Amend 1 6913G625Q300052 A1 Wake Lidar Replacement Questions and Answers from Site Visit_20251020.pdf

RFQ No. 6913G625Q300052 Amendment No. 1 LiDAR Evaluation for Wake Turbulence Research

Questions and Answers from 10/15/25 Site Visit US DOT Volpe Center – Aviation Weather & PNT Applications Division (V345)

This document records the questions asked by offeror(s) who attended the site visit, as well as the Volpe Center’s responses.

Question 1: What is the bandwidth of the internet connection available at the Volpe Site?

Answer 1: As documented in Attachment A (“SFO Test Site Layout and Available Infrastructure”), the existing internet connection is a symmetrical connection with bandwidth of approximately 300 Mbps (megabits per second). However, offerors should be aware that the Volpe Center uses the same connection for data transfer from the WindTracer LiDAR and site monitoring, so they should not expect full bandwidth available at all times.

Question 2: Does the Test LiDAR need to be capable of doing a VAD (velocity-azimuth display) scan, or just a wake turbulence scan?

Answer 2: As documented in Section 3.2.2 (“Initial Data Processing During Data Collection”) of the Statement of Work (underline added), A lidar and data processing system which is capable of providing the raw Doppler spectral data, as well as processed in-plane velocity field, is preferable to a system which can only provide wake tracks.

A system need not be capable of providing a processed in-plane velocity field to be considered; however, a system with the ability to do so would be preferred. No specific methodology for generating the in-plane velocity field is required.

Question 3: Can the Test LiDAR and support equipment connect to the existing network infrastructure?

Answer 3: As documented in Attachment A (“SFO Test Site Layout and Available Infrastructure”), the Test LiDAR and associated support systems can be provided with internet connectivity through the Volpe infrastructure, but an independent internet connection would be preferable.

Question 4: Will the Test LiDAR interface with, or provide data to, any safety-critical operational systems? What level of reliability is required?

Answer 4: The Test LiDAR will not interface with, or provide data to, any safety-critical operational systems. There are no specific metrics for reliability listed in the Statement of Work; however, Section

3.2.2 (“Initial Data Processing During Data Collection”) provides that the contractor must provide ongoing monitoring during the data collection campaign and contact the Volpe Center within 72 hours of the onset of any technical issue so that the Volpe Center and the contractor can discuss the problem and proposed solutions.

Question 5: What voltage and amperage can the existing electrical infrastructure support? Can the contractor propose modifications and/or upgrades to the power supply?

RFQ No. 6913G625Q300052 Amendment No. 1

Answer 5: As documented in Attachment A (“SFO Test Site Layout and Available Infrastructure”), the Volpe Center can guarantee access to a 120-volt, 15-amp dedicated electrical circuit. This can be supplied without any infrastructure modifications.

As documented in Attachment A, if the Test LiDAR has power requirements that go beyond a single 120-volt, 15-amp dedicated circuit, the proposal must include information about the exact requirements so that the Volpe Center can investigate the feasibility of any infrastructure modifications that may be necessary.

Further relevant information that was provided at the Site Visit is:

- The dedicated 120-volt, 15 amp circuit would be associated with a receptacle inside the existing WindTracer shelter. Adding up to 15 amps of power draw will not pose any difficulty given the existing infrastructure.

- The mains power supply to the existing lidar (WindTracer) is fused at 50 amps.

o The internal wiring in the shelter is also designed to support this current.

- The maximum amp draw of all the equipment inside the shelter is 30 amps.

o This includes the HVAC, the lidar itself, and the ancillary computer equipment.

The WindTracer is provided with a 240-volt, 50-amp supply, which goes through a transformer to be stepped down to 120 volts for some of the components inside the shelter (including but not limited to the receptacle circuit discussed above). It may be possible to tap the 240-volt supply upstream of the WindTracer.

Questions and Answers from 10/15/25 Site Visit US DOT Volpe Center – Aviation Weather & PNT Applications Division (V345) LiDAR Evaluation for Wake Turbulence Research