NOAA/Systems Acquisition Office (SAO), 1315 E. W. Highway, Mail Code SAOX2, Silver Spring, MD 20910

A -- DEVELOP FAST-FORWARD PROTOTYPE MODELS SOL 50-SPNA-7-00021 DUE 083197 POC Jay W. Moore, 8455 Colesville Rd, Suite 1450, Mail Stop E/IP, Silver Spring, MD 20910; 301-427-2126-112 E-MAIL: Contracting Officer, jmoore@ipo.noaa.gov. The NOAA, Integrated Program Office (IPO), requires the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) to develop several categories of fast forward prototype models for high spectral resolution infrared radiances, as a single responsible source. Development and validation of these models is expected to comprise one-two years, and will enhance the retrieval capability while reducing optical path resolution errors in satellite instruments. These models will be used to determine the accuracy of high-resolution advanced sounder retrievals, such as those used in weather forecasting, which assimilate data from the Cross-track Infrared Sounder (CrIS) and the NPOESS Airborne Sounder Testbed (NAST) instruments. These deliverable algorithms are planned for use by the operational algorithm team to evaluate NPOESS sensor instrument models for the CrIS and NAST instruments. The UMBC will apply its compressed monochromatic radiance look-up tables to test for sensitivity and variations in the spectral response functions of these instruments. UMBC will isolate errors in the forward models by characterizing temperature dependent errors using laboratory spectroscopy. The UMBC has unique experience simulating a CrIS apodized channel transmittance using the existing AIRS parametrization, and using the AIRS 100-layer model to profile atmospheric layering. UMBC's unique experience in developing similar fast forward models, and its specialized staff expertise constitute the Government's one responsible source for developing this operational algorithm. No vendor, other than UMBC, has the extent of unique expertise and organizational independence from potential business conflicts to enable it to perform this requirement, IAW 41 U.S.C. 253(c)(1). Any party desiring consideration must identify its full capability in writing to the Contracting Officer within 30 days of this publication. No RFP or solicitation is available. No further CBD notice is planned. POC: Jay W. Moore; (301) 427-2126, extension 112. SEE NOTE 22. (0210)

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