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A -- RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT DATA FOR A PROJECT ENTITLED "CLOUDS AND EARTH'S RADIANT ENERGY SYSTEM (CERES)" SOL 1-168-CAB.1789 DUE 051099 POC Nancy S. Hornung, Contract Specialist, Phone (757)864-4423, Fax (757)864-6131, Email n.s.hornung@larc.nasa.gov -- Kimberly D. Duncan, Contracting Officer, Phone (757) 864-3566, Fax (757) 864-8863, Email k.d.duncan@larc.nasa.gov WEB: Click here for the latest information about this notice, http://nais.nasa.gov/EPS/LaRC/date.html#1-168-CAB.1789. E-MAIL: Nancy S. Hornung, n.s.hornung@larc.nasa.gov. NASA/LaRC plans to issue a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for a Research & Development Project entitled "Clouds and the Earth's Radiant Energy System (CERES)." -- 1 lot. This procurement is being conducted under the Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP). NASA/LaRC intends to purchase 17 months of unique data from the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) under the authority of only one responsible source. This uniques data includes model and surface analyses. NASA/LaRC intends to purchase data generated by a numerical weather prediction model in conjunction with surface and space measurements. The numerical model (ECMWF analysis) uses the most current theory about the physics of the atmosphere to fill in the vertical and horizontal gaps in the surface and space observations in a fashion consistent with both current theory and current observations. Critical observational tests of the ECMWF data included direct comparisons to the CERES space-based 8 to 12 micron wavelength outgoing longwave radiation measurements as well as the CERES total longwave (5 to 100 micron wavelength radiation measurements. This data acquisition covers the period of December 1, 1997 through April 30, 1999. The model and surface analyses are non-conventional. Only the ECMWF data met the accuracy requirements for surface skin temperature accuracy, temperature profile accuracy, and water vapor profile accuracy judged scientifically critical to the CERES science team. Accuracy of the water vapor profile in the atmosphere between 6 and 12 km was especially critical. Further, it would potentially take 2 to 3 years, in addition to a substantial duplication of costs, for another firm to be able to meet the accuracy requirements of the model and surface analyses, and such costs are not expected to be recovered through competition. The Government does not intend to acquire a commercial item using FAR Part 12. See Note 26. See Note 22. Any referenced notes can be viewed at the following http://cbdnet.access.gpo.gov/num-note.html and http://genesis.gsfc.nasa.gov/nasanote.html Interested firms have 15 days from the publication of this synopsis to submit in writing to the identified point of contact, their qualifications/capabilities. Such qualifications/capabilities will be used solely for the purpose of determining whether or not to conduct this procurement on a competitive basis. Responses received after the 15 days or without the required information will be considered nonresponsive to the synopsis and will not be considered. A determination by the Government to not compete this proposed effort on a full and open competitive basis, based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. Oral communications are not acceptable in response to this notice. All responsible sources may submit an offer which shall be considered by the agency. An Ombudsman has been appointed. See Internet Note "B". Posted 04/23/99 (D-SN323706). (0113)

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