Gill MaxiMet all-in-one weather sensors for the NDBC, Stennis Space Center

The National Data Buoy Center (NDBC) requires 35 Gill Instruments MaxiMet all-in-one weather sensors for use with the SCOOP system. This is a brand name requirement due to the unique performance and compatibility of the MaxiMet sensors in the harsh marine environment. The Government intends to make an award to the responsive responsible quoter providing the best value in accordance with FAR 13.106-2(B)(3). This is a small business set-aside.

Brand Name Justification This procurement is for an all-in-one weather sensor that meets the National Data Buoy Center (NDBC)’s technical, operational, and environmental requirements for integration with the SCOOP system. NDBC has conducted extensive testing and evaluation of multiple commercially available all-in-one sensor models.

Alternative sensors failed to meet performance standards due to issues such as water intrusion, high failure rates, sensor drift, lack of serial interface support, and insufficient survivability in harsh marine environments. Some models showed initial promise but did not meet key reliability thresholds for wind, pressure, and temperature measurements, or remain under extended evaluation.

The selected sensor demonstrated the best overall performance, with acceptable data accuracy and significantly fewer deployment failures than others tested. It is currently the only sensor qualified for operational use within the SCOOP system.

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