N0018919QZ389_Synopsis_for_the_Correlator_Scientist.docx

Synopsis for Very Long Baseline Interferometry (VLBI) Correlator Scientists NAVSUP FLC Philadelphia Detachment intends to acquire, on a full and open competition, unrestricted basis, Very Long Baseline Interferometry (VLBI) Correlator Scientists for U.S. Naval Observatory (USNO).

There is a requirement for services on behalf of U.S. Naval Observatory (USNO) to support the USNO VLBI Division and the DiFX software correlator.

The U.S. Naval Observatory (USNO) utilizes radio telescope data obtained by observing distant astronomical sources for both determination of Earth orientation parameters (EOP) and for maintenance of the Celestial Reference Frame (CRF). Both the EOP and the CRF data are critical to the mission of the USNO for the Department of Defense (DoD). Such observations are made by combining data from two or more widely separated radio telescopes with a technique known as Very Long Baseline Interferometry (VLBI) through the use of a VLBI correlator. This contract is to provide scientific analysts for the USNO VLBI DiFX correlator. USNO is seeking full-time equivalent (FTE) correlator scientists, with at least 6 months experience in geodetic VLBI and how to operate and maintain a DiFX correlator. This will involve ongoing training, both formal and informal with people working in geodetic VLBI, both at USNO and elsewhere, travel to other VLBI facilities for meetings and training, and acting as system administrators for several Linux systems. The scientists must be able to obtain and maintain a secret government clearance.

This procurement is being conducted as a commercial item acquisition in accordance with FAR Part 12 and Part 13.5. The award of a firm-fixed price contract is anticipated.

Release of the Request for Quotation [RFQ] will be via the internet. Interested parties may download the RFQ upon its issuance to the following website: https:///www.neco.navy.mil. Interested parties are solely responsible for the monitoring of the aforementioned website for postings of the solicitation and any amendments thereto.

The applicable North American Industry Classification System [NAICS] code is 541690. The anticipated performance of period for this procurement will be 20 September 2019 to 19 September 2020 [if the 4 one-year options are exercised] Additional information for this requirement will be listed in the solicitation upon its release, which is anticipated to be release around August 2019. Contractors must be registered in the System for Award Management database in order to be considered for award. All questions regarding this procurement should be directed to the POC via email.