SOURCES SOUGHT
B -- End to End Admin of Water Vapor Sensing Addressing Technology, Comminication, Optimization, Installation, Data Management & Sustainment Issues
- Notice Date
- 6/9/2005
- Notice Type
- Sources Sought
- NAICS
- 541990
— All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
- Contracting Office
- Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Acquisition and Grants Office, SSMC4 - Room 7601/OFA61 1305 East West Highway, 7th Floor, Silver Spring, MD, 20910
- ZIP Code
- 20910
- Solicitation Number
- DG133W05LC
- Response Due
- 7/1/2005
- Archive Date
- 7/16/2005
- Description
- Request for Information that describes concepts of operation for an end to end management solution regarding collection of meteorological observations from aircraft. The Aviation Services Branch (ASB) is requesting information on operational concepts that have the potential to achieve all, or to the greatest extent possible, the requirements delineated in the National Weather Service (NWS) Statement of Need summarized below. ASB is currently conducting market research only. No award is intended as a result of this synopsis nor does the Government intend to pay for information received. ASB is interested in receiving information with regard to sensors and/or sensor technologies; technology management concepts; and data collection, processing and distribution capabilities that can improve the quality, frequency, and geographic distribution of meteorological reports from aircraft. The greater temporal, spatial and vertical resolution of these reports will enable improved forecast accuracy and more frequently updated forecasts. Small-scale environmental events have profound effects on aviation safety and the economic well-being of the nation. The ability to predict short-term, small-scale (mesoscale) environmental change is restricted by meteorological observations that are incomplete in time and space. The government must work in partnership with industry to enhance the upper-air observing systems and improve predictive models and methods of dissemination to gain efficiencies in the operation of the National Air Space. The NWS has a requirement for sustaining and improving the current high-resolution data set of meteorological observation elements in the troposphere some of which is provided by the Meteorological Data Communications and Reporting System (MDCRS). MDCRS data provides ascent, descent and enroute reports of wind speed and direction, temperature and pressure. The data is transmitted to NWS National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) where it is used in high-resolution data assimilation and forecast systems and to NWS offices for use in weather analysis and forecasts. The current data sets utilized by NWS have three major deficiencies that the requested information should assist the NWS to address. The first deficiency is the critical absence of operational water vapor data. Currently moisture data sets are acquired via single-use radiosondes and supplemented with other data such as satellite observations in collaboration with other agencies such as FAA, NASA and NESDIS, as well as other research organizations. Mesoscale reports of in-situ water vapor will significantly improve weather model forecasts and forecast products generated at local offices. This information may allow forecasters to predict the start time of convection within 30 minutes. The second deficiency is the lack of effective controls or mechanisms to manage and limit the collection of data relative to NWS temporal and spatial requirements. This results in a significant level of redundant observations, especially at the hub airports, and translates into excessive and unnecessary communications costs. The third deficiency is that the mix of aircraft is not optimal. Ascent and descents profiles are more useful to NWS forecasts and models than the enroute observations. This translates to a preference for regional carriers versus major air carriers. Mesoscale atmospheric profiles consisting of temperature, winds and moisture are needed to forecast, warn of, and verify mesoscale weather phenomena. For the purposes of this document, mesoscale refers to data reporting in a horizontal spatial scale of ten?s of miles and a temporal scale from minutes to a few hours. The spatial, temporal and accuracy requirements for an improved mesoscale atmospheric observing system will be provided upon request. Responses must describe the offeror?s management and technical approaches to address the deficiencies described above, existing or projected performance capabilities, and the identification and availability of any pre-production prototype and/or production hardware. Input must address the sensing of water vapor data from aircraft to support modeling and forecasting improvements for multiple applications the primary function is to support improvements to weather modeling and related services that enable safe and efficient use of the nation?s air space. NWS desires input that outlines a complete solution that leverages prior research efforts or proven improved alternatives that maximize efficiency and capability while minimizing cost to operate and maintain. Prior research and development has investigated TAMDAR, WVSS I and II sensing technologies in collaboration with FAA and NASA. Potential strategies would include acquiring and managing one, or both technologies, or suggesting adequate alternatives. In addition, inputs should describe an executable strategy beginning with selection and implementation of a product or product blend to end of product life solution. Suggested strategy must address major aspects of a solution including: in-situ observation data, selection of sensing device, device installation process, management controls of data and mechanism to deliver data to NOAA models and forecast offices with incremental project controls, scalable implementation and total oversight of project from start to finish. Offerors planning to submit input describing how to meet the requirements should notify the contracting office of their interest. The performance parameters for the proposed concepts of operation should be accompanied by sufficient rationale for the Government to verify the offeror?s claims. The Government shall not accept general company capability information and will not accept such submissions. Questions and submissions will be accepted via e-mail and sent to Lamar Carlson at e-mail address shown below referencing the solicitation #. No compensation shall be provided for this RFI, this information supports planning for a RFP scheduled for FY06. In your response state if small business and if minority owned, woman owned etc.
- Record
- SN00825658-W 20050611/050609211819 (fbodaily.com)
- Source
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