Supply of High-Altitude Plastic Weather Balloons for Polar Ozone Research

The contract requires the manufacture and delivery of 64 high-altitude plastic weather balloons specialized for use with ECC ozonesondes in the extreme environmental conditions of Antarctica. These balloons must meet strict technical specifications, including a defined burst altitude and consistent ascent rate, while also demonstrating enhanced material durability to withstand sub-zero temperatures, high winds, and prolonged exposure to harsh polar elements. The equipment is critical for accurate atmospheric ozone measurements in one of the most challenging regions on Earth, ensuring reliable scientific data collection for climate research. This is a small business set-aside subcontract under NAICS code 334511, awarded by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration within the U.S. Department of Commerce. The performance location is Boulder, Colorado, with a response deadline set for August 10, 2026. The procurement is structured to support small business participation and is intended to fulfill operational needs for polar atmospheric studies, with all deliverables expected to conform to exacting scientific and logistical standards for deployment in remote and hostile conditions.