National Institute of Standards & Technology, Acquisition & Assistance Division, Bldg. 301, Rm. B117, Gaithersburg, Md

R -- WEATHER REPORT METRICATION PROJECT SOL 52SBNB6C9105 DUE 051396 POC Sandra Febach (301) 975-6326 The National Institute of Standards and Technology has a requirement to provide support for implementation of the Department of Commerce's metric conversion efforts. Working with the Interagency Council on Metric Policy (ICMP), NIST is implementing a plan that encourages a broad national dialogue on metric conversion. Under the banner ''Toward a Metric America,'' the plan includes meetings and workshops, information and awareness campaigns, consultations with industry and the public, and other outreach programs. NIST requires contractor support to help accelerate national metrication and increase public awareness and interest in the metric system of measurement. The metric system has been in use by the National Weather Service (NWS) for decades. Almost all internal NWS calculations are performed in the metric system of units, especially the large computer simulations of the atmosphere done at the National Center for Environmental Prediction. However, when transfer of weather information to users is required in inch-pound units, the NWS converts the data. Working with the Metric Program at NIST and the National Weather Service, the contractor will brainstorm and plan the steps needed over time to convert the Nation's public weather reports (including print, radio, television, and electronic media) to the metric system of measurement. As a pilot project, the contractor shall provide all necessary services and public relations efforts to achieve the promotion and use of the metric system of units (dual units are acceptable) on the weather reports of at least one nationally affiliated television station in a major U.S. city, every day, for at least a week. The period of performance is expected to be approximately 26 weeks. It is anticipated that the type of contract will be firm-fixed-price. All responsible sources may submit a bid, proposal or quotation which will be considered by the agency. All requests for the solicitation must be in writing. Requests may be submitted by facsimile to (301) 963-7732. (0082)

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