J -- Dual Polarization Modification to WSR-88D Weather Radars

1.0 SUBJECT Request for Information (RFI) for a Dual Polarization Upgrade to the Tri-Agency's (National Weather Service, Department of Defense & Federal Aviation Administration) WSR-88D Weather Radars. Responses are due 4:00 PM on 12/5/03. 2.0 DESCRIPTION The National Weather Service is seeking information from industry that will assist in the development and deployment of a Dual Polarization modification to the WSR-88D Weather Radars. Specifically, this RFI seeks the following information: - Conceptual technical architecture alternatives - Technical feasibility alternatives assessments - Approximate cost information (i.e., order of magnitude, ballpark estimates, etc.) for alternatives - Schedule estimates - Ideas and suggestions that provide alternative approaches to designing, developing, acquiring, modifying the WSR-88D Network of Radars with Dual Polarization Capability 3.0 REQUIREMENTS This section enumerates the high-level functional requirements for upgrading the WSR-88D to a Dual Polarized Weather Radar. - This upgrade to the WSR-88D will require (but may not be limited to) modifications to the RF Generator, DAU, Receiver Chain, Microwave Path, Pedestal Rotary Joints and the Test Path. - This will be a turnkey solution. The purpose of this RFI is to gather information about those requirements enumerated above. To the extent simplifying assumptions are needed, respondents are encouraged to make and document such assumptions in their responses. 4.0 SAMPLE RESPONSE OUTLINE Following is a suggested outline and suggested page counts for a response to this RFI. This outline is intended to minimize the effort of the respondent and structure the responses for ease of analysis by the government. Nevertheless, respondents are free to develop their response as they see fit. Section 1 - Conceptual Alternatives Briefly describe alternative architecture concepts for the Dual Polarization Modification to the WSR-88D, including the reliability and availability characteristics of the alternatives. (3-5 pages per alternative with one diagram per alternative identifying the type of equipment that would typically be deployed) Section 2 - Feasibility Assessment Briefly describe the feasibility of each alternative and the design tradeoffs involved. (1 page per alternative) Section 3 - Cost and Schedule Estimates Provide cost estimates for each alternative. Also discuss cost drivers, cost tradeoffs, and schedule considerations. (2-3 pages) Section 4 - Corporate Expertise Briefly describe your company, your products and services, history, ownership, financial information, and other information you deem relevant. (2 Page Limit/No Marketing) In particular, please describe any projects you have been involved in that are similar in concept to what is described in this RFI, including management and any relevant lessons learned. (2 Page Limit). Include any comments on the structure of the requirements for a formal RFP response. 5.0 DISCLAIMER This RFI is issued solely for information and planning purposes only and does not constitute a solicitation. All information received in response to this RFI that is marked Proprietary will be handled accordingly. Responses to the RFI will not be returned. In accordance with FAR 15.202(e), responses to this notice are not an offers and cannot be accepted by the Government to form a binding contract. Responders are solely responsible for all expenses associated with responding to this RFI. 6.0 CONTACT INFORMATION Following is the Point of Contact (POC) for this RFI. Phillip D. Osborne, Contracting Officer NOAA NWSAMD Phillip.Osborne@NOAA.gov Please submit responses via e-mail in Microsoft Office format by 4:00 PM on 12/5/03, to Phillip.Osborne@NOAA.gov.