combined synopsis.pdf

Solicitation No. 6913G626Q300036

This is a sole source, combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items prepared in accordance with the format in Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) part 12, as supplemented with additional information included in this notice. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation. A quote is being requested, and a separate written solicitation will not be issued.

Solicitation No. 6913G626Q300036 is issued as a Request for Quotation (RFQ). This solicitation is being conducted under FAR Part 12, Terms and Conditions – Commercial Products and Commercial Services. This solicitation document and incorporated provisions are those in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular 2026-01, effective 03/13/2026. The NAICS Code is 541715 (exception 3); the Small Business size standard is 1,250 employees.

This solicitation incorporates provisions and clauses; full text of provisions and clauses may be accessed electronically at http://www.acquisition.gov/far-overhaul

The U.S. Department of Transportation/John A. Volpe National Transportation Systems Center (Volpe Center) intends to solicit and award on a sole source basis to The National Center for Physical Acoustics (NCPA) at the University of Mississippi, in accordance with FAR 13.106- 1(b). The Volpe Center is collaborating with the Air Force Civil Engineer Center (AFCEC) and the Department of War (DoW) in increasing the launch cadence of rocket propelled air and spacecraft. Increased exposure to rocket propulsion noise and sonic booms is an impediment to increasing this cadence. Providing new noise modeling software to the planners’ toolset will enable increased launch cadence while minimizing noise exposure increases. All services required for this work shall be in accordance with the attached Statement of Work and terms and conditions.

REQUIREMENTS/SPECIFICATIONS

The Government intends to award a sole source, firm fixed price purchase order as a result of this Combined Synopsis/Solicitation. Please provide a firm-fixed price quotation in accordance with the below Pricing Table and Deliverables with a total of four CLINS. In addition to filling in an amount for each CLIN, the following are also required as part of your quote submission;

Unique Entity Identifier (UEI), Complete Business Mailing Address, and Contact Name, Phone, and Email Address. This information maybe submitted on a separate cover sheet.

STATEMENT OF WORK/PRICING TABLE

Rocket Propulsion and Sonic Boom Acoustic Propagation Model

Background

The Air Force Civil Engineer Center (AFCEC) and the Department of War (DoW) in general have interest in increasing the launch cadence of rocket propelled air and spacecraft. Increased exposure to rocket propulsion noise and sonic booms is an impedement to increasing this cadence. Providing new noise modeling software to the planners’ toolset will enable increased launch cadence while minimizing noise exposure increases.

http://www.acquisition.gov/far-overhaul

One key use case for these tools is the ability to model rocket propulsion noise and sonic boom noise propagation through the atmosphere under a range of meteorological conditions. By modeling noise exposure over a statistically signigicant range of historical weather conditions, planners can make more informed decisions on launch windows that will minimize noise exposure.

Scope

In coordination with the Volpe Center the contractor shall develop tools or modify existing infrasonic tools developed by the National Center for Physical Acoustics (NCPA) to model rocket propulsion and sonic boom acoustic propagation in a manner that enables large numbers of scenarios to be evaluated to create a comprehensive database of noise exposure maps that cover a range of meteorological conditions and acoustic sources. This tool will then be used by the contractor to evaluate one study site for one vehicle with two launch trajectories.

It is expected that this new tool will assist AFCEC and the DoW in general to:

• Quantify propulsion and sonic boom noise from rockets by utilizing available noise source data.

• Produce topological noise maps that show percentage of coverage that exceeds noise levels to a given extent

• Show extent of impacts from different rocket trajectories under different meteorological conditions

• Identify gaps in data where the DoW cannot definitively say what will be impacted by the effects of the rocket launch

• Inform decisions on monitoring station locations and indicate where more data is needed

Tasking

Rocket Noise and Sonic Boom Propagation Tool Development

Produce an operational support software tool for environmental impact assessment of rocket propulsion and sonic boom noise to evaluate potential environmental impacts and go/no-go conditions. The Volpe Center will provide access to a Common Development Environment (CDE) for version control, storage, and access to the tool code. The tool development will include the following stages:

0. Monthly Reporting (CLIN 00100) The vendor shall provide a monthly progress report in PDF format on the 15th of each month, including the first month of award and concluding in the final month of award, estimated to be March 2027. This monthly progress report shall include discussion of deliverable progress and issues along with a summary of any lessons learned. Monthly spend information will also be summarized in the monthly progress report.

1. Initial Design and Documentation (CLIN 00200)

a. Metric Documentation – The contractor shall document all metrics that the tool will compute and the input requirements for each, e.g. ½-second resolution time series, one-third, z-weighted sound pressure levels.

b. Algorithm Documentation – The contractor shall document all relevant algorithms and libraries that will be utilized in the development of the tool. This documentation will include theoretical and functional aspects as well as assumptions and limitations of the algorithms and libraries. The contractor shall also indicate any algorithms that will need to be modified to facilitate modeling the atmospheric sound propagation of rocket noise and sonic booms.

c. Workflow Documentation – In consultation with the Volpe Center, the contractor shall document the intended workflow for tool utilization. This shall include descriptions of the process to input acoustic and trajectory data, collect and input meteorological data, collect and input geometry data, specify scenarios, run the tool and read the output data.

d. Software Requirements Specification (SRS) Documentation – In consultation with the Volpe Center, the contractor shall develop a brief requirements document that outlines inputs, outputs, hardware, code languages, libraries, security certificates (see Air Force Security Technical Implementation Guides (STIGs)), STIG requirements, etc.

2. Code Base Development (CLIN 00300)

a. Upon written concurrence from the Volpe Center the contractor shall commence software development. This may include precompiled libraries for routine functions as well as existing and original code that addresses specific acoustics and business logic requirements.

b. Code will be stored in a private repository/CDE that tracks revisions and code updates will be pushed to the repository periodically and at key milestones. This CDE will not be part of any Government information system.

c. Prototype, alpha, beta, and release code, along with unit tests, shall be delivered to the Volpe Center for evaluation. The Volpe Center shall have up to thirty calendar days to review and / or comment. Upon deliverable acceptance in writing the contractor may proceed with the next task. Critical issues identified by the Volpe Center shall be addressed before delivering the final code and executable. Non-critical issues shall be documented in a backlog.

3. Testing (CLIN 00400)

a. The contractor shall provide unit tests and/or functional tests to evaluate code for each software deliverable.

b. The contractor shall work with the Volpe Center to define appropriate input data and formats as well as expected outputs.

i. The Volpe Center shall be responsible for acquiring noise source data.

ii. The contractor shall be responsible for obtaining meteorological and site data from open-source weather and forecasting models.

c. The contractor shall maintain a backlog of issues with priorities agreed upon with the Volpe Center.

d. Critical issues will be addressed in future iterations of related code up to and including the final release.

The tool deliverable shall include these minimum, high-level requirements:

• Include a private code base owned by the Government

• Include a simple GUI or an API/DLL structure supporting GUI development

• Be compatible to run on Air Force and Space Force workstations (see Air Force/Space

Force STIGs)

The tool shall accept as input:

• Site geometry data

• Flight trajectory and orientation data

• Noise source data

• Weather parameters consistent with the Weather Research & Forecasting Model (WRF)

The tool shall acount for:

• Source Level

• Source Frequency

• Dispersion

• Atmospheric absorption

• Refraction

• Diffraction

• Ground reflections

The tool’s output shall be sufficient to produce a variety of noise measures such as:

• Ldn (propulsion), and supplemental noise metrics such as maximum overpressure (sonic booms), Lmax, SEL, Leq,T, etc.

• Overall and one-third octave band levels (Lmax, SEL, Leq,T)

• Results utilizing A, C and Z-frequency weighting networks

• Attenuation as a function of receptor location, source location and source frequency

• Time series results as practical (e.g. Lmax(t), Leq,T(t))

• Results for points of interest and for a grid of receptor locations (map)

Deliverables (See Table Below):

• Code Base (CLIN 0300) o Code and project files ready to compile (alpha, beta, release) o Dependencies o Unit and functional tests o Private repository o Backlog

• Documentation (CLIN 0200) o Metrics o Algorithms o Workflow o SRS

Deliverables and Due Dates Below find a listing of project deliverables and due dates. All work is expected to conclude by March 15, 2027.

CLIN TASK DESCRIPTION DELIVERABLE FORMAT DUE

DATE

00100 0.0 Monthly Reporting

Monthly Progress Report

Electronic

(PDF)*

15th of Each

Month through completion

00200

1a Initial Design and Documentation

Metric Documentation

Electronic (PDF, Excel)*

2026-08-

1b Initial Design and Documentation

Algorithm Documentation

Electronic (PDF, Excel)* 2026-11-

1c Initial Design and Documentation

Workflow Documentation

Electronic (PDF, Excel)*

2026-11-

1d Initial Design and Documentation

SRS

Documentation

Electronic (PDF, Excel)* 2026-12-

00300 2c Code Base Development

Prototype and alpha level code, along with unit tests, documentation

Electronic, monthly upload to Common Development Environment

(CDE)

Monthly through

2027-03-

00400 3.0 Testing Unit test results Electronic (PDF, Excel)*

2027-03-

*All electronic deliverables will be emailed to the Volpe Center technical point of contact (TPOC), Aaron Hastings (aaron.hastings@dot.gov), and the Contracting Officer (CO), Carl Chin (carl.chin@dot.gov).

mailto:aaron.hastings@dot.gov

Acceptance Criteria To be accepted, deliverables shall be emailed to the project TPOC, Aaron Hastings, at aaron.hastings@dot.gov, and CO, Carl Chin, carl.chin@dot.gov. The deliverables will be reviewed by the Government for compliance with the SOW, timeliness, and format. The TPOC will acknowledge acceptance of each deliverable by email.

Pricing and Deliverables Table (To be completed by the Vendor)

CLIN TASK DESCRIPTION DELIVERABLE DUE DATE

UNIT

COST

QUANTITY TOTAL COST

00100 0.0 Monthly Reporting

Monthly Progress Report

15th of Each Month through completion

$ 10 $

00200

1a Initial Design and Documentation

Metric Documentation

2026-08-15

$ 1 $

1b Initial Design and Documentation

Algorithm Documentation 2026-11-12

1c Initial Design and Documentation

Workflow Documentation

2026-11-12

1d Initial Design and Documentation

SRS

Documentation

2026-12-30

00300 2c Code Development

Prototype and alpha level code, along with unit tests, documentation

Monthly through 2027-03-15

$ 10 $

00400 3.0 Testing Unit test results 2027-03-15 $ 1 $

TOTAL FIRM FIXED PRICE $

PAYMENT AND CONSIDERATION

Upon delivery and acceptance of the required deliverable(s), the Vendor shall be paid at the fixed price specified in the above Pricing and Deliverables Table in accordance with each CLIN. The total payments for each CLIN shall not exceed the value of the purchase order.

mailto:aaron.hastings@dot.gov mailto:carl.chin@dot.gov

TAR 1252.232-70 Electronic Submission of Payment Requests (DEVIATION AUG 2025)

(a) Definitions. As used in this clause—

(1) Contract financing payment has the meaning given in FAR 32.001.

(2) Payment request means a bill, voucher, invoice, or request for contract financing payment or invoice payment with associated supporting documentation. The payment request must comply with the requirements identified in FAR 32.905(b), “Content of Invoices,” this clause, and the applicable Payment clause included in this contract.

(3) Electronic form means an automated system transmitting information electronically according to the accepted electronic data transmission methods and formats identified in paragraph (c) of this clause. Facsimile, email, and scanned documents are not acceptable electronic forms for submission of payment requests.

(4) Invoice payment has the meaning given in FAR 32.001.

(b) Electronic payment requests. Except as provided in paragraph (e) of this clause, the contractor shall submit payment requests in electronic form. Purchases paid with a Governmentwide commercial purchase card are considered to be an electronic transaction for purposes of this rule, and therefore no additional electronic invoice submission is required.

(c) Processing system. The Department of Transportation utilizes the DELPHI system for processing invoices. The DELPHI module for submitting invoices is called iSupplier. Access to DELPHI is granted with electronic authentication of credentials (name & valid email address) utilizing the GSA credentialing platform login.gov. Vendors submitting invoices are required to submit invoices via iSupplier (DELPHI) and authenticated via www.login.gov.

(d) Invoice requirements. To receive payment and in accordance with the Prompt Payment Act, all invoices submitted as attachments in iSupplier (DELPHI) shall contain the following:

(1) Invoice number and invoice date.

(2) Period of performance covered by invoice.

(3) Contract number and title.

(4) Task/Delivery Order number and title (if applicable).

(5) Amount billed (by CLIN), current and cumulative.

(6) Total ($) of billing.

(7) Cumulative total billed for all contract work to date.

http://www.login.gov/

(8) Name, title, phone number, and mailing address of person to be contacted in the event of a defective invoice.

(9) Travel. If the contract includes allowances for travel, all invoices which include charges pertaining to travel expenses will catalog a breakdown of reimbursable expenses with the appropriate receipts to substantiate the travel expenses.

(TAR Class Deviation 2025-02)

(10) The following statement “The Contractor certifies that, by submitting this invoice to the Government, the supplies and/or services billed have been shipped, rendered, or delivered in accordance with instructions issued by the ordering officer; that they are reflected in the quantities and/or period of performance stated on the invoice; and that such supplies and/or services conform to the quantity and quality requirements specified in the applicable contract, order, or blanket purchase agreement. Furthermore, pursuant to Executive Order 14173, Ending Illegal Discrimination And Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity, the Contractor certifies that it is in compliance with the Equal Protection principles of the Constitution and all applicable Federal anti-discrimination laws, and acknowledges that such compliance is material to the Government’s payment decision under the False Claims Act (31 U.S.C. § 3729(b)(4)). The Contractor also affirms that it does not operate any diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives that are inconsistent with the Equal Protection principles of the Constitution and the non-discrimination requirements of Federal law, as interpreted by the Supreme Court in Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard, 600 U.S. 181 (2023).”

(e) Payment system registration. All persons accessing the iSupplier (DELPHI) will be required to have their own unique user ID and password and be credentialed through login.gov.

(1) Electronic authentication. See www.login.gov for instructions.

(2) To create a www.login.gov account, the user will need a valid email address and a working phone number. The user will create a password and then www.login.gov will reply with an email confirming the email address.

(3) iSupplier (DELPHI) registration instructions: New users should navigate to:

http://einvoice.esc.gov to establish an account. Users are required to log in to iSupplier (DELPHI) every 45 days to keep it active.

(4) Training on DELPHI. To facilitate use of DELPHI, comprehensive user information is available at http://einvoice.esc.gov.

(5) Account Management. Vendors are responsible to contact their assigned COR when their firm's points of contacts will no longer be submitting invoices, so they can be removed from the system.

http://www.login.gov/ http://www.login.gov/ http://www.login.gov/ http://einvoice.esc.gov/ http://einvoice.esc.gov/

(f) Waivers. For contractors/vendors who are unable to utilize DOT's DELPHI system, waivers may be considered by DOT on a case-by-case basis. Vendors should contact their Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) for procedures.

(g) Exceptions and alternate payment procedures. If, based on one of the circumstances set forth in 1232.7002(a) or (b), and the contracting officer directs that payment requests be made by mail, the contractor shall submit payment requests by mail through the United States Postal Service to the designated agency office. If alternate payment procedures are authorized, the Contractor shall include a copy of the Contracting Officer's written authorization with each payment request. If DELPHI is succeeded by later technology, the Contracting Officer will supply the Contractor with the latest applicable electronic invoicing instructions.

(End of clause)

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

The period of performance for this purchase order is from date of award through March 15, 2027.

INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS

This combined synopsis/solicitation hereby incorporates all Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) provisions and clauses contained herein and attached.

FAR 52.212-1 (SEP 2025), Instructions to Offerors-Commercial Items apply to this acquisition and is incorporated by reference. Vendors are required to meet all solicitation requirements.

Failure to meet a requirement may result in a vendor submission being ineligible for award. If the vendor finds it necessary to take exception to any of the requirements specified in the solicitation, the vendor shall clearly identify where it is addressed in its proposal. Each exception shall clearly identify the specific paragraph and/or part of the solicitation to which the exception is taken.

FAR 52.212-2 (SEP 2025), Evaluation—Commercial Products and Commercial Services is hereby incorporated by reference.

a) Evaluation of Offerors. The Government will make an award to the vendor, whose quote is deemed the lowest price technically acceptable.

FAR Clause 52.212-4 (SEP 2025), Contract Terms and Conditions-Commercial Products and Commercial Services is hereby incorporated by reference. Additional clauses and provisions that apply to this acquisition are provided in the attached terms and conditions.

Contractors must maintain their SAM registration throughout the life of the contract through final payment. Contracting officers will validate the contractor has an active Federal Government contracts registration in SAM.

QUESTIONS

All questions regarding this solicitation must be submitted in writing via email to the Contracting Officer, Carl Chin at, carl.chin@dot.gov, no later than June 18, 2026, at 12:00 PM Eastern Time.

SUBMISSION OF QUOTE

The quote should be addressed to the following: U.S. Department of Transportation, Volpe National Transportation Systems Center, Attn: Carl Chin, V221, 220 Binney Street, Cambridge, MA 02142. The signed quote must be submitted via e-mail to the contracting officer carl.chin@dot.gov by 12pm ET, June 22, 2026. Telephone requests will not be honored. The Government will not pay for any information received.

mailto:carl.chin@dot.gov