BASH- Bird/Wildlife Aircraft Strike Hazard

Solicitation Number: BASH Notice Type: Sources Sought Synopsis: SOURCES SOUGHT SYNOPSIS. This request is an announcement for information/market research for planning purposes. The synopsis does not constitute a request for proposal, request for quote, invitation for bid nor does its issuance in any way restrict the Government as to its ultimate acquisition approach. The AFNWC/PKOA, Kirtland AFB, New Mexico, is seeking potential sources to provide service capabilities for BASH (Bird/Wildlife Aircraft Strike Hazard). SCOPE Includes: The United States Air Force (USAF) experiences thousands of bird strikes each year during flight operations in low-altitude environments. To assist in reducing the potential of a damaging bird strike, the USAF Bird/wildlife Aircraft Strike Hazard (BASH) Team developed a Bird Avoidance Model (BAM). The BAM has undergone several revisions in an effort to more adequately identify hazardous bird concentrations, but continues to be limited by biases in historical data. NEXRAD data was made available to commercial vendors for processing to sell to various industries, mostly television markets. This National Information Distribution System (NIDS) allows for easy access to information from the Next Generation Weather Radar (WSR-88D) facilities nationwide at a single location by means of satellite data links. Advances in PC platforms allow for relatively inexpensive hardware to further process the data for development of a bird hazard advisory system. Finally, improvements in communications capabilities via fax and internet allow for distribution of hazard advisories to multiple locations in relatively short periods of time. Avian Hazard Advisory System (AHAS) advisories and forecasts are developed by processing radar data from the network of WSR-88D radars across the nation and from Marine Observation Satellite System (MOSS) weather data and vertical wind profiles. Data from the BAM is also incorporated into AHAS as a baseline model. Advisories and data processed through AHAS are archived for future integration into the BAM. Data collected from the AHAS system provides higher resolution for the development of future updates to the BAM. The more accurate data allows for the BAM to be a more integral part of the advisory system. In FY2005, independent contractors researched and developed a real time bird monitoring radar using existing radar technologies to identify local bird hazards at airfields. This new system is Bird Detection Radar (BDR). HQ AFSC needs to develop the BDR for integration into future bird hazard warnings systems. The contractor shall provide support services, including management, travel, and materials as required for the operation of the BAM, AHAS, and BDR functions of the BASH Program as well as assist the Air Force in the development, implementation, operational deployment, assessment, sustainment, and evolution of Air Force BASH programs; technology assessments; knowledge sharing of technological and operational findings, benefits, and advances; collaboration with BASH Quality Assurance Personnel (QAP) and members of Sister Services on program goals and capabilities for Joint Programs; and publication and dissemination of educational materials, training materials, and lessons learned. Regular communication between the contractor, Air Force, and DoD personnel is required for optimal program development. The overall focus of this requirement area involves analyses, review, and presentation of bird hazards in the flight environment; development of technical strategy recommendations; review and assessment of program/project technical direction/strategy; and technical consulting to programs and services. In particular it involves the following areas: analytical services, acquire radar and weather data, maintain and operate the BAM and AHAS, validate radar risk prediction, maintain system documentation, back up and archive data and providing technical assistance. Qualifications Please provide a list of licenses or certifications you feel may assist or provide support to your capabilities package. THIS NOTICE IS NOT A REQUEST FOR QUOTE (RFQ).Firms responding to this announcement should include company name, cage code, point of contact, address and indicate whether they are a small business, 8(a) concern, veteran-owned small business, service-disabled veteran-owned small business, HUBZone small business, small disadvantaged business, women-owned small business or large business. For consideration as a small business, the following applies: NAICS Code 541620 (Environmental Consulting Services), Size Standard $7.0 Million. Companies shall provide a capabilities statement no longer than 5 pages in length. The Government reserves the right to set-aside any subsequent acquisition based upon known sources and/or responses to this synopsis. All companies interested in submitting a capabilities statement shall submit them no later than Monday, 28 March 2010 at 2:00 PM MST (Mountain Standard Time). Interested offers may be E-mailed (preferred) to michelle.allamon@kirtland.af.mil or mailed to AFNWC/PKOA, ATTN: Michelle Allamon, 2000 Wyoming Blvd SE, Bldg. 20604, Room B-18, Kirtland AFB NM 87117, or faxed to (505) 846-4262 ATTN: Michelle Allamon. Alternate Contact: Jason Evans, jason.evans@kirtland.af.mil, 2000 Wyoming Blvd SE, Bldg. 20604, Room B-22, Kirtland AFB NM 87117. Contracting Office Address: AFNWC/PKOA Operational Contracting Squadron 2000 Wyoming Blvd SE Kirtland AFB, New Mexico 87117-5606 United States