1-02_Specifications Dropsonde.pdf

RFI No.: N00173-21-RFI-KN01

Specification: Dropsonde

SPECIFICATIONS

DROPSONDE ATMOSPHERIC PROFILERS FOR JOINT RESEARCH COMPAIGN

1. Background:

The Naval Research Laboratory Marine Meteorology Division (NRL-MMD) requires dropsonde atmospheric profilers to observe and research Atlantic Basin tropical cyclones as part of a joint campaign, “Rapid Intensification in Tropical Cyclones” Directed Research Initiative (DRI) field campaign. The joint campaign, in an effort to study tropical cyclones the physical processes underlying the formation of the their inner core and its relationship with storm intensification by expending dropsondes into hurricanes from aircraft flying over the Atlantic Ocean Basin during joint aircraft missions with NOAA.

NOAA is providing their WP-3D and G-IV aircraft, which is currently used for their ongoing operational and research hurricane reconnaissance missions. The NOAA WP-3D and G-IV aircraft are currently fitted with the specifically designed launcher and the Airborne Vertical Atmospheric Profiling System (AVAPS), which are only compatible with the Visala RD-41 Dropsonde. NOAA’s use of the Vaisala RD-41 dropsonde has resulted in extensive existing framework of software and scientific expertise in the interpretation and quality control of RD-41 dropsonde observations in tropical cyclone conditions.

NRL-MMD will conduct joint aircraft missions from July to October 2021 with NOAA, using their aircraft platforms. NRL-MMD will be dropping 325 WP-3D and G-IV aircraft compatible dropsonde in areas of the hurricanes that are of scientific interest to the NRL-MMD and DRI.

2. Specifications:

325 state of the art dropsonde atmospheric profilers that meet the following requirements:

a. Shall be compatible with the current dropsonde launcher and software, Airborne Vertical Atmospheric Profiling System (AVAPS), currently installed on the NOAA WP-3D and G-IV Aircraft.

b. Shall be capable of providing observations of pressure, temperature, relative humidity, wind speed, and wind direction at a rate of at least 2 Hz as the instrument falls from the aircraft to the ocean surface.

c. Have a proven track record of reliably recording recording the observations and transmitting them back to the NOAA G-4 and WP-3D aircraft while in intense hurricane conditions, including heavy precipitation, strong winds, and extreme turbulence in the past 3 years.

d. Able to be delivered within 60 - 90 days of contract award.

3. Warranty

The vendor shall provide a twelve (12) month warranty from the date of delivery at the NRL site, including all parts and labor and telephone response during normal business hours with 3 day or less on site response to breakdowns.

4. Documentation

Vendor shall provide electronic copies of the following:

RFI No.: N00173-21-RFI-KN01

Specification: Dropsonde

a. Full operating instructions.

b. Mechanical outline and dimensions

c. Troubleshooting manual for common servicing and repairs of electrical, mechanical and computer software problems

5. Delivery Terms:

a. Delivery is FOB Destination.

b. The contractor shall deliver supplies, all transportation charges paid, in accordance with FAR 52.247-34, FoB Destination (NOV 1991)

c. Inspection and acceptance will be accomplished by the Authorized Government Representative

(AGR) designated below. (To be completed at award)

d. Final Inspection and acceptance of all items delivered will be performed at the Delivery Address as follows:

NOAA AOC

ATTN: Dropsonde Manager 3450 Flightline Drive Lakeland, FL 33811

6. Payment Terms

Payment terms: Payments will be made after Final Acceptance by the Government.