59 -- GEOSTATIONARY OPERATIONAL ENVIROMENTAL SATELLITE

The U. S. Department of Commerce, National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Storm Prediction Center (SPC) proposes to negotiate on a sole source basis, under the authority of 41 U.S.C. 253(c)(1), with Global Imaging, Inc. for the purchase of a complete GVAR system(Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite, Variable Format). Based on existing industry standards, we are explicitly requesting a Small Computer System Interface (SCSI) protocol be utilized between the GVAR receiver and ingest computer and that the ingest software be capable of the processing the data in McIDAS format. This will eliminate IT security related issues by automating the device driver update process and allow for continued continuity between our existing IT systems. The Storm Prediction Center has been designated as a high impact DOC system and therefore requires the highest level of security control for compliance with the Federal Information Security Management Act (2002). The GVAR will contain the following required items and specifications:(a) One GOES GVAR Receiving System, to include a 4.5 meter or larger GVAR solid antenna with remote actuation, an integrated LNA (Low Noise Amplifier) with a Feed Assembly and Downconverter, and a SCSI based GVAR receiver card and GVAR AMSU Bit/Frame Synchronizer. (b) RF cabling and all necessary hardware required for installation. (c) Linux based GVAR application software that is capable of handling automated GVAR satellite acquisition, processing the data in McIDAS format, and long term storage of acquired data. (d) Installation, testing, and alignment of the RF and ingest hardware. (e) Installation of the required software drivers and ingest software upgrades. 1. GVAR LNA/Feed Assembly/Downconverter requirements: (a) LNA Noise Temperature: 65 degree Kelvin (b) System Noise Temperature: 100 degree Kelvin (c) Temperature Range: Operational: -40 degree C to +85 degree C Storage: -55 degree C to +85 degree C (d) RF Input: 1685.7 MHz (e) IF Output: 137.5 MHz (f) The LNA/Feed Assembly/Downconverter must be an integrated unit. 2. GVAR Receiver requirements: (a) IF Input Frequency: 137.5 MHz (b) Sweep Range: + 50 KHz (c) Acquisition Sensitivity: < -90 dbm (d) Temperature Range: Operational: +15 degree C to +32 degree C Storage: +10 degree C to +110 degree C (e) Humidity: Operating: 5% to 95% non-condensing (f) GVAR Receiver must utilize a SCSI interface to forward ingested satellite data to the processing computer. 3. SCSI Chassis requirements: (a) The SCSI Chassis shall contain plug-in slots for the GVAR Receiver Cards and GVAR Bit/Frame Synchronizers. (b) The SCSI Chassis must be 100% compatible with an SPC provided Dell PowerEdge 1850 server. (c) All required SCSI devices must be capable of utilizing the most up to date RedHat device drivers. 4. SOFTWARE The vendor shall supply the GVAR Software that is fully compatible with RedHat Linux Enterprise Application Server version 4. This software must be 100% compatible with the GVAR Receiver Hardware and be capable of processing the data in McIDAS format. This procurement is being conducted per FAR Part 13.1, Simplified Acquisition Procedures (NTE 100K). This notice is issued for information only. Based on the market research conducted, Global Imaging, Inc. is the only company that can meet the necessary IT security and the specifications of this procurement, and no competitive solicitation is planned. Information submitted in response to this notice will be used solely to determine whether or not use of competitive procedures to fulfill this requirement would be in the Government's best interest and must address qualifications pertinent to this requirement. Any questions regarding this notice must be submitted in writing to the attention of Ms. Rima via e-mail before June 27, 2007. Anticipated award date is June 28, 2007.