ASOS 2.0 Sensor Hardware - Software Integration Statement of Objectives_V.2a.pdf

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Weather Service

STATEMENT OF OBJECTIVES (SOO)

for

Automated Surface Observing System

New Sensor Hardware and Software

Integration Services

V.2a

1. Purpose:

The management objectives are to allow the offeror the maximum flexibility to innovatively manage the projected schedule, performance, risks, warranties, subcontracts, and data to provide the goods or services that satisfy the government’s performance requirements. This requires a tailored approach to meet the specific program needs below. The ASOS Program Office requires ASOS 2.0 hardware and software integration of new sensors over the next five years and needs operating system licensing and node management for the ASOS system to support operations and maintenance during the same period. The

ASOS is undergoing a service life extension to extend the systems lifecycle beyond 2040. A phased approach to the upgrade is underway and includes the replacement of the data collection, system processing and dissemination subsystems in addition to all sensors on the sensor group. The ASOS program requires Hardware and Software support services for the operations and maintenance of the

ACU/DCP/SCA (ASOS 2.0). The ASOS Program is in the midst of sensor replacement projects that require hardware and software integration into the new ASOS 2.0 systems while under warranty. The sensor HW/SW upgrades to ASOS are treated as system baseline changes approved by the ASOS

Program Management Committee (APMC) for the continued service life of the system for the

Departments of Commerce, Transportation and Defense.

2. Mission:

As a primary support component for surface weather observations at approximately one thousand locations, ASOS advises air traffic management of the current weather conditions in support of the national airspace, safety of the flying public and Navy, Marine Corps, and Army operational airfields.

The surface weather observation is a crucial component of day to day operations at these locations. The absence of ASOS observations at a location can delay flight operations, prevent air traffic from landing or taking off and cause second and third order effects that prevent passengers and cargo from reaching their final destinations on schedule, precipitate economic consequences or worse in the case of contributing to an aircraft mishap.

3. Period and Place of Performance:

The period of performance will be five years beginning upon contract award. Services will primarily be performed at the vendor’s facility and secondarily at the Sterling Field Support Center. Vendors may participate in Government Validation and Verification activities during the first article acceptance process. Deliverables will be in the form of Software updates, engineering changes to hardware resulting from adapting the system to a new sensor power and signal. Software version updates for changes to the baseline AERO application based on APMC approved software baseline requests for change.

4. Background and Concept:

As a primary support component for surface weather observations at approximately one thousand locations, ASOS advises air traffic management of the current weather conditions in support of the national airspace, safety of the flying public and Navy, Marine Corps, and Army operational airfields.

The surface weather observation is a crucial component of day to day operations at these locations. The absence of ASOS observations at a location can delay flight operations, prevent air traffic from landing or taking off and cause second and third order effects that prevent passengers and cargo from reaching their final destinations on schedule, precipitate economic consequences or worse in the case of contributing to an aircraft mishap.

As an operational system in the field for nearly 30 years, ASOS failure rates are increasing, system outages are lasting longer and replacement equipment is suffering from diminishing manufacturing sources and material shortages (DMS/MS) making it more difficult to procure and deliver parts to effect repairs. Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) vendors for the current sensor array have announced end of lifecycle support for some ASOS sensors with more coming. Numerous sensor obsolescence and end of life support from OEM vendors manifests itself in the form of increased operational sensor failure rates and ASOS component attrition. These sensor obsolescence issues are secondary to the deterioration of the data processing and dissemination technology ASOS uses that was developed in the 1980’s.

The ASOS Service Life Extension Program (ASOS SLEP) – led by the NWS; an initiative undertaken by the NWS, FAA and DoD to modernize the ASOS. Under the Program the initial project goal was to replace the Acquisition Control, Data Collection and Dissemination capabilities of the ASOS along with all the sensors on the sensor array. This was deemed to be unachievable and the program was de-scoped to include just the ACU/DCP upgrade project; sensors were unfunded in light of prioritizing data processing and dissemination systems where increasing ACU/DCP obsolescence brought on by DMS/MS issues were deemed more important.

The ACU/DCP Upgrade Project Scope: The Acquisition Control Unit (ACU), Data Collection Package

(DCP) and the Single Cabinet Assembly (SCA) are being upgraded to ameliorate significant obsolescence problems within each subsystem. The project comprises an integrated system that includes new hardware and software that allows for an upgrade path to modern IP communications, sensor agnostic system integration and expanding the availability and periodicity of ASOS data to end users. These upgrades will solve the most immediate obsolescence problems with ASOS while allowing members of the ASOS Tri-

Agency to implement upgraded communications.

The ACU/DCP Upgrade Project will allow for ASOS sensor instrumentation and communications modernization initiatives--with two sensor projects already underway for the Legacy ASOS.

Implementation of the sensor sustainment project initiatives is dependent upon ACU/DCP upgrade deployment to the field with the exception of the Ice Free Wind Sensor (IFWS) and the Temperature

Relative Humidity Sensor (TRHS). All other Sensor projects are subject to being installed onto ASOS 2.0 deployed systems.

5. Performance Objectives:

The ASOS is undergoing a service life extension to extend the systems lifecycle beyond 2040. A phased approach to the upgrade is underway and includes the replacement of the data collection, system processing and dissemination subsystems in addition to all sensors on the sensor group.

It must be noted that an of the engineering goals of the ASOS program is to remove the fiber optic cables and modems in the baseline ASOS 2.0 system in lieu of a more resilient method of signal media.

The Vendor shall provide an integrated hardware and software solution for each new sensor per

(base contract) Task Order requirement.

The integrated ASOS 2.0 system comprises the ACU, DCP and the SCA. These sub-assemblies operate on vendor software, which is original equipment manufacturer proprietary.

The ASOS program requires Hardware and Software engineering services for the continued sensor replacement projects that require hardware and software integration into the new ASOS 2.0 (ASOS

SLEP) while under warranty.

The Vendor shall provide the government with thoroughly documented hardware and software baseline updates based upon the required sensor integration delivered, which shall be provided in accordance with

Mil Spec 31000 & ASME 14.1. This will enable the government to update its baselines under configuration management. Release notes describing the baseline changes made shall be comprehensive.

5.1. Engineering Requirements

Performance objectives for this requirement include all engineering, integration and testing requirements.

Specifically, the intent of this contract for services is for ‘turn key’ engineering solutions.

All engineering solutions stated in the deliverables, as specified in Section 6 of this SOO, shall include

Vendor provided new hardware and software modifications, proof of concepts (as necessary), prototype testing & validation, complete bill of material packages, and required drawings as stated.

5.2. Preliminary and Critical Design Reviews

The Vendor shall provide the government, at a location requested by the government, both Preliminary and Critical Design Reviews of each integrated sensor, unless stated otherwise.

The format, content, projected duration and location shall be pre approved by the government, and specified at the Task Order level.

6. Deliverables / Schedule

Written milestone deliverables shall be delivered in draft form within 15 calendar days from date declared in the approved project plan provided by the vendor. The government shall have 14 days to review the draft formatted deliverable for comments whereupon the final delivery shall occur NLT 30 calendar days after government comments are formally received. The government expects the final version of the below written materials within 30 days of government comments. All written deliverables shall be phrased in layperson language.

6.1. Known sensors to be incorporated

6.1.1. Ott Hydromet Pluvio2 Comprehensive Sensor Integration

The OTT Pluvio² L is an all-weather precipitation gauge that uses superior weight-based technology to measure the amount and intensity of rain, snow, and hail. Developed in conjunction with industry-leading meteorological services, the OTT Pluvio² L employs a high-precision load cell and algorithms that compensate for wind, temperature, and evaporation, ensuring the highest accuracy precipitation measurements over time.

6.1.2. Vaisala PTB-330 Barometer Comprehensive Sensor Integration capacitive, absolute pressure sensor - the Vaisala BAROCAP® Sensor. It provides high measurement accuracy and excellent long-term stability.

Atmospheric pressure is the most important surface weather element for aircraft operations since it provides the means of establishing the height of an aircraft above the ground. It is the only element that cannot be directly observed or qualitatively sensed by the observer or pilot. As a result, pressure has always been carefully measured and the operational sensor routinely compared to some reference standard.

6.1.3. Vaisala HMP-155E Temperature Relative Humidity Comprehensive Sensor Integration

HMP155 measures relative humidity and air temperature. Humidity measurement on the sensor is based on the capacitive thin film polymer HUMICAP sensor. Temperature measurement is based on platinum resistance (Pt100) sensors. Both the humidity and temperature sensors are located at the tip of the probe, protected by a removable filter.

HMP155 is installed inside a radiation shield, which ensures proper ventilation while protecting the sensor from solar radiation and precipitation. The shield provides ventilation while blocking both direct and reflected solar radiation.

6.2. Future sensors to be incorporated

The following sensors (herein considered ‘projects’) are are planned:

6.2.1. Visibility and Present Wx Project

Currently Visibility and Present weather is measured by two separate sensors, the Belfort 6220 for visibility and the OWI-240 for present weather. Maintenance support for these sensors is not expected to extend beyond 2023. Industry now offers multiple sensors that combine these capabilities into one sensor. As a key performance parameter, the future sensor will be a single sensor that simultaneously provides visibility and present weather data. The new sensor procurement is expected to occur in FY25.

6.2.2. Ceilometer Project

The ceilometer project has Congressional interest in support of fire weather through the implementation of the aerosol backscatter data set up to 40K ft, and its periodic dissemination for use in forecaster aids and numerical modeling. The goal is to report six cloud layers up to 25,000 ft.. The new sensor procurement is expected to occur during FY24.

6.2.3. Second Wind Sensor Project

The second wind sensor supporting a more accurate temperature reading will be implemented at NWS sites. This sensor integration will require software updates to account for wind information at the same level as the T/Td sensors. As the sensor is implemented it will provide the temperature reading along with the pyrometer for more accurate temperature reporting. This project is part of Global Climate Observing

System instrumentation requirements (GCOS) standards compliance.

6.2.4. Thunderstorm Sensor Project

This project is primarily in support of the DoD with onsite Thunderstorm (TS) sensor technology currently employed. A COTS TS sensor will be considered and employed for this replacement. FAA and

NWS sites receive TS data through the ALDARS piped into the ASOS from the ADAS connection. The current Vaisala 928-3200 series has finally completed testing for logistics replacement approval on the legacy ASOS however Vaisala is on the verge of announcing end of life support for all future procurements and post-sale support for this sensor.

6.2.5. Freezing Rain Sensor Project

The current ASOS Freezing rain sensor detected the accretion of ice buildup on exposed surfaces and is crucial to supporting airport operations for deicing of commercial aircraft. This sensor is expensive to repair and no longer supported by the OEM. A replacement will be procured in the 2026 time frame.

6.2.6. Pyrometer Project

In order to achieve GCOS instrumentation requirements and provide a more accurate ambient temperature, heat index and wet bulb globe temperature index, a Pyrometer will be integrated into the

ASOS 2.0. This procurement will likely occur during FY25.

7. Tasks and Associated Deliverables

Timely submission of deliverables is essential to successfully completing this requirement. Schedules for deliverables for all items enumerated in Section 6 of this SOO shall be spelled out in the approved project plan at project inception. All deliverables shall be prepared and submitted according to the general format, content, and schedule described in the following table: Note: specific deliverable requirements will be specified at the Task Order level.

ID No. Deliverable Objective Due

7.1 Project Plan

Draft

A draft, comprehensive scope and schedule to fulfill

New Sensor integration efforts containing the deliverables in this table and other relevant milestones to achieve the comprehensive integration of the

Meteorological Sensor awarded in the respective Task

Order.

14 days from task start

ID No. Deliverable Objective Due

7.2 Project Plan

Final

A final, comprehensive scope and schedule to fulfill

New Sensor integration efforts containing the deliverables in this table and other relevant milestones to achieve the comprehensive integration of the

Meteorological Sensor awarded in the respective Task

Order.

14 days after receiving the comments from the government

7.3

Engineering

Analysis

Summary

Any engineering analysis germane to the decisions to proceed down a sensor integration path that holds the system warranty sacrosanct. Engineering rationale.

Per the accepted project plan

7.4 Software

Release Notes

A comprehensive summary of the software changes germane to the integration of the new sensor sufficient to accommodate information needs for training and education of technicians and operational users.

Per the accepted project plan

7.5 Hardware

release notes

Provide the level of hardware change details to enable understanding of the changes facilitating the Request for

Change process for stakeholder approval.. A written summary of all hardware changes (approved ECNs) germane to the system’s upgrade to accommodate information needs for training and education of technicians and users.

Per the accepted project plan

7.6 Software User

Manual Update

Provide operators and maintainers germane, salient changes to the baseline software interfaces. All changes to the software user manual germane to the software operations for both users and maintainers.

Per the accepted project plan

7.7

Installation instructions &

Modification

Note

Enable the efficient installation of the newly integrated sensor by field technicians. Step by step instructions on how to effect the installation of the hardware and software to achieve an updated ASOS system in the field. Any and all steps needed to achieve the baseline upgrade for both hardware and software. Uninstallation of legacy sensors need not be covered in these instructions.

Per the accepted project plan

7.8

Factory

Acceptance

Testing

Procedures

A formal, written procedure that validates the baseline changes to both hardware and software to prove out that the ECNs affected function with the OEM baseline engineering model.

Per the accepted project plan

7.9

Compliance

Testing

Summary

A summary of test procedures and results performed by engineering or compliance that are not covered by the

FAT to demonstrate completion of developmental testing is complete.

Per the accepted project plan

7.10 FAT Test

Results

Demonstrate the FAT test result output satisfies the design requirements of the integrated sensor.

Per the accepted project plan

7.11 PDR Preliminary Design Review as specified in the Task

Order

Per the accepted project plan

7.11 CDR Critical Design Review as specified in the Task Order Per the accepted project plan

7.12

BOM/Parts

List Updates

Any and all part additions, deletions or changes to the starting baseline that achieves the ending baseline system.

Per the accepted project plan

ID No. Deliverable Objective Due

7.13

Drawing

Updates

Engineering

Changes

All Engineering Change Notices entered into the government CM system for approval processing and government baseline update to achieve OEM and government baseline synchronization.

Per the accepted project plan

7.14

Updated

AERO

Software

Release

Fully tested and delivered AERO software update with the new code, drivers, features, configurability and processing for the dissemination of baseline software weather products identified in the data distribution algorithm.

Per the accepted project plan

7.15

Technical Data

Package

Achieve a synchronized Technical Data Package between the government CM and Vendor CM system software and hardware baseline. The TDP shall be delivered compliant with Mil Spec 31000 & ASME

14.1.

Per the accepted project plan

7.16

Extended

Warranty

Warranty description accompanying the hardware and software upon affecting the modification note in the field in terms of duration, parts, labor and services.

With the proposed

Performance

Work Statement

Proposal

8.0 Reporting Requirements

The contractor is required to provide monthly written progress reports for the duration of time it takes to deliver deliverables in Section 7.0 of this SOO. All reporting requirements are required digitally and will not be delivered in hard copy. The progress report shall cover all work completed during the specified period and shall present the work to be accomplished during the subsequent period. This report shall also identify any problems that arose and a statement explaining how the problem was resolved. This report shall also identify any problems that have arisen but have not been completely resolved and provide an explanation.

Reporting Deliverables

ID

No.

Item Title

Description

Frequency

Reference

Delivery

Format

Due By

8.1 Combined

Monthly

Status Report

Monthly report documenting tasks and issues identified during the month

Once per

Month

Ref. SOO, section 7

Via email to

COR, TM,

PM,

The first wednesday at

1100 ET each month after contract award

8.2 Monthly

Status

Meeting

Meeting with PM, TM, COR briefing the Combined

Monthly Status

Report

Once per

Month

Ref. SOO, section 7

PDF

package via

Teams, Meet, in person etc.

The second

Wednesday at

1100 ET each month after contract award

9. Operating Constraints:

Maintain all existing security guardrails germane to the existing ACU/DCP/SCA configuration.

The vendor must provide solutions that remove fiber optic modems and rely on another means of data transmission from the sensor to the DCP/ACU.