Meteorological PWS DRAFT 3 Jul 25 - SS.docx

THE UNITED STATES AIR FORCE ACADEMY

PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT (PWS)

Meteorological Services

3 July 2025

Services Acquisition Lead (SAL) approves the PWS by signing and certifying the contents as written meet the needs of the requiring activity.

Mark Fleming, Services Acquisition Lead

1. Description of Services

1.1. General. This is a non-personal services contract to provide Meteorological Services to the United States Air Force Academy (USAFA). The Government shall not exercise any supervision or control over the contract service providers performing the services herein. Such contract service providers shall be accountable solely to the contractor who, in turn is responsible to the Government. The contractor shall perform to the standards in this contract.

1.2. Scope. The contractor shall provide all personnel, equipment, supplies, facilities, transportation, tools, materials, supervision, and other items and non-personal services necessary to perform Meteorological Services as defined in this Performance Work Statement (PWS) except for those items specified as Government furnished incidentals. The contractor shall perform to the standards in this contract. The contractor shall provide qualified personnel who can perform Airfield Services operations, Mission Weather operations, and Staff Weather operations. Qualified contractor personnel shall be the primary staff weather briefers for the USAFA Superintendent, the USAFA Commandant, 10th Air Base Wing (10 ABW), and 306th Flying Training Group (306 FTG) staff briefings. This includes creating and presenting unclassified weather briefings for the USAFA Emergency Operations Center.

Customers include the 306 FTG, the 94th Flying Training Squadron (94 FTS) (Soaring operations), 98 FTS (Parachuting Operations), 1 FTS (Initial Flight Training), 557 FTS (Powered Flight Operations), 70 FTS (Air Force Reserve Command), the 306th Operations Support Squadron (306 OSS), and USAFA Staff Agencies. Meteorological service includes providing “Eyes Forward” support to and collaborating with, 25th Operational Weather Squadron (25 OWS) personnel; performing meteorological service in accordance with (IAW) established duty priorities; generating automated and augmented surface weather observations; providing weather contractor integration to 306 FTG and USAFA training operations; issuing Mission Execution Forecasts (MEFs) for multiple airfields, multiple flying training routes, flying training areas, a sailplane landing area, a parachuting drop zone, and USAFA Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) flying training areas. The contractor shall follow all applicable instructions and directives as identified by the PWS, including Air Force, Headquarters (HQ) Air Education and Training Command (AETC), USAFA, 306 FTG, 25 OWS, and 306 OSS Installation Data Page, and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) guidance.

1.3. Background. The contractor shall provide continuous weather operations support to include weather forecasting, observing, briefing, training, supervision, and any items and services necessary to perform full meteorological services. Airfields supported are provided below.

1.3.1. USAFA Airfield (Davis Airfield) Designators. USAFA airfield information is maintained in the Department of Defense (DoD) Flight Information Publication Visual Flight Rules (VFR) – Supplement. USAFA airfields are VFR airfields and operate IAW Air Force Manual (AFMAN) 11-202, Volume 3, Chapter 6. There is no instrument landing system, no airfield lighting system, and no ambient light sensor to calculate runway visual range.

1.3.2. USAFA Airfield. “KAFF” is the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) location identifier for the USAFA Airfield. All weather products disseminated by or for USAFA shall use KAFF as the ICAO location designator. The corresponding World Meteorological Organization index number is 745310. The USAFA Airfield has three parallel runways: 16-Right/34-Left, 16/34-Center, and 16-Left/34-Right. In addition, crosswind runway 08/26 is used primarily for aircraft recoveries during strong west wind events. The Sailplane Landing Area is located to the immediate west of Runway 16-Right/34-Left. The Parachuting Drop Zone is located to the immediate west of the Sailplane Landing Area.

1.3.3. Bullseye Auxiliary Airfield. “KABH” is the ICAO location identifier while CO90 is the FAA ID for weather products for Bullseye Auxiliary Airfield, Ellicott, CO. Bullseye Auxiliary Airfield is located approximately 27 miles southeast of the USAFA Airfield and approximately 8 miles east of Schriever AFB. The Bullseye Auxiliary Airfield runway is oriented 17/35. It is an uncontrolled airfield. Automated observations are available from an AN/FMQ-22 Fixed Base Weather Observation System. The AN/FMQ-22 system is positioned on the east side of the runway.

1.3.4. Aardvark Airstrip. Aardvark Airstrip is not an active airfield. Aardvark is located approximately 4 miles north of the USAFA Airfield. The Aardvark Airstrip is primarily used by USAFA Dean of Faculty (DFE) for Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) training flights. The Aardvark Airstrip is oriented 17/35. Only limited automated weather observation data is available from the Aardvark Airstrip via High Wind Alert System (HWAS) automated weather observing station. In addition, USAFA/DFE operates small remotely controlled UAS in the vicinity of the Cadet Area soccer fields.

1.4. Hours of Operation. The contractor shall provide weather services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to USAFA, prioritizing USAFA’s airfield-based operations.

1.5. Workload Estimates. Workload estimates are shown at Appendix 2. These estimates were based on production counts from April 2021 through November 2024.

1.6. Deliverables. The contractor shall submit all required reports IAW Appendix 5, Deliverables.

1.7. Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR). The Government will evaluate the contractor’s performance under this contract. One or more CORs will be appointed by the Contracting Officer (CO) with the authority to monitor contract performance and to inspect and accept services.

1.8. Government Observations. Government personnel such as Inspector General or higher headquarters staff are authorized to observe and evaluate 306 OSS Weather Flight performance.

1.9. Mission Essential Personnel. Meteorological services are considered mission essential. In the event the installation is closed due to inclement weather, or other causes, in which the installation commander has declared only mission essential personnel are required, the contractor shall continue to operate unless told otherwise by the COR or the Functional Commander. The contractor shall notify the COR in the event the contractor cannot travel to the installation due to road closures or hazardous (unsafe) travel conditions. The contractor is required to maintain a Mission-Essential Contractor Services Plan detailing provisions for the acquisition of essential personnel and resources to maintain continuity of operations for up to 30 days in a crisis. This plan shall also address operations in the event of a labor strike.

1.10. Safety Responsibilities. The contractor shall perform all operations under this contract to the highest degree of sound, accepted industrial safety practices by conforming to the specific safety requirements established by this contract. In addition, the contractor shall comply with all present and future applicable FAA, Air Force Occupational Safety, Fire, and Health Standards, Environmental Protection Agency and any other Air Force, federal, state or local directive that may apply to safety-related issues as determined by the CO or 306 FTG safety personnel. The CO may, by written order, direct additional safety standards that may be required in the performance of this contract. Any adjustments resulting from such direction shall be at no additional cost to the Government. Any violation of these safety requirements, unless promptly corrected as directed by the CO through 306 FTG, may be grounds for termination of this contract IAW the default clause of this contract.

1.10.1. Damage to Government Incidentals. The contractor shall document and promptly report to the COR, within one hour, all available facts relating to each instance of damage to Government incidentals or injury to either contractor or Government employees.

1.10.2. Safety Inspections. The contractor shall be subject to safety inspections by USAFA and 306 FTG safety personnel or others as directed by the Government. The contractor's corrective actions shall be subject to approval of 306 FTG safety personnel.

1.11. Contractor Appearance. All contractor employees are expected to conduct themselves in a professional, polite, and competent manner while performing on this contract. Contractor employees shall perform all contract duties in a courteous manner. Profane, vulgar, racist, sexist and obscene language, gestures, or clothing shall not be tolerated. A professional appearance and customer service attitude shall be displayed at all times while interacting with supported agencies. All contractor personnel must be able to speak and understand English. Contractor personnel shall comply with installation rules and regulations for motor vehicle use while on base.

1.12. Dress code. Contractor personnel shall be professional in appearance and suitable for the occasion and environment.

1.13. Contractor Identification. All contractor personnel shall wear a Government issued badge at all times to identify themselves as a contractor employee. Contractor employees shall identify themselves as being a contractor when attending meetings, answering Government telephones, and working in other situations where their contractor status is not obvious to third parties (e.g., clients, vendors, customers, public contacts, etc.) to avoid creating an impression that they are Government officials.

1.14. Contractor Security Requirements. The contractor shall abide by the terms set forth in this contract. Additionally, the contractor shall comply with all security and force protection requirements at USAFA.

1.14.1. Security Background Investigation. All contractor personnel requiring access to the USAFA Unclassified Local Area Network must have a minimum of a favorable National Agency Check with Inquiries (NACI). The contractor shall complete the DoD Cyber Awareness Challenge Computer Based Training (CBT) available via the MyLearning website at https://lms-jets.cce.af.mil/. The reference for the CBT requirement is AFMAN 33-152, Chapter 2 and AFMAN 33-282, Chapter 2. The investigation shall be initiated through 306 FTG security program management personnel.

1.14.2. Common Access Card (CAC). Contractors shall apply for a CAC from the COR using the Defense Manpower Data Center Trusted Agent Sponsorship System (TASS). The CAC is used to access Government computer systems. The CAC shall be returned to the COR when employment is terminated.

1.14.3. Contractor Identification Badge. Contractors shall obtain USAFA contractor identification badges through the 10th Security Forces Squadron (10 SFS) Pass & Registration Center located at the south entrance to USAFA. Contractor badges shall be returned to the Pass & Registration Center when employment is terminated.

1.14.4. Flight Line Driving Safety Class. Contractor supervisory personnel shall complete the 306 OSS Airfield Management flight line driving safety class within 60 days after contract award. This class is required to gain access to airfield weather equipment for contractor training orientation.

1.14.5. Physical Security. The contractor shall secure facilities, equipment, and materials at the close of each work period, notify 306 OSS Airfield Management or 10 SFS personnel when suspicious or unauthorized personnel are observed in the vicinity of the building or airfield, and establish and implement procedures to ensure building entry lock combinations are not revealed to unauthorized persons.

2. Airfield Support Function (ASF). The contractor shall execute ASFs. ASF operations include actions and observances that affect USAFA and its airfield. The contractor is responsible for conducting official weather observation, meteorological watch (METWATCH), Terminal Aerodrome Forecasts (TAF), and resource protection as outlined below. The ASF is comprised of the Airfield Services technician and all other contract technicians conducting airfield weather services. The contractor shall maintain an active METWATCH, operate AN/FMQ-19 observations during airfield operating hours, monitor area observations, and forecast products and other weather changes expected to affect USAFA operations. The contractor shall be responsible for direct interface with 306 FTG Supervisors of Flying (SOF), Soaring Control Officers (SCO), Drop Zone Control Officers (DZCO), Squadron Operations Supervisors, Air Traffic Control Tower (ATCT) personnel, 25 OWS weather forecasters, the USAFA Command Center, and other operational users on USAFA. The contractor shall utilize the elements of weather observing, METWATCH, and resource protections to provide “Eyes Forward” to 25 OWS weather forecasters conducting over-watch. The ASF contractor shall serve as the primary point of contact for the 25 OWS – 306 OSS collaborative effort when required.

2.1. METWATCH. METWATCH is the process of monitoring observed and forecast weather conditions with the explicit purpose of information safety decisions. Select agencies (e.g. SOF, ATCT, 10 ABW, Athletic Department) shall be notified and advised when specific weather conditions occur or are forecast. The contractor performs a continuous METWATCH for USAFA with the contractor acting as the “Eyes Forward” for the 25 OWS when required. Through the METWATCH process, changes in related weather elements drive notification from the contractor or 25 OWS to base agencies.

2.2. “Eyes Forward” Responsibility. The contractor shall integrate visual, airfield sensor, radar, satellite, lightning detection, and non-standard weather data to create an integrated weather picture and near-term forecast for the 25 OWS. The contractor’s “eyes forward” function provides meaningful weather information to 25 OWS as they shall continue to produce the extended forecast, leveraging the WF/Det-produced TAF for the first 30 hours of the forecast (per AFMAN 15-129V1, para. 3.5.1.1). The contractor shall perform the “eyes forward” function by providing actionable information to 25 OWS on local weather patterns, unexpected weather changes, and shall contact 25 OWS when:

2.2.1. A forecast weather warning criteria is met or exceeded at USAFA.

2.2.2. Weather warning criteria are occurring or are forecast to occur.

2.2.3. The National Weather Service issues a weather watch or warning for the Colorado Springs area.

2.2.4. Severe weather signatures on radar or satellite are identified that could affect USAFA or local flying area missions.

2.2.5. Urgent (UUA) Pilot Reports are received within USAFA’s Local Flying Area (60 NM).

2.3. Surface Weather Observations. The contractor shall generate, record, and disseminate weather observations IAW DAFMAN 15-129, Air and Space Weather Operations – Roles and Responsibilities. The AN/FMQ-19, Automatic Meteorological Station is the AF standard system for generating surface weather observations. The contractor shall provide additional support (i.e., supplement and back-up) for the system based on the type of observation. KAFF weather observations are available on 306 OSS/OSW weather communications systems (JET), the ATCT Airfield Automation System (AFAS), and Internet weather sites.

2.4. Types of Observations. The contractor shall provide three types of observations: METAR (Aviation Routine Weather Report), SPECI (Aviation Selected Special Weather Report) and LOCAL (Aviation Selected Local Weather Report) observations IAW AFMAN 15-111, Surface Weather Observations, Chapter 2. All observations are taken from the Official Points of Observation.

2.4.1. A METAR is a regularly scheduled observation taken and disseminated every hour at 55 – 59 minutes after the hour. Every report includes wind data, visibility, present weather (if occurring), sky condition, temperature, dew point, pressure, clarifying remarks and additive data. A METAR observation may also indicate special weather criteria were met during the given observing period. METAR observations are disseminated locally and longline.

2.4.2. A SPECI is an unscheduled observation taken and disseminated when any special criteria noted in AFMAN 15-111, Chapter 2, and including locally determined criteria, have been detected. SPECI reports shall be prepared and transmitted as soon as possible after the relevant criteria are observed. SPECI observations are disseminated locally and longline. SPECI weather observation criteria are listed in 306 FTGI 15-101, USAFA Weather Support, Attachment 4.

2.4.3. A LOCAL is an unscheduled observation, reported to the nearest minute, not meeting SPECI criteria. LOCAL observations shall only be taken when local leadership determines there is a requirement in support of operations or OPSEC considerations.

2.5. Official Points of Observation.

2.5.1. The USAFA Airfield AN/FMQ-19, Automatic Meteorological Station primary sensor group is located just south of the ATCT parking lot, and discontinuity Sensor Groups (Wind Towers) located north of the USAFA ATCT, and at the departure end of Runway 26.

2.5.2. The official manual observation point at USAFA airfield for augmenting observations is outside the northwest corner of Building 9206.

2.5.3. The Bullseye Auxiliary Airfield official point of observation is the AN/FMQ- 22 AMOS, primary sensor group located on the east side of the runway at midfield.

2.6. AN/FMQ-19 Operations. The contractor shall operate the AN/FMQ-19 automated meteorological observing system IAW procedures in AFMAN 15-111, Chapter 2. The Automated Meteorological Observing Stations (AMOS) performs an automatic Continuous Weather Watch (CWW) but when augmentation is required, the ASF contractor shall perform a Basic Weather Watch (BWW) IAW AFMAN 15-111, Chapter 2. The contractor shall augment weather observations whenever unrepresentative conditions occur due to sensor or system limitations (i.e. known & unknown). During a BWW, the contractor shall monitor and visually check weather conditions at least every 20 minutes. The contractor shall be ready to provide unscheduled observations, as required.

2.6.1. Augmentation criteria and reporting procedures are listed in 306 FTGI 15-101, Attachment 5. When a system sensor is no longer working properly, the contractor shall report the problem to the proper maintenance agency. The weather technician shall input, correct, or delete weather elements in the observation until the problem is resolved.

2.6.2. The contractor shall utilize Pilot Report (PIREP) information to reevaluate observation criteria IAW AFMAN 15-111, Chapter 2.

2.6.3. The contractor shall establish procedures to monitor automated surface weather observations. The contractor shall also establish quality control procedures IAW AFMAN 15-111, Chapter 2.

2.6.4. The following are known limitations of the AN/FMQ-19 system. The contractor shall augment the system when any of these limitations occur:

2.6.4.1. The AMOS cannot detect tornadoes, funnel clouds, hail, volcanic ash, snow depth or smoke.

2.6.4.2. Visibility and ceilometer sensor reports may not be representative of actual visibility and ceiling height conditions if they are rapidly changing.

2.6.4.3. Precipitation identification sensor may trigger erroneous observations due to temporary conditions such as bugs, dust, or dirt accumulation on the lens. Maintenance may need to be contacted to remedy the obstructions.

2.6.4.4. Visibility sensor may generate a rapid visibility change, up or down, when the actual visibility is unchanged. These events are usually caused by a buildup of dirt on the sensor lenses.

2.7. USAFA Weather Observation Remarks and Additive Data. When required, the contractor shall augment (i.e., supplement and back-up) mandatory remarks and additive data IAW AFMAN 15-111, Chapter 3, and Attachment 3, and 306 FTGI 15-101, Attachment 6.

2.8. METAR, SPECI and LOCAL Observation Formats. METAR, SPECI and LOCAL automated and augmented weather observation formats are available in 306 FTGI 15-101, Attachment 7.

2.9. Dissemination of Weather Observations. The contractor shall disseminate KAFF surface weather observations via the Joint Environmental Toolkit (JET).

2.9.1. Backup Dissemination Procedures. If JET is inoperative, the contractor shall disseminate USAFA Airfield weather observations by phone, e-mail, other means and record the dissemination on a Local Dissemination Log IAW 306 FTGI 15-101. The following agencies shall be notified: 306 OSS ATCT, 306 FTG SOF, 94 FTS SCO, 98 FTS DZCO, 557 FTS Operations Supervisor (Ops Sup), USAFA Command Center, (resource protection products only), and 25 OWS.

2.9.2. Transfer and Disposition of Surface Weather Observation Records. The contractor shall quality control the electronic Form 3813 prior to transferring the form electronically to the 14th Weather Squadron (14 WS). The contractor shall email the form to observation_3813@afccc.af.mil within 7 days IAW AFMAN 15-111, Chapter 4. (See Appendix 5, Data Item 1).

2.10. USAFA High Wind Alert System (HWAS). The contractor shall monitor USAFA HWAS observations for changing conditions. The USAFA HWAS is a MESONET consisting of a processor-server, monitor, and 12 automated, solar powered, weather stations. The USAFA HWAS aids in forecasting gusty surface winds, low-level wind shear, aircraft turbulence, inversion break times, aircraft icing conditions, wind-chill temperatures, and heat stress. Weather information is refreshed every two minutes.

2.11. Cooperative Weather Watch. The contractor shall maintain and comply with a cooperative weather watch procedures IAW DAFI 13-204, Air Traffic Control, AFMAN 15-111, FAA Order 7110.65, Air Traffic Control, Attachment 7 and 306 FTGI 15-101, Attachment 5.

3. USAFA Terminal Aerodrome Forecast (TAF). The contractor shall create, issue, disseminate, perform quality control and amend the USAFA TAF IAW AFMAN 15-129V1, 306 FTG 15-101 and the 25 OWS-306 OSS Data Page. The contractor shall encode and disseminate the TAF IAW AFMAN 15-124, Meteorological Codes, Chapter 1. TAFs shall be provided in support of all 306 FTG flying operations.

3.1. The contractor shall document meteorological reasoning on the TAF Worksheet for each issued TAF.

3.2. The TAF shall consist of a 30-hour forecast for flight planning and command and control activities. The USAFA TAF shall be issued no later than (NLT) one hour prior to the start of airfield operations.

3.3. A new TAF shall be issued by the contractor every eight hours until the USAFA Airfield closes for the day. The area covered by the TAF is a radius of 5 statute miles from the center-point of the USAFA Airfield complex. The use of the term “vicinity” (abbreviated “VC” in the text of the forecast) refers to an area between five and 10 statute miles from the center-point of the USAFA runway complex.

3.4. The contractor shall encode and disseminate the TAF IAW AFMAN 15-124, Meteorological Codes, Chapter 1. The contractor shall maintain TAF Worksheets for this purpose. The contractor shall maintain copies of all disseminated TAFs and TAF worksheets. (See Appendix 5, Data Item 02).

3.5. The contractor shall comply with TAF format, specification, and amendment criteria as outlined in 306 FTGI 15-101. The lowest published airfield minimum differs from AFMAN 15-129 V1 standard TAF criteria because the USAFA airfield is a VFR airfield. The TAF is encoded IAW AFMAN 15-124, Chapter 1. TAF format is also available in Air Force Pamphlet (AFPAM) 11-238, Aircrew Quick Reference to the METAR and TAF Codes.

3.6. TAF verification metrics shall be completed by the contractor. TAF amendments are not required to be verified.

3.6.1. Pilot Reports (PIREP). The contractor shall encode and disseminate PIREPs IAW AFMAN 15-129V2, Chapter 2, AFMAN 15-124, Chapter 2, FAA Order 7340.2, Contractions Handbook. Nearly all PIREPs are relayed via tower controllers or Group SOF. PIREPs are a valuable source of information for weather forecasters, airfield command and control personnel, and flight crews. PIREPs confirm the existence of forecast conditions and identify previously un-forecast conditions. Pilot report format is outlined in AFMAN 15-124, Chapter 2, and 306 FTGI 15-101 Attachment 10. (See Appendix 5, Data Item 03).

3.6.1.1. The contractor shall request PIREPS from aircrews IAW AFMAN 15-129V2, Chapter 2.

3.6.1.2. The contractor shall use PIREP information to reevaluate sky cover and ceiling heights upon receipt of local PIREPs that indicate an operationally significant deviation from the current automated weather observation IAW AFMAN 15-111, Chapter 2.

3.6.1.3. The contractor shall notify 25 OWS of all Urgent (UUA) PIREPS significant to flight operations and flying safety for use in the METWATCH and MISSIONWATCH processes IAW AFMAN 15-129V2, Chapter 2 and 25 OWS-306 OSS Data Page.

3.6.1.4. During equipment or communication outages the contractor shall disseminate PIREPs using any means available (e.g., telephone, e-mail).

3.6.1.5. The contractor shall maintain a notification record during outages of the primary dissemination system.

3.6.1.6. The contractor shall maintain and provide metrics.

3.7. Standard Clock. The contractor shall designate and maintain a standard clock and ensure the clock time is within one minute of the U.S. Naval Observatory time IAW AFMAN 15-111, Chapter 2. The contractor shall make time checks on duty days, and time checks shall be annotated in Column 90 of the Federal Meteorological Form 3813, Surface Weather Observation (revised) (METAT/SPECI Form for Military Use).

3.8. Barometer Comparisons. The contractor shall perform barometer comparisons for the Kestrel Pocket Weather Meters IAW AFMAN 15-111, Chapter 11. At a minimum, digital barometers shall be compared against the standard barometer semi-annually. (See Appendix 5, Data Item 4).

3.9. Visibility Charts. The contractor shall establish a process to review, update, document, and maintain annual reviews of representative visibility charts for the primary and alternate operating locations IAW AFMAN 15-111, Chapter 2.

3.10. Gibson Ridge Radar Software. The contractor shall utilize software programs to interpret NEXRAD radar data; GR2Analyst and GRLevel3. Weather technicians use this software to analyze complex radar signatures, obtain detailed information on storm intensity, movement, outflow boundaries, internal circulation, and wind flow. Weather technicians routinely incorporate the signatures into daily operations and resource protection. Radar products are used extensively during severe weather events monitoring the airfield, low-level routes, and military operating areas (MOAs).

3.10.1. The contractor shall maintain SOPs IAW AFMAN 15-129V2, paragraph 1.12.2.2., to include: a list of National Weather Service (NWS) Radar Operations Center points of contact.

3.11. Lightning Strike Data. The contractor shall utilize Government provided lightning strike data sources such as Air Force Weather Web Services (AFW-WEBS) or other commercial alternatives. Web-based sources are subject to network outages beyond the contractor’s ability to mitigate.

4. Mission Integration Function. Mission integration are those actions directly related to assisting in the execution of customer’s daily missions (e.g., Mission Weather Product (MWPs), SOF Briefings, flight weather briefings). The MWP and mission integration function are the primary tools used to accomplish these tasks. The Mission Integration Function consists of contractor weather liaison and any contractor conducting mission integration services. The contractor shall perform a Mission Meteorological Watch (MISSIONWATCH) focused primarily on parachuting, soaring, powered flight, and RPA operations within the local flying area, training areas, and alternate airfields as well as Cadet Wing missions and athletic events. The contractor shall have a full understanding of the mission-limiting thresholds for each assigned flying unit’s aircraft and missions. The Mission Support Element (MSE) contractor personnel works closely with the Airfield Support Element (ASE) contractor personnel ensuring all agencies receive required support. (See Appendix 5, Data Item 6).

4.1. Mission Integration Support. The contractor shall work closely with 94 FTS Soaring Operations, 98 FTS Parachuting Operations, 557 FTS Powered Flight Operations, and USAFA agencies to integrate meteorological services into all phases of the operator’s decision cycle IAW AFMAN 15-129V2, Chapter 2. The contractor shall provide the number of integration hours, to the half hour, worked each month to the COR no later than the 5th calendar day of each month. (See Appendix 5, Data Item 5).

4.2. Weather Updates for Situational Awareness. The contractor shall provide weather updates prior to airfield opening and throughout the day upon request from the following agencies: 306 FTG Available, 306 FTG Supervisor of Flying (SOF), 94 FTS Soaring Control Officer (SCO), 98 FTS Drop Zone Control Officer (DZCO), 1 FTS SOF, 557 FTS Operations Supervisor, Akima Logistics Services Chief Tow Pilot, USAFA Aero Club on official Air Force tasking, Airfield Management, USAFA Agencies conducting RPA training, outdoor physical training, and special events, and 10 CES Snow Control.

4.3. Critical (Go/No-Go) Mission-Limiting Environmental Thresholds. The contractor shall document critical (Go/No-Go) mission-limiting environmental thresholds for 306 FTG and USAFA aircraft and related programs IAW AFMAN 15-129V2, Chapter 2. The contractor shall review and update these thresholds at a minimum, every 365 days.

4.4. Mission Weather Products (MWP). During airfield open hours, the contractor shall generate a MWP IAW AFMAN 15-129V2, Chapter 2. The MEF Process (MEFP) shall specify techniques and tools used to forecast relevant individual weather elements critical to mission success, and how to best apply them to agency operational requirements IAW AFMAN 15-129V2, Chapter 2. The MEFP shall be detailed in SOPs, checklists, flowcharts, worksheets, or other decision aids IAW AFMAN 15-129V2, paragraph 2.3.2

4.4.1. The MWP is a tailored area forecast for USAFA airfields, soaring training flights, parachuting training, flight and ground training areas, low-level routes flown by USAFA aircraft, and RPA operations on USAFA. The MWP shall be considered the official forecast for the USAFA Airfield. The TAF shall serve as the official forecast at all other times. The MWP is considered a legal flight weather briefing for local sorties (take off and land at USAFA), and out-and-back sorties. Transient aircrews do not fly off this product, but receive briefings from the contractor or 25 OWS. The contractor shall create and provide MWPs based on critical Go/No-Go environmental sensitivities and operating thresholds. The MWP shall contain flight level winds, hazard charts, and links to space weather products if required, and alternate airfield forecasts. The MWP shall be adjusted as necessary to meet the daily mission requirements needs of 306 FTG and USAFA units.

4.4.1.1. MWPs must be horizontally consistent with, but not necessarily mirror, products issued by 25 OWS and the 557 WW.

4.4.1.2. The contractor shall maintain the MWP by integrating and tailoring products and information created by strategic and regional weather centers, local units, and agencies. The contractor shall fully understand their customers’ mission and tactics in order to better anticipate and exploit the weather. The contractor shall obtain, examine, and if necessary, modify meteorological parameters produced by 25 OWS, the 557 WW, NWS, etc., to meet operational requirements. The contractor shall not re-create synoptic and hemispheric scale analysis and forecast processes in order to tailor weather products.

4.4.1.3. The contractor shall integrate Terminal Aerodrome Forecasts (TAFs), and Weather Watches, Warnings, and Advisories into the MEF. The contractor shall coordinate potential changes to weather watches with 25 OWS forecasters to resolve significant issues involving weather conditions impacting flight safety. The contractor shall interpret existing space weather products and apply or tailor the information for supported operations.

4.4.1.4. The contractor shall use the tropical cyclone forecasts issued by the National Hurricane Center (NHC). The contractor shall not deviate from the official NHC forecast position, track, movement, maximum wind speed, or intensity trend. The contractor shall use the MEFP to tailor the official NHC forecast into a specific mission forecast product for their supported agencies. Tailoring may include factors such as specific local effects such as terrain or relative position to the storm.

4.4.2. The contractor shall ensure supported agencies are notified of all updates to official tropical cyclone forecasts in the event 306 FTG aircraft or USAFA personnel are deployed in the vicinity of a tropical storm. The contractor shall have a documented methodology to incorporate climatology, perishable weather data, strategic and operational level forecast products, forecasting techniques, and a logical, verifiable process to conduct weather operations.

4.4.3. MWPs must be horizontally consistent with, but not necessarily mirror, products issued by 25 OWS and the 557 WW.

4.4.4. The contractor shall maintain a consistent approach to determine which MWPs require a review, forecast reviews shall be assigned as required, and monitor the performance of MEFs IAW AFMAN 15-129V2, Chapter 2.

4.4.5. The contractor shall issue the MEF no later than 0515L during regularly scheduled flying hours, but may be delayed if flying operations begin later in the period IAW AFMAN 15-129V2, Chapter 2. Once issued the MEF is considered “active” and shall be monitored for accuracy until flying operations end. If the N Drive is not available or accessible, the contractor shall verbally brief the 306 FTG SOF and hand carry printed copies, or e-mail electronic versions to each FTS duty desk. An example of the USAFA MWP is located at 306 FTGI 15-101, Attachment 12.

4.4.6. The contractor shall amend the MEF IAW 306 FTGI 15-101 throughout the flying day whenever an un-forecasted Mission Specific Threshold is expected, crossed, or is deemed unrepresentative.

4.4.7. The contractor shall establish procedures to compile and disseminate metrics information from the evaluation of MWPs provided to their supported agencies. The contractor shall provide a monthly MWP Metrics Report, Functional Resource and Weather Technical Performance Evaluation, and MAJCOM Weather Branch (A3OW) guidance. The report shall be distributed to the 94 FTS/DO, 98 FTS/DO, 557 FTS/DO, and 306 OSS/DO. In addition, the MWP Metrics Report shall be forwarded to HQ AETC/A3OW, Randolph AFB, TX. (See Appendix 5, Data Item 8).

4.4.8. The contractor shall generate and disseminate a Planning MWP valid for the next day’s flying training operations. The Planning MWP is not verified or amended.

4.5. Mission Weather Watch (MISSIONWATCH). MISSIONWATCH is the process of monitoring weather for local flying training missions, cross-country and transient flights briefed out of USAFA by the contractor. Combined with METWATCH, the contractor shall perform MISSIONWATCH to monitor operations at and around USAFA and the local flying area, and issue changes or amendments to the respective MWP IAW AFMAN 15-129V2, Table 2.6. It is the responsibility of the contractor to appraise and advise 306 FTG SOF, the 94 FTS SCO, the 98 FTS DZCO, 557 FTS Ops Superintendent, and Cadet Wing activities (football, intramurals, etc.) of real-time weather impacts, and to provide any viable and safe options to maximize training or activities. The contractor shall perform MISSIONWATCH on transient flights briefed by the contractor, and 25 OWS shall perform MISSIONWATCH on transient flights from USAFA briefed by the 25 OWS.

4.6. USAFA Seven-Day Forecast Outlook. The contractor shall produce the USAFA Seven-Day Forecast Outlook as a general, quick-look, and “worst case” forecast of expected USAFA weather conditions IAW 306 FTGI 15-101, paragraph 3.6. The USAFA Seven-Day Forecast Outlook shall be updated by 0700L daily. The outlook shall be updated at any time throughout the day as better details of weather events become available. An example of the USAFA Seven Day Forecast Outlook is shown at 306 FTGI 15-101, Attachment 11. The contractor shall maintain and provide Seven Day Forecast Outlook metrics comparing forecast conditions to actual conditions. (See Appendix 5, Data Item 9)

4.7. USAFA Aerial Events and Flyovers. The contractor shall provide weather forecasts and MISSIONWATCH for USAFA aerial events and flyovers. 306 OSS/OSOA coordinates USAFA aerial events and flyovers IAW DAFI 11-209, Aerial Event Policy and Procedures, paragraph 1.6.2.

4.8. Off-Station Support for 306 FTG Aircraft. The contractor shall provide or arrange for tailored weather support for 306 FTG units participating in training events, National Intercollegiate Flying Association (NIFA) competitions, air shows, and static display deployments IAW AFMAN 15-129V2, Chapter 2. The contractor shall determine the most effective means of ensuring 306 FTG units receive MWP and resource protection forecasts when mission activities occur away from USAFA.

4.8.1. The contractor shall coordinate and document Lead Weather Unit procedures in a published weather support assistance request with the applicable operational weather squadron and local unit, when applicable. The contractor shall coordinate and document the content and format of the MWP to ensure it contains decision-grade information, and coordinate the delivery method and timing of the MWP to fit mission requirements. (See Appendix 5, Data Item 10)

4.9. Flight Weather Briefings. The contractor shall provide DD Form 175-1 or verbal flight weather briefings to aircrews IAW AFMAN 15-129V2, paragraph 2.4, as requested, and IAW the duty priority list. Briefings shall be provided at 306 OSS (Bldg 9206) and via e-mail and phone. The contractor shall request 25 OWS to provide flight weather briefings during equipment or communications outages. The contractor shall maintain a copy of all weather briefings and mission planning products and dispose of them IAW AFMAN 33-363, Chapter 2. (See Appendix 5, Data Item 11)

4.9.1. Mass Briefings. The contractor shall provide mass aircrew weather briefings for larger or special missions on request from individuals as identified in paragraph 1.3.

4.9.2. Transient Weather Briefings. The contractor shall document and use the “provide or arrange for” concept when servicing transient aircrews IAW AFMAN 15-129V2, paragraph 2.5. The contractor shall provide traditional DD 175-1, Flight Weather Briefing, or verbal flight weather briefings, to aircrews, as requested, and IAW contractor duty priorities. (Note: Transient aircrew weather briefings are very rare due to USAFA’s short runways and prior permission required to land status.)

4.10. Space Weather Products. The contractor shall incorporate space weather products into the MEFP IAW AFMAN 15-129V2, paragraph 2.13.

4.11. Weather Systems Operations. The contractor shall operate weather equipment and weather communications systems, and perform operator preventive maintenance IAW applicable TOs, handbooks, manuals, and operating instructions. The contractor shall document and maintain procedures for operating weather systems IAW DAFMAN 15-129V2, paragraph 5.1.

4.11.1. Weather Systems Outage Reporting. Weather systems are susceptible to a myriad of outages that could cause a wide range of changes in mission capability. Typically, outages do not last more than a few hours and do not cause significant data losses or degradations in mission capability. The contractor shall maintain weather system outage procedures during partial or complete failures with appropriate maintenance activities IAW AFMAN 15-111, paragraph 3.6 and DAFMAN 15-129V2, paragraph 5.1. The contractor shall maintain weather system problems, outages, and in-service data on a locally developed worksheet. (See Appendix 5, Data Item 19)

5. Staff Integration Function. The contractor shall provide staff integration support to the USAFA Superintendent, the USAFA Commandant of Cadets, 10 ABW, and 306 FTG. The contractor serves as the staff weather officer (SWO). Support includes, but is not limited to: staff weather briefings, airfield command and control briefings, mass deployment and other briefings, and assisting in the planning and execution of exercises. In addition, the contractor shall provide leadership and management of Airfield Support Function, Mission Integration Function, and Staff Integration. The Staff Integration Function coordinates weather support activities between organizations, 25 OWS, and the COR. Staff weather services are available normal duty hours, but shall be extended as required.

5.1. Duty Priorities. The contractor shall maintain and follow a clearly defined duty priorities list IAW AFMAN 15-129V2, Chapter 1. The contractor may deviate from the duty priority list in the interest of flight safety, personnel safety, or to safeguard USAFA resources.

5.1.1. The duty priority list shall be displayed in plain view for contract weather personnel, operators, and customers. The duty priority list shall be coordinated and included in 306 FTGI 15-101.

5.2. Commander’s Staff Briefings. The contractor shall prepare and present Commander’s Staff weather briefings IAW AFMAN 15-129V2, Chapter 1. These briefings are flexible based on the information required by the commander but should at least include the 7-day forecast. Other items, such as forecasts for special events (i.e., Cadet parachuting, soaring, and powered flight training off-station and competitions, parades, Jacks Valley Training exercises, etc.) shall be included in briefings as required. The contractor shall also provide special event weather briefings and updates upon request. These events include: Commandant’s Challenge, Cadet Parades, USAFA Preparatory School Graduation Parade, USAFA Graduation Week outdoor events, Youth Summer Sports Camps, etc. The contractor shall provide an electronic copy of staff briefings to the COR. (See Appendix 5, Data Item 12). The contractor shall support the following briefings at the assigned locations.

5.2.1. The USAFA Superintendent (USAFA/CC) Staff Briefing.

5.2.2. The Commandant of Cadets (USAFA/CW) Staff Briefing.

5.2.3. The Commander, 10 ABW (10 ABW/CC) Staff Briefing.

5.2.4. The Commander, 306 FTG (306 FTG/CC) Staff Briefing.

5.3. Emergency Operations Center (EOC) Briefings. The contractor shall prepare and present unclassified weather briefings to the USAFA EOC upon request IAW 306 FTGI 15-101. The USAFA EOC is currently located in Bldg 8110. The contractor shall be familiar with meteorological services requirements in USAFA Plan 10-2, Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan (CUI). The contractor shall provide an electronic copy of unclassified EOC weather briefings to the COR within five business days of execution.

5.4. Ice and Snow Control Briefings. The contractor shall provide weather briefings in support of pre- and post-season Snow and Ice Control meetings IAW USAFA Plan 32-1002, Snow and Ice Control Plan. The contractor shall provide an electronic copy of Ice and Snow Control weather briefings to the COR within five business days of execution.

5.5. Air Traffic Control Tower (ATCT) Weather Orientation and Training. The contractor shall provide limited weather observer training to 306 OSS ATCT controllers. Upon completion of training, the contractor shall provide ATCT personnel a short test and orientation tour of the weather flight.

5.6. Seasonal Weather Briefings. The contractor shall create and present upcoming seasonal weather briefings for 306 FTG organizations, and upon request by the USAFA Aero Club. These meetings also serve as a venue to solicit feedback and address weather support issues. The contractor shall provide an electronic copy of seasonal weather briefings to the COR. (See Appendix 5, Data Item 13)

5.7. SOF Orientation Briefings. The contractor shall provide meteorological service orientation briefings to new SOFs. Briefings shall include information on contractor and 25 OWS duties, hours of operation, capabilities and limitations, weather equipment, weather home page and weather links, Doppler Meteorological Radar capabilities and limitations, weather links available on the Air Force Weather Web Services (AFW-WEBS) page, and SOF responsibilities to the weather contractor (i.e., cooperative weather watch, sharing pilot reports, etc.).

5.8. Visitor Orientation Briefings. The contractor shall provide meteorological service orientation briefings to special guests, visiting dignitaries, and local tour groups upon request of the COR. Briefings shall be tailored to the special guest or tour group and their knowledge of meteorological services support to military aviation. Discussion topics include information on contractor and 25 OWS duties, USAFA hours of operation, capabilities and limitations, weather equipment, weather home page and weather links, Doppler Meteorological Radar capabilities and limitations, and weather links available on the AFW-WEBS page.

5.9. Airmanship 100 (AM-100) Weather Briefings. The contractor shall provide small group weather station orientation tours for all Cadet Trainees during the AM-100 portion of Basic Cadet Training. The briefings could be multiple times per day, up to six weeks per year.

5.10. USAFA Inspector General (IG) Exercise Support. The contractor shall provide support for exercises involving natural disasters and assist the USAFA/IG in developing realistic severe weather exercise scenarios.

5.11. Airfield Operations Board (AOB) Meetings. The contractor shall attend and participate in quarterly AOB meetings IAW AFMAN 13-204V3, paragraph 4.2.2.

5.12. USAFA Climatology Support. The contractor shall maintain a limited database on USAFA Airfield weather conditions. Monthly climatology may be requested and presented at Senior Staff Briefings. The contractor shall leverage the support of the 14 WS to satisfy supported agency’s climatology requests. The contractor shall request an updated USAFA OCDS from 14 WS as required.

5.13. Flight Information Publications (FLIPs) Updates. The contractor shall maintain procedures and review each new edition of DoD FLIPs for changes in airfield minima criteria IAW AFMAN 15-111, Chapter 6. The contractor shall coordinate and document the process of delivering and reviewing new editions of FLIPs in 306 FTGI 15-101.

5.13.1. The contractor shall validate the accuracy of the weather information contained in the VFR Supplement upon re-issuance for USAFA Airfields. Additions and corrections shall be initiated through 306 OSS Airfield Management personnel. The following information shall be included in the VFR Supplement: Weather Station operating hours; 25 OWS Contact Information; and pertinent weather observing information (i.e., use of automated meteorological observing systems, limitations hindering unobstructed visibility observations, known observing limitations).

5.14. Government Publications. The contractor shall maintain current copies of all instructions, manuals, standards, and other directives as defined in this PWS (Appendix 4). The contractor shall access these documents from electronic media such as the Internet. The contractor shall make these documents available to all employees. Government referenced publications can be obtained through the USAF Publishing Home Page at: https://www.e-publishing.af.mil/Product-Index/. The Government (21 OSS/MA) maintains all Air Force Technical Orders (AFTOs) for USAFA weather equipment. Copies of AFTOs shall be provided to the contractor upon contract award. Publications contained in the Description of Services are cross-referenced in Appendix 4.

5.15. Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). The contractor shall maintain SOPs IAW Air AFMAN 15-129, Volume 2, Air and Space Weather Operations – Exploitation, Chapter 1. SOPs shall be reviewed for accuracy and updated within 90-days of a change in weather station management, when mandated changes occur within the organization, and/or at a frequency not to exceed one year from the current publication date. SOPs shall be horizontally consistent with other weather documents (e.g., plans and annexes, airfield local operating procedures, installation data page). The contractor shall ensure contract technicians review SOPs at least annually IAW AFMAN 15-129V2, Chapter 1, and document this review. Additional SOPs may be required.

5.16. Recall Roster. The contractor shall develop and provide a recall roster to 306 OSS Staff, the Colorado Springs Regional Command Post, and 10 SFS at least monthly or as changes occur. In addition, the contractor shall include the primary point of contact responsible for the recall roster IAW USAFAI 10-207, Alert Notification Procedures.

5.17. Automated Meteorological Observing Stations (AMOS) Certification Documentation. The contractor shall maintain equipment certification documentation for installed AMOS systems (e.g., AN/FMQ-19, ASOS) IAW AFMAN 15-111, Chapter 2.

5.18. AMOS Station Information File. The contractor shall maintain AMOS Station Information Files for both the USAFA Airfield AMOS and the Bullseye Auxiliary Airfield AMOS IAW AFMAN 15-111, chapter 2. The contractor shall update Station Information Files as necessary and forward a copy of the updated file to 14 WS/WXD.

6. Weather Support Documentation

6.1. Weather Support Plan 306 FTGI 15-101. The contractor shall perform a review of 306 FTGI 15-101 no greater than…