Environment Canada (EC) operates thirty-two (32) aerological observing stations throughout Canada. These stations complete soundings of the upper atmosphere twice daily for each day of the year. The observations are taken by releasing a gas-filled balloon with an attached instrument which is tracked via one of a variety of electronic navigational methods. This attached instrument transmits meteorological data relating to temperature, humidity, and the height of standard atmospheric pressure levels. In addition, the tracking of the balloon allows for the computation of winds and wind shear at upper levels of the atmosphere.
The data is collected and processed automatically by the sounding equipment and transmitted to the Canadian Meteorological Centre for inclusion in atmospheric models that are used to produce a number of weather forecasts and for the provision of upper wind data for the private and commercial aviation industries. In addition, the data is shared internationally for use in many global weather monitoring and forecasting programs.
Environment Canada has recently committed to updating the existing Upper Air Network with modern hydrogen generation equipment replacing aging alkaline hydrogen generation equipment and costly helium storage and delivery programs. The replacement generator, provided by Proton Energy Systems (Model HOGEN S40), uses a proton exchange membrane (PEM) cell to produce hydrogen from purified water and electricity.
EC requires individuals to prepare the instruments and release the balloons twice each day, to monitor the data and messages produced, and to ensure the prompt transmittal of the data. EC has elected to engage the services of a Contractor from the private sector.
At Fort Nelson, helium is presently used as the lifting gas for the balloons. Helium will continue as the lifting gas until approximately August 1, 2014. Around that time, it is expected that the operation will change over to hydrogen from the new HOGEN system.
Once the HOGEN is in operation, EC will provide training. EC will also update any supplementary checks and/or maintenance required for the hydrogen generating and water purification systems.
The Contractor shall be responsible for the management and staffing of the observing program, and the scheduling of personnel to complete the ascents promptly and accurately. Administrative responsibilities include maintaining an inventory of consumable supplies, the preparation of monthly reports detailing the performance of the observing program, shipping and receiving of program related items, and the provision of some technical support in the maintenance of the associated equipment.
EC will provide the requisite training to all personnel involved in the collection of data.
PERIOD OF CONTRACT:
The contract will commence on January 1, 2014 to March 31, 2015 with the option to extend the contract by three (3) additional periods of one (1) year each.
- Initial Contract Period = January 1, 2014 to March 31, 2015
o Option Year 1 = April 1, 2015 to March 31, 2016
o Option Year 2 = April 1, 2016 to March 31, 2017
o Option Year 3 = April 1, 2017 to March 31, 2018
The Crown retains the right to negotiate with suppliers on any procurement. Documents may be submitted in either official language of Canada.
