Attachment_1_Statement_of_Need_1305M324Q0076.docx

STATEMENT OF NEED

Transportable Weather Radar

A. Background and Purpose The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), National Severe Storms Laboratory (NSSL) is a federal research laboratory under NOAA's Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research (OAR). NSSL's research spans weather radar, tornadoes, flash floods, lightning, damaging winds, hail, and winter weather. Among NSSL research interests, fire weather and post-wildfire hydrology present unique challenges requiring more targeted radar observations. While NSSL has a radar engineering team to develop and maintain radar assets, the timeline for developing a new observing platform in house is incompatible with other current research priorities.

B. Scope and Objectives The objective is to acquire one (1) fully transportable C-band weather radar facility with an option to purchase one (1) or two (2) additional transportable X-band weather radar facilities, for a total potential purchase of three (3) radar facilities. This requirement is in support of fire weather and post-wildfire hydrology research objectives. This facility is envisioned to be a truck-mounted dual-polarization weather radar. It is intended for stationary deployments of weeks to months, either on commercial power or off-grid. The scope of this requirement includes the development or acquisition of a suitable weather radar and integration with a transport vehicle platform. The scope also includes a service plan and maintenance documentation to gradually transfer long-term support of the system to the NSSL radar engineering team.

C. Product Specifications Definitions:

Radar system: The radar itself, which is mounted to a transportable platform. This includes the radar antenna, radar pedestal, transmitter, receiver, signal processor, and control/computing infrastructure.

Radar antenna: The parabolic dish antenna including the radio frequency (RF) feeds.

Radar pedestal: The mechanical system for moving the antenna in azimuth/elevation. This includes motors and any internal slip rings/rotary joints.

Transport vehicle: The vehicle to which the radar system is mounted for transport. This also serves as the stationary base of the radar system when deployed.

Radar platform: the entire transportable weather radar facility including the radar system and transport vehicle.

Minimum Requirements:

1. The radar system shall meet the following minimum specifications:

1.1. Frequency: C-band (first radar); X-band (optional additional radar(s))

1.2. Beamwidth (3 dB): ≤ 1.7° for C-band radar; ≤ 1.4° for X-band radar(s)

1.3. Sensitivity: ≤ 0 dBZ at 50 km

1.4. Dynamic range: ≥ 60 dB

1.5. Blind range: ≤ 600 m for typical weather operation. If pulse compression is used to meet the sensitivity specification, the radar system shall employ a means to mitigate the associated blind range (e.g. fill pulse).

1.6. User-configurable Pulse Repetition Frequency (PRF) / Pulse Repetition Time (PRT)

1.6.1. The radar shall support PRFs spanning at least 500-2000 Hz.

1.6.2. The radar shall support dual-PRF operation, defined as alternating the PRF on a radial-by-radial basis, resulting in an extended unambiguous velocity interval. The PRFs shall be configurable in a m:m+1 ratio with at least 2:3, 3:4, and 4:5 ratios supported.

1.6.3. The radar shall support staggered-PRT operation, defined as alternating the PRF on a pulse-to-pulse basis, resulting in an extended unambiguous velocity interval. The PRFs shall be configurable in a m:m+1 ratio with at least 2:3, 3:4, and 4:5 ratios supported.

1.7. User-configurable pulse width (for non-pulse compression solutions) or transmit bandwidth (for pulse compression systems) to support native range resolutions spanning at least 30m-300m (i.e. 0.2 µs to 2 µs pulse width / 0.5-5.0 MHz bandwidth).

1.8. User-configurable range bin spacing spanning at least 15-300m. Range bin spacing shall be independent of native range resolution (i.e. based on pulse width or transmit bandwidth) to enable range oversampling.

1.9. Polarization: Dual-linear with simultaneous horizontal/vertical polarization

1.10. Sidelobe levels: ≤ -25 dB with respect to peak

1.11. Cross-polar isolation: ≥ 25 dB

1.12. Radar pedestal

1.12.1. The radar pedestal shall support continuous, 360° rotation in azimuth

1.12.2. The radar pedestal shall support user-defined azimuthal rotation rates up to at least 60°/s (10 RPM)

1.12.3. The radar pedestal shall support elevation motion from 0° (horizon) to 90° (zenith)

1.12.4. When commanded to a static azimuth or elevation, the radar pedestal shall stop at this position within 0.5° (platform-relative).

1.12.5. The radar pedestal shall report true platform-relative azimuth and elevation within 0.1°

1.12.6. The radar platform shall include a sensor for heading and automatically compensate for azimuth (i.e. report earth-relative azimuth instead of platform-relative).

1.13. Odometer Reading

1.13.1. Vehicles/mobile radars shall be delivered with less than 3,000 miles on the odometer.

2. The radar system shall support the following capabilities:

2.1. Standard Plan Position Indicator (PPI) mode with uninterrupted 360° azimuthal scans

2.2. Standard Plan Position Indicator (PPI) mode with azimuthal sector scans

2.3. Range Height Indicator (RHI) mode

2.4. Programmable Volume Coverage Patterns (VCPs)

2.5. Sequencing VCPs on a user-defined schedule

2.6. Real-time radar display supporting the following

2.6.1. Display of spectral moments (i.e. reflectivity, velocity, spectrum width) and dual-polarization variables (i.e. differential reflectivity, differential phase, specific differential phase, correlation coefficient).

2.6.2. User-configurable setting to filter spectral moments and dual-polarization variables displayed based on configurable Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR), reflectivity, and correlation coefficient thresholds. When this option is enabled, the real-time display shall display the quality-controlled spectral moments and dual-polarization variables instead of raw spectral moments and dual-polarization variables.

2.6.3. User-configurable setting to filter ground clutter. When this option is enabled, the real-time display shall display the quality-controlled spectral moments and dual-polarization variables instead of raw spectral moments and dual-polarization variables.

2.6.4. Display of products collected in both PPI and RHI modes

2.6.5. Ability to pan and zoom

2.6.6. Multiple panels for different products with a synchronized cursor in all panels and data readouts

2.6.7. Auto-updates of latest product(s) in real-time display panel(s)

2.6.8. Display of historic products from user-selectable times

2.6.9. Exporting historic products as images in standard image file formats (e.g., png, jpg, tiff, and/or gif)

2.6.10. Display of time sequences (looping) over a user-defined time period

2.6.11. Exporting historic product sequences as animations in standard movie file formats (e.g., mov, mp4, wmv, and/or gif)

2.6.12. Customizable color tables

2.6.13. Overlays

2.6.13.1. Ability to import and display user-defined vector, point, and raster themes in standard geographical information system (GIS) formats (e.g., shapefiles, geotiffs)

2.6.13.2. Customizable line thicknesses, point sizes, and color schemes for GIS overlays

2.6.13.3. Synchronization of displayed radar products with georeferenced map overlays using onboard Global Positioning System (GPS) and heading sensor (see paragraph 6.2)

2.7. Recording capability

2.7.1. Recording of spectral moments (i.e. reflectivity, velocity, spectrum width) and dual-polarization variables (i.e. differential reflectivity, differential phase, specific differential phase, correlation coefficient). Recorded spectral moments and dual-polarization variables shall be exportable in CfRadial 2 format and in NOAA Next Generation Radar (NEXRAD) Level II data format with file compression.

2.7.2. Recording of quality-controlled spectral moments and dual-polarization variables instead of raw spectral moments and dual-polarization variables when the configuration setting described in paragraph 2.6.2. and/or the configuration setting described in paragraph 2.6.3. is enabled.

2.7.3. Recording shall also retain any radar status information required to interpret the data (e.g., date/time, antenna position, calibration, VCP, GPS location and heading, platform roll and pitch)

2.7.4. Option to record I/Q data for each polarization channel

2.7.5. Local storage for recorded data files shall be at least 8 TB.

2.8. Ability to configure azimuth/elevation ranges within which the radar will not transmit (sector blanking)

3. Operating conditions

3.1. The radar’s operations temperature range shall span at least -30°C to 50°C.

3.2. The radar shall be operable in winds up to at least 80 MPH.

3.3. The radar shall be operable in rain up to at least 100 mm/hr.

4. Power considerations

4.1. The radar shall be operable on generator power and on commercial power.

4.2. The radar platform shall include a generator for fully off-grid usage.

4.2.1. The runtime on generator power shall be at least 72 hours without refueling. It is allowable to satisfy this requirement and requirement in paragraph 5.5 with a shared fuel tank for the generator and transport vehicle.

4.2.2. The generator shall power, at a minimum, all components required for operating the radar system (including heating and cooling of the operator’s enclosure) while the transport vehicle engine is off.

4.2.3. The radar shall be operable on generator power while the transport vehicle’s engine is also running.

4.3. The radar shall include an interface for operating on commercial power.

4.3.1. Power shall be one of the following US-standard power specifications: 60Hz 240VAC single-/split-phase OR 60HZ 120VAC single-phase.

4.3.2. The commercial power interface on the radar platform shall be a watertight male pin and sleeve inlet, properly rated for the voltage/current handling.

4.3.3. The commercial power source shall power, at a minimum, all components required for operating the radar system (including heating and cooling of the operator’s enclosure) while the transport vehicle engine is off.

4.3.4. The radar system shall be operable on commercial power while the transport vehicle’s engine is running.

5. Transport considerations

5.1. The radar platform shall be transportable without requiring a Commercial Drivers License (CDL).

5.2. The radar platform shall weigh less than 26,000 lbs during transport.

5.3. The radar platform shall have a max height not exceeding 162 in (13.5 ft) during transport.

5.4. The radar platform shall have a max width not exceeding 102.36 in (8.53 ft) during transport.

5.5. The transport vehicle shall have a driving range of at least 500 miles without refueling.

5.6. Mechanical components (e.g. antena, lift) shall be stowable as necessary and designed to be safely transportable subject to typical wind loading and vibration at highway speeds without damage.

5.7. The transport vehicle shall have key-locked, water-resistant cargo holds for storage with a minimum capacity totaling 36 cubic ft.

6. Deployment and Operation

6.1. The radar platform shall have a system to lift and self-level the vehicle (for example, hydraulic or electric stabilizer jacks). The self-leveling system shall level the vehicle such that the base of the radar pedestal is level within 0.1° roll and pitch.

6.2. The radar platform shall be equipped with a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver with heading sensor to provide position and heading information to the radar system.

6.3. The radar platform shall be equipped with a lightning protection system.

6.4. The radar platform shall feature a powered lift system to elevate the radar pedestal/antenna during deployment and lower the radar pedestal/antenna during transport.

6.4.1. With the lift at its maximum height, the height of the bottom of the radar antenna shall be higher than the highest point of the transport vehicle cab and any other obstructions, excluding antennas.

6.4.2. With the lift at its minimum height, no part of the radar platform shall exceed the max height for transport, as specified in paragraph 5.3.

6.5. The radar system shall be deployable by a single trained operator in less than 30 minutes, to include leveling the radar platform, elevating the powered lift, starting the generator, powering on all radar components and control systems, and starting a scan.

6.6. The radar system shall support fully local operation when on generator power or commercial power.

6.6.1. The radar platform shall have an enclosed area for operator(s) to occupy while operating the radar system locally. A dedicated space within the transport vehicle cab may suffice if the below requirements are met.

6.6.2. A local operator shall be able to control the radar system from the operator area, including starting and stopping the radar system, defining scan strategies, viewing the real-time display, and recording data.

6.6.3. A local operator shall be able to access the internet from the operator area.

6.6.4. The operator area shall feature seating for at least two operators, a light, and a work surface for writing or placing a laptop.

6.6.5. The operator area shall include heating and air conditioning that do not require the transport vehicle’s engine to be running.

6.7. The radar system shall support fully remote operation when on commercial power.

6.7.1. Remote operation shall include remote use of graphical interfaces (e.g. using Virtual Network Computing (VNC), Remote Desktop, or X-Window forwarding) for radar control and data display.

6.7.2. Remote operation shall include remote monitoring of critical system status, fault, and safety information (for example, subsystem power status, equipment temperatures, interlock status, lift elevation, platform inclination and heading, waveguide pressure, hydraulic pressure, or other applicable system status information that would be unobservable to a remote user)

6.7.3. Power lift for radar system and self-leveling system for transport vehicle shall not be remotely operable

6.7.4. The radar system shall provide primary network connectivity through a cellular modem/router and must meet the following requirements:

6.7.4.1. Built in multi-carrier support with automatic failover capabilities

6.7.4.2. Network management and configuration capabilities such as Virtual Private Network (VPN) Tunneling, Network Address Translation (NAT), Internet Protocol (IP)-based filtering, Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP), web-based configuration, and remote firmware update capabilities

6.7.5. The radar platform shall provide remote surveillance capabilities via camera(s) that meet the following requirements:

6.7.5.1. The camera(s) shall provide an unobstructed 360 degree view around the radar platform, including view of the radar antenna and powered lift.

6.7.5.2. The camera(s) shall feature motion notification or alarming capabilities

6.7.5.3. The camera(s) shall feature a web based configuration/management interface

6.7.5.4. The camera(s) shall support Real Time Streaming Protocol (RTSP)

7. Constraints

7.1. The radar platform shall be serviceable and upgradable by the Government beyond the warranty/service plan period.

7.2. The Government shall have full ownership of the delivered radar platform and rights to modify hardware and software.

7.3. The Contractor shall use Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) parts and non-proprietary software wherever possible.

7.4. Any proprietary software shall have a well-documented Application Programming Interface (API) for integration of Government software.

7.5. The radar platform shall not feature large decals or other conspicuous branding other than NOAA. It is understood that small typical manufacturer identification (e.g. vehicle make and model badges, small manufacturer nameplates) may be present.

8. Other deliverables

8.1. Purchase shall include a three-year warranty/service plan covering all parts and labor for at least the first year after delivery and technical support, to include software updates and unlimited phone/email support, for the full three-year duration.

8.2. The Contractor shall support milestone review meetings with the Government. Reviews may be conducted virtually or in-person. The number, type, scope, and content of these reviews will depend on the maturity of the system in the proposal (for example, production of a fully custom build warrants more rigorous design review than delivery of a modified commercial-off-the-shelf product).

8.3. Documentation

8.3.1. The Contractor shall deliver a formal set of documentation thoroughly describing all aspects of the radar platform.

8.3.2. Documentation shall be created with the intent of transition operation, maintenance, support, and enhancement of the radar platform to the Government. Maintenance documentation shall be organized to help the maintainer start from a high level and locate the appropriate low-level documentation.

8.3.3. The documentation requirement explicitly includes but is not necessarily limited to the following:

8.3.3.1. Operator manual describing deployment/undeployment, local operation, and remote operation.

8.3.3.2. Mechanical drawings of major mechanical systems (e.g. radar pedestal, powered lift system, physical assembly of equipment on the transport vehicle)

8.3.3.3. Drawings and/or photos depicting physical layout of components.

8.3.3.4. Block diagram(s) of the radar system and major subcomponents, including connections for power, communications, and RF. Each major component shall be represented and uniquely identified. The block diagram(s) and supporting text shall depict functional relationships among components.

8.3.3.5. Separate interconnection diagram(s) for major subcomponents featuring jack identifiers, physical jack types, and cable types. The interconnection diagram(s) and supporting text shall depict physical relationships among components.

8.3.3.6. List of recommended periodic maintenance actions.

8.3.3.7. Identification of the intended least Line Replaceable Units (LRUs) within the radar system and serviceable subcomponents, along with information about source (COTS or custom) and recommended spares.

Requirement

Three-year warranty/ service plan

E. Technical Point(s) of Contact (TPOCs) One or more TPOCs will assist the COR as needed. All parties are reminded that this in no way detracts or changes the responsibilities and limitations described in the contract including, but not limited to, CAR 1352.201-70, Contracting Officer’s Authority, and CAR 1352.201-72, Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR). Only the contracting officer has the authority to direct, revise, or otherwise change the requirements of the subject contract.

The TPOC(s) will be identified at contract award. The TPOC(s) may be changed at any time by the Government.