Precipitation Gauges - 3 Sensors

SUPPLIES SOURCES SOUGHT. The U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Atmospheric Turbulence and Diffusion Division (ATDD), has a requirement for an indefinite delivery-indefinite quantity (IDIQ) for Precipitation Gauges. The period of performance is a one (1) year period. The precipitation gauges have a Capacity of: 0-600 mm (including antifreeze), three (3) sensors - estimated minimum order - 40 each and maximum order - 60 each; Precipitation Gauge, 1000 mm capacity, 3 sensors and signal interfaces minimum order - 1 each and maximum order- 10 each; and Model TH-501 Signal Interfaces (Note three (3) TH-501 interfaces are required for each precipitation gauge) minimum order 123 each and maximum order - 210 each. The HCN-M requirement specifies a commercially available high-accuracy, high-precision weighting-type precipitation gauge that allows for three independent measurements of precipitation. Precipitation rate and accumulation are both key climate variables, and must be measured very accurately under a wide range of ambient conditions. The use of three (3) independent sensors are necessary for the following reasons: 1) Reduced down-time and maintenance costs. If one sensor fails the additional sensors can provide data allowing repair to wait for its regularly scheduled visit; 2) A measure of the uncertainty in the observed value. Individual observations can not provide assessments of their own uncertainty. It is only when multiple independent observations are made that such determinations can be made; and 3) A robust metric to assess instrument drift or related problems. Because of local-scale weather variability, using a neighboring station to indentify instrument drift would require many months for rather large, from a climatologically perspective. The following are requirements for the precipitation gauge: 1) weighing-type; 2) standard data logger-compatible output (analog voltage, or frequency); 3) Ability to have 3 independent transducers; 4) transducers must have transient (lighting and/or electronic shock) protection; 5) accuracy 0.6 mm or better; 6) sensitivity 0.1 mm; 7) Repeatability 0.1 mm; 8) total capacity 600 mm or more; 9) temperature range -25 degrees or low to + 60 degrees or higher; 10) Temperature drift 0.5 mm or better over full operating range; 11) documented track record over several years of field use; 12) high quality UV-resistant white paint over entire exterior and interior of the orifice; 13) simple, rugged mounting on pedestal imbedded in concrete pad and 14) easily cleaned and calibrated. A modernized U.S. Historical Climatology Network is an integrated surface-observing network whose data provide climate, weather, and water information to measure and monitor at a minimum atmospheric essential climate variables (surface air temperature and precipitation) contributing to multiple uses: protect life and property; preserve and extend the climate record of the United States; monitor climate variability and change at a regional level, and provide quality to the Nation's hydro-meteorological forecast, warning and numerical modeling programs. USHCN-M data are derived from sensors whose sitting, exposure, and maintenance adhere to the GCOS Ten Climate Monitoring Principles. USHCN-M ensures the integrity and fidelity of the Nation's regional climate record by modernizing 1,000 USHCN stations. The applicable NAICS code is 334519 with 500 employees. Interested persons may identify their interest by submitting product information and documentation demonstrating the company's capabilities to provide the product. Parties should reference RFQ No. WC133R-10-RQ-0397PY within five (5) business days after publication. If you have questions, please contact Patsy A. Ybarra at (816) 426-6823 or at patsy.a.ybarra@noaa.gov. The Eastern Acquisition Division (EAD), requires that all contractors doing business with this Acquisition Office be registered with the Central Contractor Registry (CCR). For additional information and to register in CCR please access the following web site: http://www.ccr.gov/. In order to register with the CCR and to be eligible to receive an award from this acquisition office, all offerors must have a Dun & Bradstreet Number. A Dun & Bradstreet number may be acquired free of charge by contacting Dun & Bradstreet on-line at https//dnb.com/product/eupdate/requestOptions.html or by phone at (800) 333-0505.