hydrogen generator.

• Contract Line Item (CLIN) 0001: Hydrogen Gas Generator with parts.

• CLIN 0002: One-year warranty.

• Delivery: No later than eight (8) weeks after contract award.

• Place of Performance: 2800 Powder Mill Rd. Adelphi, MD 20783.

• FOB Destination.

• NAICS Code: 335312, Small Business Size Standard: 1,250.

• Contracting financing cannot be provided.

• Response Date: Five (5) business days after date of posting via email to the Primary Point of Contact.

• Offers are due no later than February 25, 2026, by 1:00 PM Eastern Standard Time (EST).

• Evaluation Criteria: Award will be made to the responsible offeror whose quote conforms to the requirements and whose price is determined fair and reasonable. Technical acceptability will be based on compliance with the specified brand-name product.

• Offerors must provide their business size in relation to the NAICS code and identify any socioeconomic categories.

• Offerors shall include a completed copy of FAR 52.212-3 (Offeror Representations).

• This solicitation is for a sole-source procurement, citing FAR 13.106-1(b)(1)(i).

• The solicitation document and incorporated provisions and clauses are effective through Federal Acquisition Circular 2025-06.

• Numerous FAR and DFARS clauses are cited and apply to this acquisition.

Determination & Findings for Other Than Full & Open Competition

This document justifies a sole-source procurement for one (1) hydrogen generator, associated parts, and one (1) year of preventative maintenance. The procurement is for mission-critical research at the Army Research Laboratory (ARL).

• One (1) hydrogen generator.

• Associated parts.

• One (1) year of preventative maintenance.

• The generator must convert water into oxygen and hydrogen gas.

• It must be compatible with existing systems and provide a source of hydrogen for diamond deposition reactors.

• Proposed Contractor: Proton Energy Systems, Inc. d/b/a Nel Hydrogen US.

• Estimated Total Value: $120,328.50.

• The item is available from only one source (Nel Hydrogen).

• Compatibility: The generator must be identical to a previously purchased unit (model S40) to ensure consistency in operation and output with existing diamond deposition reactors.

• Proprietary: The system is integrated into a specific gas supply system, requiring an identical unit for reliability and process control.

• Experimental Continuity: The setup must be identical to Element Six's production reactors to minimize risk and achieve equivalent diamond material growth.

• Nel Hydrogen systems have key features required for electronic grade diamond growth: load-following, proton exchange membrane, and no caustic chemicals.

• Conducted between August 1, 2025, and September 1, 2025.

• Requirement not available from UNICOR, AbilityOne, CHESS, or GSA.

• SMEs within government and industry were consulted.

• Market research identified Nel Hydrogen as the only capable supplier.

• The anticipated cost has been determined to be fair and reasonable.

• Determination & Findings approved: January 15, 2026.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, titled "Salient Characteristics," details the specific technical requirements and components for a Hydrogen Gas Generator that the U.S. Army Research Laboratory (ARL) requires. It serves as a basis for commercial availability certification and outlines the necessary parts for the procurement.

• Primary Item: One (1) Hydrogen Gas Generator (Model SF40) with specific technical requirements including PEM electrolysis technology, gas output up to 1.05 Nm3/hr (40 SCFH) at 200 psig, 99.9995% purity, operation on 230 VAC, and 100% duty cycle.
• Required Parts: A list of specific part numbers and descriptions for associated components such as a 3-way ball valve, calibration kit, liquid drain trap, required start-up & commissioning, operation & maintenance training, recommended spares, and a "Proton Care" service package.
• Warranty: A one-year warranty covering full generator breakdown, parts, shipping, labor, travel, and annual on-site preventative maintenance.
• Delivery: Free on Board (FOB) Destination to the U.S. Army Research Laboratory, Shipping & Receiving, 2800 Powder Mill Rd, Adelphi MD 20783-1138, no later than April 31, 2026.

This document is crucial for potential bidders as it precisely defines the technical specifications, required components, warranty, and delivery details for the Hydrogen Gas Generator. Vendors must ensure their proposed product meets all listed salient characteristics and includes all specified parts and services to be considered compliant.