RFI for GNC-A Service

This is a Sources Sought Notice. In preparation for an upcoming anticipated procurement, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Satellite and Information Acquisition Division (SIAD), on behalf of the National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service (NESDIS), is conducting market research to identify potential sources and determine optimal procurement strategy for the GEONETCast Americas (GNC-A) service. This anticipated procurement is a follow-on requirement to contract DOCDG133E13NC0167. GNC-A is the Western Hemisphere component of GEONETCast, a near real time, global network of satellite-based data dissemination systems designed to distribute space-based, air-borne and in situ data, metadata and products to diverse communities. This user-driven, user-friendly and low-cost information dissemination service aims to provide global information as a basis for sound decision-making in a number of critical areas, including public health, energy, agriculture, weather, water, climate, natural disasters and eco-systems. Accessing and sharing such a range of vital data will yield societal benefits through improved Biodiversity and Ecosystem Sustainability, Disaster Resilience, Energy and Mineral Resources Management, Food Security and Sustainable Agriculture, Infrastructure and Transport Management, Public Health Surveillance, Sustainable Urban Development and Water Resources Management. GEONETCast receiving technology is based on using widespread and commercial off-the-shelf components allowing for widespread adoption of the service at low cost. The objective of this Request for Information (RFI) is to collect market research information from vendors associated with providing a complete end to end service including all necessary telecommunications, hardware and software, and broadcast service supported by monitoring, reporting and system design improvement. SIAD is seeking approaches, best-practices, and guidance from experienced vendors. Responses should be limited to 7 pages and should include the following considerations. - Company name and address - DUNS number - Type of Business (e.g., large business, small business, 8(a), service-disabled veteran owned small business, HUBZone small business, or economically disadvantaged women owned small business) as validated via the System for Award Management (SAM) - Company point of contact name, phone, email - Capability Statement (limited to 2 pages) - What is the expected longevity of the DVB-S standard? - What are the implications of transitioning from DVB-S to DVB-S2? For example: (1) What additional engineering support is required for a transition? (2) What are anticipated effects on current end users' hardware and software? (3) What are the implications of simultaneous support for both protocols? - The Government has a need for flexible bandwidth solutions with realistic granularity and responsiveness. What are the commercial solutions for these needs? - Given the breadth of the requirements, what is an appropriate transition period from the current contract to a new contract? - Any questions or concerns. See the attached draft Performance Work Statement (PWS) for further detail on the anticipated requirement. The draft PWS is provided for informational purposes only. Responses are due no later than 11am EST on 27 March 2017 via email to jeremy.peppler@noaa.gov. The point of contact for this action is Jeremy Peppler and he may be reached at 301-628-1362 or by email. DISCLAIMER This RFI is issued solely for information and planning purposes and does not constitute a solicitation. Information contained herein is subject to change. Responses to this notice are not offers and cannot be accepted by SIAD to form a binding contract. Respondents are solely responsible for all expenses associated with responding to this RFI. Responses to this RFI will not be returned. Respondents will not be notified of the result of the review. Any information that a vendor considers proprietary should be clearly marked as such. Failure to submit a response to this RFI in no way precludes a vendor from participating in any competitive solicitation the SIAD may issue in the future. Information received will be considered solely to make an informed decision regarding a potential procurement.