R -- Airborne Weather Surveillance (AWS)

This market survey is being conducted to identify potential sources interested in providing airborne weather surveillance support services for the 45th Space Wing (45 SW) in support of defense and commercial launches at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station (CCAFS), Florida. Services include, but are not limited to, (1) airborne real time observation and reporting of weather phenomena and parameters to help the Launch Weather Team (LWT) determine the likelihood of natural and/or triggered lightning in support of launch operations; and (2) direct aerial observation and interpretation of real time weather conditions in and around the Eastern Range (ER) to help the LWT evaluate meteorological phenomena associated with established Launch Commit Criteria (LCC). Offerors must possess and demonstrate a broad knowledge of basic meteorological observational skills and of the established Launch Commit Criteria (LCC). Offerors must possess specific skills that include determining cloud bases and tops, cloud opaqueness, and in cloud precipitation. Operating locations will include CCAFS, Patrick AFB, FL, and further locations to be determined. Offerors must possess access to aircraft capable of operating under all weather conditions during day or night to an altitude of 40,000 feet (service ceiling) with a minimum rate of climb of 3,300 feet per minute, attain speeds of 400 knots or more, measure/monitor outside air temperature and winds, and occasionally fly through moderate icing and turbulence. The offeror shall have a FAA Part 135 certificate for their aircraft and meet requirements as outlined in 14 CFR, Chapter 1, Part 135.163, with a FAA Standard Airworthiness Certificate. The offeror must be able to support operations at any hour, any day of the year with 10 days notice. The pilot shall follow procedures IAW 45 SWI 13-201 established by the 45 SW for operating an aircraft in restricted airspace. For all launches from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station (CCAFS), the offeror shall place an aircraft on standby at Patrick AFB, FL so that government representatives have access at a minimum of three hours prior to the beginning of the launch window. The aircraft must be airborne within 15 minutes of call-up by the government. Once airborne, the aircraft must have the ability to perform surveillance for up to three continuous hours. The offeror will provide continuous radio communication with the Launch Weather Operations Center (LWOC) while in flight. Due to weather and/or other factors, the offeror must be able to support multiple launch attempts typically separated by a minimum of 24 hours. Secret security clearances are required. The applicable NAICS code and size standard are 541990/1000 employees. Conflict of interest (COI) rules may apply, which would prohibit participation in related acquisitions and/or submit mitigation plans following release of the RFP. Additional acquisition information will be available via Internet at https://45cons.patrick.af.mil/awsmr/. Potential offerors are encouraged to monitor the website for program documents; e.g., Draft Performance Work Statement (PWS), Acquisition Schedule, and Requests for Information (RFIs). Firms responding to this sources sought notice must (1) state whether they are a small or large business based on the size standard above; if applicable, identify subcontractors to be used and their anticipated responsibilities; (2) indicate if a small disadvantaged or woman-owned business, 8(a) firm, or a historically black college or university or minority institution (HBCU/MI), or a historically underutilized business zone (HUBZone) small business; (3) provide experience in the form of an outline of previous projects for specific relevant work completed or currently being performed of equivalent magnitude including contract numbers, description of the work, points of contact, and phone numbers; professional qualifications and specific experience of personnel identified to perform the work; and (4) any other pertinent information which would enable the government to assess a firm's capabilities. Because the government reserves the right to set this acquisition aside based on the responses received, it is imperative that firms respond with the required information so that capabilities can be evaluated accurately. Complete responses must be received by the government prior to close of business on 2 Dec 2005. This synopsis is for planning purposes only and does not commit the government to pay for the information requested, issue a solicitation, or award a contract. No solicitation documents currently exist for this synopsis. Submit all responses to this notice to the point of contact listed below. Point of Contact 45 CONS/LGCZ, ATTN: Charlene Thomas, 14640 Hangar Road (CCAFS), E&L Building 1704, MS 2037, Patrick AFB FL 32925-2206; E-mail: Charlene.Thomas@patrick.af.mil.