Scientific Support Services for the experimentation in the Hazardous Weather Testbed

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 for the experimentation in the Hazardous Weather Testbed.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 May 16, 2019 through May 15, 2020.The combination of academic expertise in social science and human factors research needed for this work is unique. In particular, extensive experience and intimate knowledge of AWIPS-II and the Hazard Services PHI tool being developed by OAR and NWS is crucial to this work, given that it is now in a more advanced stage of development. 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 the 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.Contact Information: Diana Romero, Purchasing Agent, Phone 303-497-3761, Fax 303-497-3163, Email diana.romero@noaa.gov Office Address :325 Broadway - MC3 Boulder CO 80305-3328 Location: Western Acquisition Division - Boulder Set Aside: N/A