Notice of Intent to Sole Source: Water Vapor Sensing System II (WVSS-II) sensors

NOTICE OF INTENT TO SOLE SOURCE: The National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration, Acquisition and Grants Office, Eastern Acquisition Division, intends to award a sole source contract to FLYHT, Inc. The purpose of this sole source contract is to procure newly manufactured Water Vapor Sensing System II (WVSS-II) sensors. The WVSS-II sensors shall be installed on existing commercial aircraft to increase meteorological data available to the NWS.

The actual obtaining/ingesting of meteorological data is not part of this requirement. Current NWS commercial meteorological data contracts already exist and will be utilized for the additional aircraft-based meteorological observational data. WVSS-II sensor measurements enhance weather forecast models by improving accuracy of predications and warnings of thunderstorms, flash floods, hail, tornadoes, clouds, icing, and other meteorological events, thereby increasing safety of life and property.

WVSS-II sensors have been in operational use at United Parcel Service (UPS) and Southwest Airlines (SWA) beginning in early October of 2009. The WVSS-II sensor is designed for measurement of atmospheric water vapor from commercial aircraft, in conjunction with the NWS Commercial Data Program program.

The WVSS-II sensors provide vertical profiles of wind speed and direction, temperature, pressure, and related meteorological variables at high vertical resolution in the atmosphere from takeoff to cruise level, and multiple vertical heights, similar to radiosondes, adding to the existing aircraft data.

The WVSS-II sensor uses tunable diode laser absorption spectroscopy technologies to measure water vapor concentrations along the aircraft flight path, with data communications to the ground by commercial carriers using existing Aircraft communications pathways. This acquisition shall be made under Simplified Acquisition Procedures and Other Than Full and Open Competition as authorized by FAR 13.106-1(b), Soliciting from a single source, and FAR 13.501(a), Sole source acquisitions.

The anticipated award date is September 1, 2025. Current market research has indicated that only one responsible source and no other can provide newly manufactured WVSS-II. Note that this is not a request for competitive proposals. However, all interested parties who believe they can meet the requirements are invited to submit in writing complete information describing their ability to provide WVSS-II sensors.

A determination by the Government not to compete this requirement based on responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. Information received will be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement. The Sole Source Justification will be posted within 14 days after contract award in accordance with FAR 13.501(a)(1)(iii). The closing date for this notice is July 10, 2025 at 1500 hours Eastern Time. For information regarding this requirement, please contact Paul Thomas at paul.thomas@noaa.gov and Jennifer Roesner at jennifer.roesner@noaa.gov.