SATELLITE AND EDUCATION CONFERENCE

The U.S. Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), NOAA Satellite and Information Service (NESDIS) has provided both in-kind and financial support to the Conference over the past 20 years, first when it was hosted at West Chester University and more recently, at California State University at Los Angeles (CSU-LA). The College of Education at CSU-LA is known for its skill in hosting conferences that bring together educators from across the United Stated and the world to interact with scientists and engineers. Originally, the Conference focused upon the ways in which educators could use data from polar-orbiting satellite through the use of direct readout stations at schools. With the growth of the Internet, the Conference has expanded to include geostationary satellite data and a wide variety of satellite applications, such as using data to track forest fires and to estimate vegetation stress. This annual meeting brings together coastal managers from states, territories, and commonwealths from across the nation and provides a forum for discussion with their federal counterparts on emerging issues in ocean and coastal resource management. One of the cross-cutting priorities in the NOAA Strategic Plan is "Promoting Environmental Literacy." This Conference provides an avenue for engaging stakeholders from the educational arena. NESDIS scientists are able to provide information about NESDIS products and services in a "train the trainer: concept, where educators take what they learn back to their schools and teach other teachers. By partnering with the university community, other federal agencies, and private industry, NESDIS is able to multiply its outreach endeavors. Other NOAA Line Offices are participating in sponsorship of this Conference. The Satellite and Education Conference is being coordinated by California State University at Los Angeles and it is believed that there is no responsible source that will satisfy the NOAA/NESDIS requirements. California State University will provide NOAA Satellite with an Executive Report of the Conference, conduct and tabulate a customer survey and provide a written report of the results. The Satellite and Education Conference is sponsored by the Satellite Educators Association (SEA) in partnership with academia, federal agencies, and private industry. The SEA, established in 1988, is professional society to promote the innovative use of satellite technology in education. Membership includes master educators who use satellites and related technologies as a vehicle for helping students appreciate and understand the complex interrelationships among science, technology, individuals, societies, and the environment. In 2006, over 175 teachers from across the country participated in the Conference. No other source is known to possess the same capabilities. Notwithstanding the Government's intent to negotiate on a single source basis under the authority of 41 USC 253(c)(1) as implemented by FAR 6.302-1, any source possessing the capabilities to provide the required service may submit a statement of capabilities which, if timely received, will be considered by NOAA. Responses must be received by July 20, 2009. Responses must be emailed to contact@example.gov. Award will be made using simplified acquisition procedures pursuant to FAR Part 13 for a base period of 12-months and three additional 12-month option periods.