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

A -- GLOBAL WIND PROFILES SOL 52-DGNE-8-90076 POC Edward F. Tennant, Jr., Contracting Officer, 301/713-0823 The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) intends to issue a draft Request for Proposal (RFP) for global wind profiles to be used as input to its weather prediction products and services. NOAA assumes that these wind profiles will be derived from measurements acquired by a satellite-based system. NOAA further assumes that the most likely system capable of producing such measurements will be a light detection and ranging, or "lidar" system. NOAA assumes that technological and design characteristics associated with emerging lidar systems may render them compatible with inexpensive, small satellites. NOAA further assumes that such small space systems potentially may be developed and operated commercially, and that the commercial purchase of global wind profiles may be cost-effective. It is upon these assumptions that NOAA is embarking on this planned procurement to purchase the measurements collected from such a system, to be used for an operational feasibility demonstration, rather than procuring the satellite lidar system itself. However, potential respondents to this CBD notice are advised that there are not currently funds in NOAA's budget for the purchase of global wind profiles nor has NOAA requested funds for this purpose. NOAA expects to issue the draft RFP on or about May 29, 1998. Individuals or organizations wishing to receive a copy of the draft RFP are requested to contact Mary Watson by telephone at 301/713-0823 or by fax at 301/713-0806. The Government seeks industry comments on the draft RFP. Industry comments will be due approximately 45 days after issuance of the draft RFP. The Government will not award a contract based on the draft RFP. The Government will not pay for comments or information received with respect to the draft RFP; provided, however, that costs properly chargeable under Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Section 31.205-18, "Independent Research and Development and Bid and Proposal Costs," may be allocated to Government contracts consistent with the terms of such contracts. (0135)

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