Stratospheric Balloons -Micro and Short-Duration High-Altitude Platforms-

The 921st Contracting Support Battalion is conducting market research through a sources sought notice for High-Altitude Balloon (HAB) systems, modular payloads, lift-gas equipment, and operational software to support operations in the INDOPACOM AOR, with performance centered in Wahiawa, Hawaii. The effort seeks commercial off-the-shelf or modified-COTS solutions, including five 12-gore microballoons capable of reaching 90k–120k feet with integrated ballaster systems, eight payload buses equipped with Starlink and MPU5 communications, seven UN/DOT-certified HAZMAT shipping containers with IP67 or higher sealing, lift-gas fill kits compliant with CGA-580 and CGA-350 standards, and software suites for flight control, telemetry, and data exploitation. All hardware must adhere to strict safety standards including DOT, NFPA, and ISO for hydrogen handling, pressure vessel integrity, fire resistance, and EMI shielding, with HAZMAT containers requiring shock isolation, pressure relief, and thermal regulation. The anticipated contract type is a firm-fixed-price purchase order, with an inferred basis of award likely being Lowest Price Technically Acceptable due to the technical precision and compliance focus, though no formal evaluation criteria, weights, or scoring methodology are specified. Respondents must submit a single capabilities statement of no more than five pages via email to the Contract Specialist Stephen Cochran and Contracting Officer Michael Walnoha by June 5, 2026, including company profile details such as UEI, business size, employee count, ownership structure, and verification of compliance with all referenced safety and performance requirements. No pricing information is provided as this is strictly a market research action, and no funds are available for responses; however, detailed technical specifications and compliance obligations are clearly defined for potential future procurement.