PERiLS Texas Tech University Instrument Use & Observation Services

SPECIAL NOTICENRMAG0002200942SRGPERiLSTexas Tech University Instrument Use & Observation Services*** National Oceanic and 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), with Texas Tech Univerity System of )  of  Lubbock, Texas for nonpersonal services services Nonpersonal services for the collection of surface mesoscale data in the Southeast U.S. region in the Propagation, Evolution and Rotation in Linear Storms (PERiLS) experiment of VORTEX-SE.****The sole source determination is based on the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Oceanic & Atmospheric Research (OAR) National Severe Storms Lab (NSSL) has a need for VORTEX-SE collection of surface meteorological data, using a Texas Tech University System’s deployable mesonetwork instruments, in the VORTEX-SE study region.  Observations from this network will be used to assess

the spatial variability of surface temperature, humidity, and wind, and its effect on the variability of Convective Available Potential Energy (CAPE), and lower atmospheric wind shear and stability.  These observations should lead to improved forecaster awareness of local tornado potential, as well as numerical forecasts of that potential.The data obtained must have quality control procedures applied and be archived in the same way as data from earlier VORTEX-SE deployments by Texas Tech. Initial data analyses must be performed and reported to the VORTEX-SE Program Manager and Scientific Coordinator with an emphasis on information useful for planning possible future deployments.Texas Tech University is the only known entity with all of the following characteristics: 1) owns a suite of deployable instruments with demonstrated usefulness for the needed observations in VORTEX-SE; 2) is able to locate suitable instrument deployment sites in the general southeastern U.S. region based on previous experience; 3) can reliably maintain and operate temporary deployable surface weather instruments providing continuous observations over extended periods of time; 4) can telemeter and capture data in realtime in formats suitable for use by NWS forecasters and model data assimilation systems; 5) perform data quality control and archival compatible with existing VORTEX-SE data collection efforts. Texas Tech designed and built the instrument systems, and has deployed the instruments in several experiments in which the National Severe Storms Laboratory was a participant. Texas Tech has demonstrated these capabilities in three previous field campaigns in VORTEX-SE. In monitoring activities across the severe weather research community, NSSL has identified no other entities that have the capability to provide this service.Period of Performance:  09/01/2022 through 08/30/2023***This notice of intent is not a request for competitive proposals and no solicitation package is available.  However, firms that believe they can provide the service as described that fully meets 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.