U.S. Department of Commerce/National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration/OFA/AGFS/AMD -- OFA51, 1305 East West Highway -- Station 7604, Silver Spring, Maryland 20910

B -- DATA ANALYSES SOL 8-4174 DUE 032398 POC Sandra Souders, Lawrence Frazier (301) 713-0854 B -- The US Dept of Commerce/NOAA/NOS/National Geodetic Survey intends to negotiate on a sole source basis with the North Carolina Geodetic Survey (NCGS), an office within the North Carolina Department of Environment, Health and Natural Resources, to perform a research project using data (field measurements) collected in western North Carolina (Ashville and surrounding Buncombe county) that will compare two technologies used for the determination of orthometric heights. The methods to be compared are heights determined by conventional terrestrial leveling versus heights determined using the Global Positioning System (GPS). The accuracy and the costs of the heights will be compared. Special efficiencies or inefficiencies will be noted. Operational differences will be reported. The leveling shall be accomplished following Federal Geodetic Control Subcommittee (FGCS) Second Order, Class I procedures, however, "tie leveling" to existing level lines, as described in "Geodetic Leveling" NOAA Manual NOS NGS3, NOAA, National Geodetic Survey, August 1981, is not required. NCGS will use the Vertical Control Field Data Processing System (VFPROC) software programs to collect and process the raw field observations. The GPS survey shall be accomplished following the procedures to achieve the 2 cm standard outlined in "Guidelines for Establishing GPS-Derived Ellipsoid Heights" Version 4.3, NOAA Technical Memorandum NOS NGS 58, NOAA National Geodetic Survey, November 1997. This research project will contribute toward fulfilment of a National Height Modernization Initiative. Other offerors that have the ability to provide this type of service are invited to submit information as to their capabilities and any other pertinent data to the address above, to be received no later than 5 days from the date of this notice. No solicitation package exists; therefore a request for such package will not be considered. Responses should be faxed to 301/713-0806. Award will be made under Simplified Acquisition Procedures. (Reference No. 8-4174) **** (0077)

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