NWS - Aerological Sounding Balloons

Sources Sought Notice

This notice is for market research purposes only. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Acquisition and Grants Office (AGO), Eastern Acquisition Division (EAD) is seeking information on vendors capable of providing up to 18,960 General Purpose 20 km (GP-20) aerological sounding balloons annually. These balloons are critical for National Weather Service (NWS) radiosonde observations, which provide essential meteorological data for weather forecast models, watches, and warnings.

• Annual supply of approximately 18,960 GP-20 aerological sounding balloons.

• Balloons must support NWS radiosonde observations, measuring atmospheric data up to 30,000 meters.

• Balloons must survive diverse launch and flight weather conditions.

• Must provide an average ascent rate of 5 m/s for accurate sensor measurements.

• First Article Tests (FAT) will be required to ensure performance specifications are met.

• Anticipated award of a single-award, Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract.

• Contract will have a Not-to-Exceed ceiling and Firm Fixed Price unit-level provisions.

• Award will be based on a best-value determination.

• Interested parties must complete and submit a Google Form (link provided in the full text).

• Required information includes Company Name, SAM UEI, Address, Point of Contact, Phone/Email, Size Standard Classification, and GSA Federal Supply Schedule number (if applicable).

• Responses are due by 5:00 PM Eastern Time on Friday, March 20, 2026.

• The anticipated NAICS code is 326299 (All Other Rubber Product Manufacturing) with a business size standard of 650 employees.

• This is a Sources Sought Notice only; solicitations are not yet available.

• Responses are not offers and cannot be accepted to form a binding contract.

• No costs incurred in responding will be reimbursed.

• Information gathered will help assess market capabilities, competition adequacy, and determine the acquisition strategy.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, "Specification for Aerological Sounding Balloons," outlines the detailed requirements for the procurement of aerological sounding balloons by the National Weather Service (NWS). It serves as the primary technical specification for vendors to understand and meet.

• Scope: Defines the performance requirements for NWS aerological sounding balloons, with Appendix A detailing evaluation tests.
• Applicable Documents: Lists government documents, FAA regulations, and NWS manuals that are relevant to the specification.
• Requirements: Details general requirements, environmental conditions for transportation, storage, preparation, release, and flight. It also specifies flight performance requirements, material specifications, physical requirements (size, neck), manufacturing standards, and testing procedures.
• Testing: Outlines procedures for first article tests, production testing, and lot acceptance, including inspection and evaluation criteria.
• Packaging: Specifies requirements for individual packaging, cartons, item lot number, month of manufacture, and shipment marking.
• Warranty: Defines the warranty period and procedures for handling visible defects and defect claims.
• Appendices: Includes test procedures (Appendix A) and instructions for commercial vendors on marking and bar coding supplies for shipment (Appendix B).

This specification is critical for any vendor intending to bid on the supply of aerological sounding balloons. It details all technical, performance, testing, packaging, and warranty requirements that must be met. Bidders must thoroughly review this document to ensure their product offerings comply with all stated requirements.