Sole Source Justification_UW-SSEC_GOES-R CWG_v2_NGFS.pdf

Version 2.0

SINGLE SOURCE DETERMINATION USING

SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION PROCEDURES (SAP)

FOR AN ACTION NOT EXCEEDING THE SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION THRESHOLD

(AUTHORITY: FAR 13.106-1(b)(1))

1. Agency and contracting activity. Department of Commerce, NOAA Acquisition and Grants Office

(AGO), and the National Environmental Satellite Data and Information Service, Center for Satellite Applications and Research, Field Delegate

2. Description of supplies or services required to meet agency needs (including the estimated value).

• Perform quality assurance of the operational GOES-R series ABI radiance data, including the

Cloud and Moisture Imagery which is a designated Key Performance Parameter (KPP), via the application of specialized software data analysis and image visualization tools

• Interface with the NOAA user community, like the National Weather Service forecasters, to understand and better utilize the ABI observations to enabling them to fulfill their mission goals

• Identify, analyze, and contribute to resolution of calibration and navigation related anomalies associated with ABI observations.

• Participate in Post Launch Test (PLT) ABI calibration and validations activities associated with the extensive post-launch checkout of GOES-U/19, scheduled to launch June 25, 2024, that will determine the performance of the ABI instrument and the extent to which ABI observations meet performance specifications.

• Support the Calibration Working Group (CWG) by raising ABI imagery issues related to noted ABI calibration degradations.

• Support NOAA Next Generation Fire System algorithm development for the Meteosat Third Generation and Himawari-9 satellites.

• Perform quality assurance of NOAA active fire detection and characterization products derived from the Meteosat Third Generation and Himawari-9 satellites using the Next Generation Fire System, as NOAA air quality forecast models require.

The estimated value of this sole source contract is $xxxxx and the period of performance is Date of award through 12-months. The contract type planned is a Firm Fixed Price award.

3. Identification of the single source or the brand name to be solicited.

(University of Wisconsin(U/W)/Space Science and Engineering Center(SSEC), Dr. Bradley Pierce,

(608) 890-1892)

4. Supporting rationale. Only one source or brand name is reasonably available as detailed below:

• Other - Only one source is capable – U/W has specialized knowledge, experience, and the skill set to fulfill the required services of this sole source contract. U/W was involved with the formulation of the fundamental ABI instrument specifications, developed a multitude of specialized ABI analysis and visualization tools, provided over a decade of support assuring the quality of the ABI observations through identification, analysis, and resolution of ABI calibration and navigation related anomalies, and supported the extensive post-launch checkout of ABI instruments on GOES-16, GOES-17, and GOES-18. U/W reported some of these results in a refereed SPIE journal article (“GOES-R series ABI Imagery artifacts”). SPIE publications comprise the largest and most comprehensive collection of research papers and books on optics, photonics, and imaging applied science and technology. In addition, U/W’s expansive institutional knowledge and experience is further bolstered through its involvement in similar calibration and navigation

(Insert PR/RFQ number, as applicable) support it provided with NOAA’s earlier operational geostationary satellite series that includes the previous GOES-I/M and GOES-N/O/P satellite series. This type of expertise and knowledge cannot be replicated and is vital for assuring the quality of today’s operational ABI observations and for performing the extensive post-launch checkout of ABI observations from NOAA’s new GOES-U/19 satellite which launched June 25, 2024.

If the requirement for assuring the quality of ABI observations, including the CMI product which is designated a KPP, from NOAA’s operational GOES-R series spacecrafts and future GOES- U/19 spacecraft is not solicited from UW/SSEC then there is increased risk for long term period of poor-quality ABI imagery that would impact the National Weather Service (NWS) weather, water and climate data, forecasts, warnings, and impact-based decision support services all aimed at protecting the life and property and enhancement of the national economy.

Regarding the Next Generation Fire System (NGFS) work activity, UW/SSEC has over 30 years of institutional experience developing and analyzing satellite products for fire detection and characterization. Their work on satellite-based fire products is universally recognized as ground-breaking. In addition, the NGFS was developed in close collaboration with UW/SSEC. As such, UW/SSEC’s knowledge of the NGFS, which consists of over 500,000 lines of code, cannot be replicated. UW/SSEC is also uniquely capable of applying the NGFS software to near real-time and archived satellite data, analyzing the results, and making algorithm improvements where needed. The NGFS work requirement is critical, as the next generation of NOAA air quality forecast models will rely on NGFS products to generate more accurate forecasts, which is increasingly important as wildfire smoke exposure becomes more widespread.

5. Market Research.

Market research was conducted noting the Cooperative Institute for Meteorological Satellite Studies (CIMSS) participated in the GOES-R Calibration Working Group (CWG) performing GOES data quality assurance in the GOES-R era. Experience with the previous and current generation GOES imagers on science checkouts, radiance quality assurance, and the GOES-R Algorithm Working Group (AWG) developing a system for analyzing ABI product output, are valuable to the CWG.

In addition, market research was conducted, noting that UW/SSEC has successfully and impactfully supported NOAA in developing and analyzing satellite-based products for active fire detection and characterization for over 30 years. UW/SSEC is also the only organization outside of NOAA that has the required experience with the Next Generation Fire System.

6. Technical/Requirements Representative Certification

I certify that this requirement constitutes the Government’s minimum needs and the supporting data provided herein is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief.

Jaime Daniels Date Physical Scientist NOAA/NESDIS/STAR, GOES-R Algorithm Working Group Program Lead Winds Science Team Lead

(Insert PR/RFQ number, as applicable)

7. Determination

I hereby determine that the circumstances of this action deem only one source is reasonably available. This determination is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief.

Joel L. Perlroth Date Contracting Officer