ESBD_488237_1772232000439_2026-1183 Flood Project Weather Radar Addendum 3.pdf

Office of Procurement Services

Box 41094 | Lubbock, Texas 79409-1094 | T 806.742.3844

An EEO/ Affirmative Action Institution

ADDENDUM #3

DATE: February 27, 2026

TO: All Proposers

FROM: Miranda Ramos, Lead Administrator, Office of Procurement Services

SUBJECT: Texas Tech University RFP 2026-1183 Texas Flood Project Weather Radar Deployment

NOTICE TO ALL PROPOSERS:

The following shall be incorporated into and become a part of the original Contract Documents and Specifications of the above-identified project. You must acknowledge receipt of this Addendum by noting it on your proposal form.

Item #1: IT Addendum

Proposer(s) must comply with the (“TTU IT Addendum”) included in the RFP documentation. The TTU IT Addendum can be found as an attachment in the Questions section of the TechBid portal.

Item #2: HUB Plan

The HUB Plan attachment in the Questions section of the TechBid portal has been updated.

Item #3: Questions and Answers

Question 1: Who will evaluate the proposals? TTU, outside experts, or TX govt officials? Or combination?

Answer: The Proposals will be evaluated by the Contract Review Team. A definition is provided in Appendix A and copied here:

Contract Review Team: A team comprised of such members as the Contract Manager, the Contract Administrator, and, as needed, cross-functional members such as subject matter experts, An EEO/ Affirmative Action Institution information technology, risk management, legal, and price/cost analysts. The size and the members of the team are dependent on the nature and complexity of the project.

Question 2: Have the sites been predetermined? If so, can those be shared? If not, when and how will the sites be selected? This would help inform tower costs for the radars, and allow for a beam blockage analysis to ensure the 20m tower specified clears all blockage.

Answer: Site 1 is anticipated to be located approximately 20 miles south/southeast of Brownwood, TX, Site 2 is anticipated to be located approximately 20 miles northwest/north of Fredericksburg, TX, Site 3 is anticipated to be located approximately 10 miles southeast/east/northeast of Senora, TX or 10 miles east/southeast/south of Eldorado, TX

The research team is working with local officials and landowners to solidify sites, but due to aggressive project timelines, cannot wait for site agreements to be finalized before ordering the radar systems. The TTU project team has scouted 30 locations and performed our own analysis with respect to terrain blockage in all directions. Once final sites are selected, the project team will corroborate any blockage issues with the vendor. Based on analysis of all 30 scouted sites, which are all located on local high terrain, the TTU project team believes a 20-m tower height should be sufficient. The team asks that the quote includes a 20-m tower and the ability to adjust tower height once sites are solidified, understanding a cost variation may be necessary if the tower height varies.

Question 3: What file formats or integrations are required for the data feeds?

Answer: The TTU project team requires NetCDF file format. TTU would additionally prefer access to any raw/binary format, if available.

Question 4: Are there any specific required met products or algorithms?

Answer: Normal radar moments are required. The TTU project team will use the moments to generate its own products and analysis.

Question 5: Must maintenance include 24/7 support, specific SLA, or scientific quality controlling?

Answer: These are operationally oriented systems that are intended to serve the State of Texas in real-time decision making. Therefore, a high level of support is deemed appropriate.

As specified in Section 1.3:

• 5-Year Technical Support and Maintenance

An EEO/ Affirmative Action Institution o Two maintenance visits per year (including all personnel, travel, and equipment costs) o All server and software updates, patches, etc.

o At least 40 hours of remote help and diagnostic support per year during normal business hours o At least 20 hours of emergency downtime support 24/7/365

The emergency downtime support (offered remote) amounting to 20 hours each year must be available 24/7/365. This process could include a call back service, but the call back would be expected within ~30 minutes. If an emergency maintenance response trip is deemed necessary, that should occur within 48 hours of the original call. The system should be down no more than 5 days. Alternative timelines can be proposed, but uptime and response times are important to the team.

We do not require data quality controlling.

Question 6: Must data be integrated into NWS operations for official watches, warnings, and alerts?

Answer: The data will support NWS operations, but the TTU project team will handle the distribution of all data and data products, including NOAA and the NWS.

Question 7: Paragraph 1.3 shows that there is an openness to alternate specs and alternate proposals. With this in mind:

a. Will other specs of solid-state c band systems be considered, as it relates to beamwidth?

b. Will a service-based model versus hardware ownership be considered? Who must have data use and licensing rights beyond TTU?

c. Should the price include:

i. Siting

ii. Tower maintenance

iii. Tower FCC registrations

iv. NEPA coordination for tower approval (this would typically fall to the equipment owner, but double-checking)

v. FCC licensing (this would typically fall to the equipment owner, but double-checking)

vi. Backup power

vii. Utility hookups (the owner would have to carry these, but there would be minimum requirements for certain

viii. Communications equipment

ix. Communications speed – fiber, cell, is there a minimum requirement?

x. Network equipment

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xi. Cloud compute and/or data center (or other items related to data pipelines, or will this be provided by the university?)

Answer: a. A maximum beamwidth of 1.0-deg is a requirement. A smaller beamwidth can be considered.

Minimum specifications for the transmitters have also been provided.

b. Beyond the ownership model, a service-based model could be implemented, if the hardware specifications, downtime response times, etc. meet all requirements. However, in this case, the data must flow to the TTU project team (in real time) and TTU will have full right to control the radar scanning, use the data for product generation, distribute raw and generated products to partners and users (including federal, state and private users), and place data on public websites.

c. i. The TTU project team will establish the sites

ii. Tower maintenance should be included and performed by the vendor

iii. Tower FCC registration will be the responsibility of TTU, though any building permits will be the responsibility of the vendor.

iv. NEPA coordination will be the responsibility of TTU

v. The FCC license will be the responsibility of TTU

vi. UPS based backup power should be provided as specified

vii. The TTU project team will provide power to an on-site service disconnect for the vendor to hook up and energize the radar system. The TTU project team will coordinate with the selected vendor to ensure the disconnect is compatible with the radar system setup. All cabling and infrastructure needed to power the radar system from the service disconnect is the responsibility of the vendor.

viii. The TTU project team will provide all communications equipment.

ix. TTU will handle the communications solution.

x. The TTU team will provide all networking equipment unless it is inherently needed within the radar system for operation. TTU will position communications equipment and/or additional computational assets at the same site. In that case, TTU is responsible for any networking equipment required between the radar systems and these systems.

xi. The TTU project team will manage all data handling.

Question 8: Paragraph 1.2 - States power will be provided to the sites, will there be communications at the site as well? (Such as Ethernet, fiberoptic, etc.)

Answer: The TTU project team will provide communications; the exact solution will be site specific and is not yet defined.

Question 9: Will TTU be responsible for all local licenses and permits to install the radars?

Answer: Vendor will be responsible for any building permits and for dig tests associated with the engineering design of the foundation/footings.

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TTU will be responsible for the following permitting:

Land use

FAA

FCC

Environmental

Question 10: Can you provide approximate locations, range from major cities or regions for installation? This will assist with accurate pricing from contractors.

Answer: Site 1 is anticipated to be located approximately 20 miles south/southeast of Brownwood, TX, Site 2 is anticipated to be located approximately 20 miles northwest/north of Fredericksburg, TX, Site 3 is anticipated to be located approximately 10 miles southeast/east/northeast of Senora, TX or 10 miles east/southeast/south of Eldorado, TX

Question 11: Will site surveys be made part of the scope of work? Radar sitting requirements, obstruction clearance, etc.

Answer: The TTU project team has already performed site assessments and blockage studies. Once final sites are selected, the project team will corroborate blockage assessments and any perceived issues with the vendor.

Question 12: What is the purpose of the large size shelter, hardened door, and reinforced floor? (security purposes or weather mitigation)

Answer: The TTU project team wants to ensure shelter durability, longevity and security. Alternative designs can be considered.

Question 13: Would a 21m tower with a built-in shelter be acceptable in lieu of requirements stated in RFP?

Answer: A 21 m tower is acceptable. A built-in shelter may be acceptable depending on the design meeting the other requirements.

Question 14: Please clarify what you are looking for with “reinforced metal flooring”. Are you referring to a steel fiber reinforced concrete foundation or just rebar?

Answer: Assuming a shelter comparable to a 20-ft sea container, we would like the shelter flooring to be metal and not wood to ensure durability and longevity. The metal flooring should also be coated with an industrial quality 2-part epoxy coating.

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Question 15: A 15 kVA Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) with a battery backup capable of running the full radar system and HVAC for no less than six hours in the absence of land power would require a custom-built battery bank. This solution would be impractical and expensive, also necessitating costly battery renewals during the radar system's lifetime. Would a combination of a diesel generator and a UPS with a 30-minute radar backup time be an acceptable solution?

Answer: The TTU project team does not want to consider a generator. The project team is open to considering alternative UPS/battery solutions providing shorter backup times to compare associated costs.

Question 16: The RFP states TTU will “provide access to power at the site locations”, but it is not clear if this is just a tie-in point, and we need to run power to the equipment shelter or if TTU will manage that. TTU key deliverables list “all internal power distribution” but their breakdown of site works only mentions running power cables along the tower(to the equipment shelter, presumably). This will affect the scope of our electrician’s work. Please clarify.

Answer: The TTU project team will provide power to an on-site service disconnect for the vendor to connect the radar system. The TTU project team will coordinate with the selected vendor to ensure the disconnect is compatible with the radar system setup. All electrical cabling and connections associated with the radar including the connection into this disconnect is the responsibility of the vendor.

Question 17: Paragraph 3.1 - Can you provide more detail on the subcontracting plan you are looking for? Is this a plan of how and where subcontractors will be used or is it a plan of how we will endeavor to subcontract work to HUB firms?

Answer: The HUB Subcontracting Plan is requested in accordance with Texas Government Code

2161.252 and is a requirement to be considered responsive to the RFP.

Question 18: Paragraph 3.3 - Can these deviations include suggested shelter and tower/tower height that is built specifically for our radar?

Answer: Alternative Proposals are allowable and will be evaluated according to the Evaluation Criteria in

Section 3.4.

Question 19: Evaluation Criteria: Donated Goods and Services, does this include discounts? Can you explain further what would fall under donated goods and services?

Answer: This is a high-profile project focused on serving Texas. Discounts and donated equipment or services that could benefit the project and lower cost to the state could be valuable and are

An EEO/ Affirmative Action Institution welcome. These items and services could be included in the provided systems assuming the systems/services still meet the requirements specified.

Question 20: Evaluation Criteria: Compliance with IT requirements, including digital accessibility, security, integration, AI functions, and Tx Ramp requirements. Are these requirements specified or is more information available?

Answer: Please refer to the IT addendum added as a separate attachment to the RFP documents.

Question 21: Paragraph 4.6 - Can you please clarify what documentation related to HUB program is needed?

Is this the HUB Subcontracting plan?

Answer: The required documentation is a HUB Subcontracting Plan which can be downloaded from

TechBid under the Questions section.

Question 22: Paragraph 4.7 - Can this be a business plan that shows how our business sources, finds, and selects subcontractors?

Answer: No, this requirement must specifically include the submission of a HUB Subcontracting Plan.

The fillable PDF can be found in TechBid under the Questions section. This is a State of Texas requirement. For additional information, see Veteran Heroes United in Business (VetHUB).

Question 23: In the Proposer Response Form, do they need to be radar references only or professional meteorological references providing similar products and services?

Answer: Professional meteorological references would be most appropriate.

Question 24: Is this the same as the three on the response form, or in place of the five references required in section 4.3 References? Are we to provide references for both sections? Can they be the same references?

Answer: Please provide only three references per the Proposer Response Form.

Question 25: Is it necessary to include financial statements with our proposal?

Answer: No, Proposers must only certify that, upon request by TTU, the Proposer shall provide balance sheets or financial statements for the past two (2) fiscal years. TTU may consider the Proposer’s financial capacity to provide the requested Goods or Services.

https://comptroller.texas.gov/purchasing/vendor/hub/

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Question 26: From General Terms and Conditions, 34: American Steel: Is there a percentage of steel that must be American made to fulfil this requirement? Is this something we can seek an exemption for?

Answer: Texas Government Code §2252.201 does not specify a percentage of steel. While an exemption may be possible, the use of American Steel is highly preferred. Texas Government Code §2252.203 provides details regarding exemptions. Any exemption requested is subject to review and approval by TTU and may be subject to review against other statutes and regulations as required. Proposers requesting an exemption must provide detailed supporting documentation reflecting the benefit provided to TTU.

Question 27: Are any specific output data formats required? Are there any downstream systems the radar should integrate with?

Answer: The TTU project team requires NetCDF file format. TTU would additionally prefer access to any raw/binary format, if available. The data must be available for offsite transmission, but the TTU project team will be responsible for all downstream data management.

Question 28: Is TTU responsible for providing network connectivity to the radar site (fiber, cellular, StarLink, etc)?

Answer: Yes, the TTU project team will provide the communications solution.

Question 29: Although the exact site locations are not currently known - are there approximate geographic areas that can be used for logistics planning and pricing?

Answer: Site 1 is anticipated to be located within 20 miles south/southeast of Brownwood, TX Site 2 is anticipated to be located within 20 miles northwest/north of Fredericksburg, TX Site 3 is anticipated to be located within 10 miles southeast/east/northeast of Senora, TX or 10 miles east/southeast/south of Eldorado, TX

Question 30: Will TTU be responsible for all permitting (Land Use, FAA Filings, FCC Filings, Building Permits, etc)?

Answer: Vendor will be responsible for any building permits and for dig tests associated with the engineering design of the foundation/footings.

TTU will be responsible for the following permitting:

Land use

FAA

FCC

Environmental

Question 31: Will TTU be responsible for the site plan, drainage, and grading if required?

Answer: The TTU project team will handle any required site plan, draining and grading. The project team will coordinate with the vendor to ensure the selected sites are properly prepared. The vendor will be responsible for grounding of the systems. Any fencing, security system, signage, gravel etc. will be the responsibility of TTU.

Question 32: Can you confirm the structural design code that will govern the tower design (e.g. ASCE 7-22 /

TIA-222-I)? Specifically, should the 150mph wind gust rating be interpreted as 3-second ultimate wind speed?

Answer: The tower should be designed for a 150 mph 3-second gust.

Question 33: Which ASCE7 Risk Category should be used for the tower design (typical is Risk Category II)?

Answer: The tower design should be rated to a 150 mph 3-second gust, consistent with the radome design.

Question 34: To reach the 6 hours of required operation in the absence of land power, would providing a generator (natural gas or diesel) and an automatic transfer switch (ATS) be acceptable with enough UPS battery power to ensure continuous operation when land power is lost?

Answer: The TTU project team does not want to consider a generator. Other means (e.g. adding battery packs) should be explored as an option to meet this requirement. The project team is open to considering alternative UPS/battery solutions providing shorter backup times to compare associated costs if a vendor is unable to meet the original requirement.

Question 35: Do you have a required radar sensitivity at a specific range? This would greatly help us to determine the most appropriate power to offer.

Answer: As specified in section 1.3, the TTU project team is requiring a minimum of 8 kW peak transmit power.

Question 36: Could you please provide any additional details / requirements for the equipment shelter? Our typical equipment shelters have built in work surfaces for at least 2 people, tv monitors, a server rack, storage cabinets / shelving, etc.

Answer: In addition to the requirements specified in Section 1.3, the metal flooring should also be coated with an industrial quality 2-part epoxy coating. The additional options provided here are acceptable. Overhead lighting was not specified but is desired.

Question 37: Do you have any restrictions on foreign products? Are tariffs to be included in the pricing?

Answer: Products submitted may be subject to review for compliance with EO GA-48. Customs clearance and handling are the responsibility of the Proposer. Proposers may be reimbursed for tariff costs after providing appropriate entry summaries that directly coincide with the equipment purchased under this RFP. Products submitted in response to this RFP must clearly state the country of origin and whether tariffs will be applied and charged to TTU.

Question 38: Would you accept a proposal for a mobile C-Band radar system which would save significant infrastructure costs?

Answer: No, these systems must be elevated on a tower at least 20 m to mitigate surrounding blockage and ground clutter and focus on continuous and autonomous operation of a defined area.

Mobility is not desired for this application.

END OF ADDENDUM #3