MODIFICATION
A -- Radar Data Quality and Signal Processing
- Notice Date
- 7/26/2013
- Notice Type
- Modification/Amendment
- NAICS
- 541712
— Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology)
- Contracting Office
- Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), National Weather Service, 1325 East West Highway, SSMC2, Room 11226, Silver Spring, Maryland, 20910, United States
- ZIP Code
- 20910
- Solicitation Number
- NOAA-ROC-DQSP-072313
- Archive Date
- 8/22/2013
- Point of Contact
- DANIEL T HOFFMAN, Phone: 405-573-3308
- E-Mail Address
-
DANIEL.T.HOFFMAN@NOAA.GOV
(DANIEL.T.HOFFMAN@NOAA.GOV)
- Small Business Set-Aside
- N/A
- Description
- This announcement constitutes a Sources Sought/Market Research announcement for NWS NEXRAD WSR-88D Radar Data Quality and Signal Processing Services. The Government is conducting market research and identifying, as potential sources, companies that may possess the expertise, capabilities, and experience to meet the requirements of follow-on contract work performing various projects that involve WSR-88D radar data quality work which have been underway for the past ten years. These projects have been accomplished by National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) under National Science Foundation (NSF) funded by grants through the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR). The National Weather Service WSR-88D Radar Operations Center (ROC) has been integrating these techniques in partnership with NCAR using algorithm descriptions delivered by the source scientists at NCAR. Contracts as result of these projects have been assigned North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 541712, Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology). As a result of this Sources Sought Notice, the NWS may issue a Request for Quotation (RFQ) through FedBizOpps. THERE IS NO SOLICITATION AVAILABLE AT THIS TIME. However, should such a requirement materialize, no basis for claims against NWS shall arise as a result of a response to this Sources Sought Notice or the NWS's use of such information as either part of our evaluation process or in developing specifications for any subsequent requirement. The information requested hereunder is for planning purposes and does not constitute a commitment, implied or otherwise, that a procurement action will be issued or a contract awarded. The purpose of this contract is to continue WSR-88D radar data quality projects that have been underway for the past ten years. Specifically, this contract will continue the work of implementation of advanced signal processing and radar calibration techniques developed by NCAR. The contract will be segregated into three tasks. Contractor Requirements: - Task 1: Cross Polarization Calibration. NCAR has developed a number of software tools to help ROC engineers analyze the performance of this calibration method as implemented in the WSR-88D. The contractor will analyze and report results on radar data collected by ROC Engineering Branch personnel in support of the Cross Polarization Power (CPP) method of ZDR calibration. The contractor will participate in teleconferences and technical interchange meetings for this task. The contractor will provide recommendations regarding the operational implementation of the CPP algorithm. These recommendations will detail modifications to data collection methods, number of samples, data quality filtering, and final computations resulting in accurate system bias estimates. The contractor will provide algorithm description updates as appropriate. - Task 2: Hybrid Spectrum Width Estimator. This algorithm was developed by NCAR. ROC engineers have implanted a version of this method in the operational WSR-88D software. There are operating modes in the radar for which it is not implemented however. The ROC requires assistance to extend this beneficial method to all current and planned modes of the radar. The contractor will provide support to the ROC’s implementation of a Hybrid Spectrum Width Estimator (HSWE). Specifically this work supports the expansion of the HSWE to a Staggered Pulse Repitition Time (SPRT) and will also support improvements in performance of the existing algorithm in phase coded and Multiple Pulse Repitition Frequency (Multi-PRF) modes such as the current BATCH Mode. The contractor will provide on-going consultations, data analysis, and undates to the baseline algorithm description as needed. - Task 3: Dual Polarization Variable Estimate Quality. NCAR developed and delivered the current method for identifying ground clutter and automatically applying removal filters. While the NCAR method works reasonably well, the ROC team has identified areas where improvements are needed. The ROC requires assistance to continue development of these enhancements and effectively assist with implementation in future software releases. This task depends on the availability of a research grade S-band radar for developing new methods and for conducting data quality field experiments in an environment where an operational WSR-88D covers the same geographical area. Begin amendment** The contractor must have access to a Dual Pol S-band (S-Pol) radar that meets specific criteria. This S-Pol system must include a WSR-88D transmitter and receiver and signal processor hardware, so the data is fully compatible. It must also include specialized calibration and monitoring hardware that allows for efficient development of calibration techniques. **End amendment. The contractor will investigate means for improving the reliability and accuracy of the dual polarization variable estimates, including more effective identification and removal of artifacts such as ground clutter. This investigation should focus on the accuracy of the differential reflectivity estimates, but may also address issues with differential phase and correlation coefficient. As an independent method for evaluating data quaily and effectiveness of proposed improvements, the contractor should propose a plan for use of a research grade S band radar physically located to enable data collection from common resolution volumes capable of being scanned by operational WSR-88D radars. Period of Performance: One Year from time of award. How to Submit a Response: 1. Page Limitations: Interested universities, large and small business organizations should submit a tailored capability statement for this requirement not to exceed 10 single sided pages including all attachments, resumes, charts, etc. (single spaced, 12 point font minimum) that clearly details the ability to perform the requirements of the notice described above. All proprietary information should be marked as such. NOTE: it is requested that interested companies provide information pertaining whether or not they have actual or simulated access to a radar data and/or a development platform that can process WSR-88D data. Responses should include a minimum of a two pages demonstrating experience over the past two years meeting the requirements of this notice. If small business, statements should also include an indication of current certified small business status; this indication should be clearly marked on the first page of your capability statement (preferably placed under the eligible small business concern's name and address). Responses will be reviewed only by NWS ROC personnel and will be held in a confidential manner. 2. Due Date: Capability statements are due no later than 4:00 p.m. CDT on August 7, 2013. 3. Delivery Point: All information furnished must be in writing and must contain sufficient detail to allow the NWS to determine if it can meet the unique specifications described herein. It is preferrable that written responses be emailed to Daniel Hoffman, at daniel.t.hoffman@noaa.gov. However these may be mailed to the address located under Point of Contact. All questions must be in writing and can be faxed to (405) 573-3480 or emailed. Telephone responses are NOT solicted. No collect calls will be accepted. Frequently asked questions (FAQ’s) of a non-proprietory nature may be published as questions are received. A determination by the Government not to compete this requirement based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. Information received will be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement. In order to receive an award, contractors must have valid registration and certification in the System For Award Management (SAM) www.sam.gov. Please reference number NOAA-ROC-DQSP-072313 on all correspondence. Disclaimer and Important Notes: This notice does not obligate the Government to award a contract or otherwise pay for the information provided in response. No entitlement to payment or otherwise will be issued or contract awarded. No entitlement of direct or indirect costs or charges by the Government will arise as a result of submission of information. Responses to the notice will not be returned. The Government will not be held liable for or suffer any consequential damages for any improperly identified proprietary information. Proprietary information will be safeguarded in accordance with Government regulations. The Government reserves the right to use information provided by respondents for any purpose deemed necessary and legally appropriate. Any organization responding to this notice should ensure that its response is complete and sufficiently detailed to allow the Government to determine the organization's qualifications to perform the work. Respondents are advised that the Government is under no obligation to acknowledge receipt of the information received or provide feedback to respondents with respect to any information submitted. After a review of the responses received, an RFQ may be published on FedBizOpps. However, responses to this notice will not be considered adequate responses to a solicitation(s).
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