UNSPSC 41116600: Automated Weather Observation Systems (AWOS) Automated Surface Observing System (ASOS)

Automated Weather Observing System (AWOS) is a fully configurable airport weather system that provides continuous, real time information and reports on airport weather conditions. AWOS stations are mostly operated, maintained and controlled by aviation service providers.

UNSPSC 41116600 Automated Weather Observation Systems (AWOS) Automated Surface Observing System (ASOS), a Class code, encompasses lightning detection, severe weather monitoring, and related sensor and installation services that state and local governments are procuring to support facility safety, airport operations, and environmental monitoring. Recent solicitations show state and local buyers acquiring proprietary weather station hardware and software maintenance contracts, lightning protection system installation at military facilities, individual sensor components and cables, and lightning prediction and detection system upgrades. Issuing bodies include state departments (Texas Military Department, Texas Water Development Board), counties (Hillsborough County, Broward County), municipalities (City of Fort Lauderdale), and special-purpose districts. Activity reflects a mix of competitive IFBs, sole-source procurements justified by proprietary system compatibility, and RFIs testing sole-source claims before award.

Recent activity concentrates in Texas and Florida. The Texas Military Department issued IFB TMD26FMO0044558 for lightning protection system installation at eight sites at Camp Swift in Bastrop, with bids due September 26, 2026, and a mandatory pre-bid site visit on September 16, 2026; respondents must demonstrate two to five years of commercial lightning protection experience and carry required insurance including Workers' Compensation, Commercial General Liability at $1,000,000 per occurrence, Automobile Liability at $500,000 combined single limit, and Professional Liability at $1,000,000 per occurrence. Hillsborough County issued a sole-source procurement notice SS2600405 on September 3, 2026 for Earth Networks hardware, software, licensing, installation, and maintenance of its lightning detection and severe weather monitoring system, including Sferic Weather Stations, Sferic Maps licenses, and Dangerous Thunderstorm Alert technology, with an estimated contract value of $47,627.54 over two years and challenges due September 11, 2026. The Texas Water Development Board issued IFB ESBD_548214 on August 11, 2026 for temperature sensors, cables, mounting equipment, and related instruments with exact brand specifications, bids due August 25, 2026. Broward County and the City of Fort Lauderdale issued RFI BLD2131961F1 on May 6, 2026 to test sole-source claims for the Thor Guard, Inc. TG-360 Lightning Prediction and Detection System for integration with existing infrastructure at County Parks and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, with responses due May 18, 2026.