NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center, Wallops Flight Facility, Code 218, Wallops Island, VA 23337

66 -- GPS RADIOSONDES SOL RFQ-972-25143-721 DUE 052199 POC Sheryl B. Lewis, Contract Specialist, Phone (757)824-1493, Fax (757)824-1974, Email Sheryl.B.Lewis.1@gsfc.nasa.gov -- Diane W. Jester, Contract Administrator, Phone (757) 824-1290, Fax (757) 824-1974, Email Diane.W.Jester.1@gsfc.nasa.gov WEB: Click here for the latest information about this notice, http://nais.nasa.gov/EPS/GSFC/date.html#RFQ-972-25143-721. E-MAIL: Sheryl B. Lewis, Sheryl.B.Lewis.1@gsfc.nasa.gov. NASA/GSFC plans to issue a Request for Quotation (RFQ)972-25143-721 for Item 1. 480 each of a GPS Radiosonde RS80-15G. This procurement is being conducted under the Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP). NASA/GSFC intends to purchase the items from Vaisala Co., 100 Commerce Way, Woburn, MA 01801. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration's (NASA) Earth Observing System Satellite, Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM), launched during November 1997, requires validation measurements from various global locations. These measurements are to be made from the NOAA Research Vessel "Ron Brown" during a extensive data gathering mission in the vicinity of Kwajelein Atoll. The ship operates and maintains only the Vaisala GPS ground receiving and processing system. These radiosondes are to provide under-flight measurement validation. Because the satellite does not provide wind measurements, there is a requirement to obtain the wind field in order to study the movement of clouds, humidity, transport and momentum. The model RS80-15G radiosonde measures vertical pressure, temperature, relative humidity and with the GPS capability, horizontal winds. The type of radiosonde instruments used with these systems is not locally available and to meet the NASA validation requirement, it is necessary for GSFC to make a sole-source purchase of the radiosondes as soon as possible. Shipment to the "Ron Brown" must occur prior to June 30th in order to provide the validation data required. While GPS-type radiosonde systems are available from other manufacturers in Boulder, CO and in Philadelphia, PA, they work on different principles and will not work with the Vaisala Ground Station aboard the "Ron Brown." It is recommended that the Vaisala RS80-15G radiosondes be purchased from Vaisala Co., thereby allowing the advantage of being able to use equipment already in place, which is mobile, and can meet the satellite under-flight schedule. The Government intends to acquire a commercial item using FAR Part 12. 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. Posted 05/10/99 (D-SN329462). (0130)

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