Scientific Support Services in the Development of the Probabilistic Harzard Information Tool

The National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) Acquisition & Grants Office, Western Acquisition Division-Boulder, intends to negotiate, on a sole source basis, under authority of FAR 13.106-1(b)(1)( i ), with the University of Akron, 302 Buchtel Common, Akron, OH 44325 for scientific support services in the development of the Probabilistic Hazard Information Tool.The sole source determination is based on NOAA's Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research (OAR), National Severe Storms Laboratory (NSSL) has a project Forecasting a Continuum of Environmental Threats (FACETs) with the goal of helping the National Weather Service (NWS) replace its teletype-era watch and warning system with a new approach that capitalizes on recent scientific and technological advances. A key facet in this continuum is the prototype Probabilistic Hazard Information (PHI) Tool which allows forecasters to ingest next-generation numerical model and statistical guidance, and add value to the guidance

to produce actionable information. The prototype Probabilistic Hazard Information (PHI) Tool allows forecasters to ingest this guidance, manipulate it, and produce actionable information. This capability will be migrated to the AWIPS-II Hazard Services tool destined for NWS operations. Period of performance is one year.The research group at the University of Akron is the only institution that has the required background, obtained through ongoing involvement over the last five years with OAR and NWS in the FACETs and PHI tool projects. The University of Akron has participated in the development of this FACETs project from its earliest stage, and is unique in the combined academic background in human factors, psychology and other social science disciplines.This notice of intent is not a request for competitive proposals and no solicitation package is available. However, firms that believe they can fully meet the Government's requirements may submit substantiating documentation in writing to the identified point of contact within 15 days after publication of this synopsis. Such documentation will be evaluated solely for the purpose of determining whether or not to conduct this procurement on a competitive basis. A determination by the Government not to conduct a competitive procurement, based upon responses to this notice, is solely within the discretion of the government. Oral communications are not acceptable in response to this notice.