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RFI: Weather Radar Technologies and Concepts of Operations for the National Weather Service

ID: NOAANWSNEXT • Type: Special Notice

Description

GENERAL NOTICE

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), National Weather Service (NWS) is conducting market research on the technological capabilities of vendors to support the NWS Doppler weather radar surveillance system. Federal Acquisition Regulation Part 10 requires the Government to conduct market research before developing new requirements documents for an acquisition. Results of market research will be used to determine whether qualified sources exist. The information obtained from industry's responses to this notice may be used in the development of an acquisition strategy and future request for proposal (RFP).

The Government does not intend to award a contract based on this market research or otherwise pay for information received. This request for information (RFI) is issued solely for information, planning purposes, and market research; it does not constitute an RFP or a promise to issue an RFP. This market research does not commit the Government to contract for any supply or service. NOAA will not pay for any costs associated with providing information in response to this announcement, or any follow-up information requests. Not responding to this announcement does not preclude participation in any future RFP. All submissions become the property of the Government and will not be returned. If a solicitation is released, it will be posted on the System for Award Management (SAM) https://sam.gov.

The North American Industry Classification System code for this RFI is 541330 Engineering Services.

Please see attached RFI document and associated attachments for more detailed information regarding this RFI.

Background
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), National Weather Service (NWS) is conducting market research to explore technological capabilities of vendors to support the NWS Doppler weather radar surveillance system. This initiative is part of the Federal Acquisition Regulation Part 10, which mandates market research prior to developing new acquisition requirements.

The current weather radar program, known as the Next Generation Weather Radar (NEXRAD), has surpassed its original 20-year design life and faces significant challenges due to component obsolescence and supply chain issues. The NWS aims to enhance its weather monitoring capabilities to ensure continuity of radar data and improve response times for environmental disasters.

Work Details
The NWS seeks information on the following:
1. Doppler Weather Radar Capability: Vendors are requested to provide details on commercial radars developed with weather detection capabilities, including their Technology Readiness Level (TRL), frequency bands of operation, and plans for maturing technologies not yet at TRL 6. Additionally, information on deployment timelines for these technologies is sought.

2. Improved Radar Technologies: Vendors should describe any developed radar technologies that address current challenges faced by the NEXRAD WSR-88D network, including both software and hardware solutions.

Place of Performance
The geographic locations for potential performance include the continental United States (CONUS), Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Guam, and possibly other locations.

Overview

Response Deadline
Sept. 20, 2024, 2:00 p.m. EDT (original: Aug. 30, 2024, 2:00 p.m. EDT) Past Due
Posted
Aug. 6, 2024, 7:42 a.m. EDT (updated: Sept. 25, 2024, 3:23 p.m. EDT)
Set Aside
None
Place of Performance
Norman, OK 73069 United States
Source
SAM

Current SBA Size Standard
$25.5 Million
Pricing
Multiple Types Common
On 8/6/24 National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration issued Special Notice NOAANWSNEXT for RFI: Weather Radar Technologies and Concepts of Operations for the National Weather Service due 9/20/24.
Primary Contact
Name
Daniel Hoffman   Profile
Phone
(405) 573-3308
Fax
(405) 573-3480

Secondary Contact

Name
Kevin J Buum   Profile
Phone
(816) 426-7461
Fax
None

Documents

Posted documents for Special Notice NOAANWSNEXT

Question & Answer

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Additional Details

Source Agency Hierarchy
COMMERCE, DEPARTMENT OF > NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION
FPDS Organization Code
1330-1330
Source Organization Code
100099213
Last Updated
Jan. 1, 2025
Last Updated By
holly.ferguson@noaa.gov
Archive Date
Dec. 31, 2024