Statement of Need_Streamsonde.pdf

DATE Version 12/1/2013

STATEMENT OF NEED

Purchase Request Number: ######

Requiring Office Name: OMAO/Aircraft Operations Center (AOC) PURPOSE: The Aircraft Operations Center (AOC) requests the purchase of 105 Streamsonde expendable observing devices, along with the necessary air station hardware to operate the system. The request also includes resources for shipping and handling. This novel observing system will allow NOAA to collect critical atmospheric data within the Tropical Cyclone boundary layer in a manner that is currently not possible.

SCOPE OR MISSION:

The items and services to be purchased are in direct support of research and operational efforts to improve scientific understanding of TCs with the ultimate goal of improving future operational predictions and reducing the impact these dangerous storms have on society.

BACKGROUND:

In reviewing our inventory and considerations of current and future field operations, we found we need an additional instrumentation to better meet our mission goals and objectives.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS: (If applicable)

The aircraft deployed system provides atmospheric profiles for wind, pressure, temperature, and humidity from the deployment altitude down to the surface. The system also (uniquely) provides measurements of sea surface temperature as well as atmospheric turbulence. This system also has exhibited the unique and desirable capability of reporting data after the sensor system has reached the surface for a finite period of time. These data can be used to initialize coupled numerical weather models to provide updated and or improved observations for more accurate weather prediction including in difficult-to-observe tropical cyclone and other severe weather environments. These "drop profiles" (aka dropsondes) can be gathered specifically anywhere the deployment aircraft (e.g. WP 3D; C-130) can travel. The system consists of a receiver, processor, and antennas to track the platform after release. The integrated display and keyboard unit supports menu-driven operation. The system can be mounted via a rack-type installation. After powering up, the dropsonde is initialized on the deployment aircraft and indicates its readiness prior to launch.

The System mimics the AVAPS system used operationally by NOAA and Air Force reconnaissance aircraft. Data can be recorded during flight, transmitted back to the deployment aircraft using radio frequency in the 400-406 Mhz range. These data can then be transmitted to operational weather centers worldwide using the Global Transmission System (GTS).

REQUIREMENT:

- 105 Skyfora Streamsonde observing devices

- Air-station station hardware to be installed/used on NOAA’s P3 aircraft

- Shipping/handling costs

DELIVERY SCHEDULE: As noted on the invoice, delivery times vary by component from one to four months. Shipping logistics and cost are covered by the vendor.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: None

POINTS OF CONTACT: Patrick Didier, (952) 426-8814 Patrick.Didier@Noaa.gov