ASOS Visibility and Present Weather (VPWX) Sensor

The Automated Surface Observing System (ASOS) program is an essential, joint mission support of the National Weather Service (NWS), the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and the Department of Defense (DOD). The ASOS is the nation's primary system for collecting and reporting surface-weather observations, primarily at airports, in support of aviation operations as well as weather forecasting and the timely issuance of warnings. ASOS is currently conducting a Service Life Extension Program (SLEP).

These efforts require the need to replace multiple different sensors in support of SLEP. This request is for the replacement of the Visibility Present Weather Sensors. The ASOS is currently using two sensors for providing visibility and present weather data. The first is Optical Scientific’s OWI-240 which provides present weather data and the Belfort 6220 which provides visibility readings to ASOS.

These two different units that have been in the field for over 20 years and are approaching the end of their useful lifecycle. A new combined sensor that successfully integrates into the ASOS is required to avoid systemic sensor performance degradation and decreased operational availability. Interested vendors who can provided capabilities for Visibility Present Weather Sensor please review the following requirements below.

Submission of Information: Interested parties are encouraged to submit a response per NWS requirements pertaining to this Sources Sought Notice. Interested vendors can provided capabilities for either the power supply or the hardware. If a vendor can provide both, please state that in your response.

If there are areas of the requirement that your company and/or perspective team cannot meet, please identify those areas in your response along with amplifying information as to why your team cannot meet the government’s request. The government requires build to print power supply capable of interfacing with the equipment to which they are attached and/or mounting hardware kit solution. Standard brochures will not be considered a sufficient response to this notice. Submitted Capability Statements shall include the following:

Cover Letter Company name and address Unique System for Award Management Identification Number Type of business (e.g. large, small, 8(a), veteran-owned small business, service-disabled veteran owned small business, HUBZone small business, small disadvantaged business, women owned small business, and/or economically disadvantaged women-owned small business) as validated in the SAM including the business size standard applicable to the NAICS code referenced in this Sources Sought Notice.

Company point of contact – name, phone number, and email address Technical Response Based on the draft Appendix A ASOS Visibility and Present Weather Sensor Specifications Document. Please review the following responses requested: Review and document if vendor sensor is capable of each [VPWX-1] through [VPWX-45]. Provide feedback on the Appendix A Specifications for inconsistencies and clarification. Is this a commercial off the shelf (COTS) product or modified COTS? Clear explanation of capabilities to meet Vis/Present Weather Sensor, as well as manage multiple projects at one time, for the requirements listed below:

Capabilities to provide manufacture Vis/Present Weather Sensor to include estimated time to build each Vis/Present Weather Sensor and possible monthly production rate. Review Appendix A Table 1-1 under Quality Provision for estimated sensor per year. If your organization cannot provide manufacture the requested Vis/Present Weather Sensor, provide any subcontractors/resellers who are known or have supported your organization.

Technical Exchanges NOAA will hold thirty (30) minute Technical Exchanges with interested vendors to allow the Government to provide valuable information and responses to industry questions regarding Visibility and Present Weather Sensor requirement. The agenda will consist of an overview of the scope of work, potential acquisition strategy and a question and answer session. These exchanges will take place via Webinar between 8:30 AM Eastern Standard Time (EST) – 12:00 pm EST on the dates listed below:

Monday, December 4, 2023 Tuesday, December 5, 2023 Monday, December 11, 2023 Thursday, December 14, 2023 Those vendors interested in Webinar meeting, should submit two (2) available time slots no later than November 29, 2023 at 3:00PM. Interested vendors shall provide an Excel spreadsheet with the Name and email of those attending, limited to no more than four attendees.

Vendors will be notified of their scheduled meetings no later than December 1, 2023 at 3:00PM EST. Respondents are encouraged to provide any feedback, comments, and questions pertaining to this Sources Sought Notice. Responses to this Sources Sought Notice shall not exceed fifteen (15) pages, including graphics, and shall be typed in Times New Roman 12 pt. font.

Written responses to this Sources Sought Notice shall be submitted to the Contract Specialist, Maggie Williams at margaret.williams@noaa.gov no later than 9:00 AM Eastern Time on December 8, 2023.