U. S. Department of Commerce, Attn: Sandra J. Mueller, National Data Buoy Center, Stennis Space Center, MS 39529-6000

20 -- WSD DRIFTING BUOY SYSTEM SOL RFQ 40-QANW-7-00228 DUE 082997 POC Penny S. Parker (601) 688-1705 National Data Buoy Center has a requirement to purchase three off-the-shelf wind speed and direction (WSD) drifting buoy systems for deployment into hurricanes. A drifting buoy system is a floating platform which gathers and disseminates weather data. System life shall be a minimum of 18 months. Salient Characteristics: MECHANICAL SYSTEM: Hulls -- The standard "FGGE" (First Global GARP Experiment) hull shall be used. A sturdy 100 meter drogue with 30 kg (65 lb) weight shall be used. AIR DEPLOYMENT PACKAGE: The air deployment package shall be a parachute based system designed to free the buoy from deployment skids upon contact with salt water. It shall be a proven design certified for WSD deployment. SENSORS: Standard sensors include barometer, air and sea surface temperature sensors, battery voltage sensor, and wind speed and direction sensors (Savonius rotor anemometer is required for this procurement). TRANSMITTER: Shall be ARGOS certified. DATA FORMAT: Shall be reported in accordance with ServiceARGOS drifting buoy protocals. Four hours of data shall be reported in the message -- Current data and three previous hours' synoptic data. POWER: Duracell "Procell" or equal batteries. Known WSD systems that meet NDBC requirements are: Metocean TOGA-0912 and System Design Inc. 100200-XXXX. Faxed requests to (601)688-3153 for Request for Quotation Number 40-QANW-7-00228, no later than 080897. (0203)

Loren Data Corp. http://www.ld.com (SYN# 0278 19970724\20-0004.SOL)