Presolicitation Notice: NWS Hydrogen Gas Generator Maintenance Supplies and Factory Training
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 National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Western Acquisition Division (WAD), intends to award a sole source, Firm-Fixed-Price (FFP) Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract to Proton Energy Systems, Inc. (DBA: NEL Hydrogen US). This contract is for Hydrogen Gas Generator Maintenance Supplies and Factory Training for NWS Upper Air observing stations. This presolicitation notice is for informational purposes only, and interested parties must submit capability statements by February 16, 2026.
Scope of Work
The NOAA National Weather Service (NWS) operates Upper Air (UA) observing stations that rely on Proton/NEL Hydrogen Generators (HOGEN). This contract aims to secure essential maintenance supplies and factory training for these generators to support routine weather balloon launches. The scope includes:
- Procurement of annual preventative maintenance kits and repair parts for Nel Hydrogen gas generators.
- Provision of 3-day on-site factory maintenance training for up to five personnel, covering installation, commissioning, operation, and maintenance of S-Series 3 and S40 hydrogen generators.
Contract & Timeline
- Opportunity Type: Presolicitation Notice (Special Notice)
- Contract Type: Sole Source, Firm-Fixed-Price (FFP) IDIQ
- Duration: One base year plus four twelve-month option years (total five years)
- Sole Source Justification: 41 U.S.C. 1901 as implemented by FAR Subpart 6.103-1 (Only One Responsible Source)
- NAICS: 334516 – Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing (Size Standard: 1,000 employees)
- Product Service Code: 6660 – Meteorological Instruments And Apparatus
- Place of Performance: Maintenance supplies shipped to NWS, Pacific Region Headquarters in Honolulu, HI; Training at Nel Hydrogen in Wallingford, CT.
- Response Due: February 16, 2026, at 2:00 PM PST
- Published: February 10, 2026
Key Requirements/Deliverables
- Maintenance Supplies: Specific filters, maintenance kits (1-4 year cycles), recommended spares, capacitors, centrifugal fans, and power supplies (with part numbers). Delivery required within 90 days after acceptance of delivery order.
- Factory Training: 3-day on-site training at Nel Hydrogen in Wallingford, CT, including course materials.
Additional Notes
This is not a request for competitive proposals. However, responsible parties may submit a capability statement demonstrating their ability to provide the requested services. The Government will not reimburse for information provided. A determination not to compete is solely at the Government's discretion.