Common Analytic and Support System (CASS) for the NOAA National Weather Service (NWS) Tsunami Warning Centers (TWCs)

The Department of Commerce National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is soliciting quotations for the development of the Common Analytic and Support System (CASS), a software platform designed to provide comprehensive forecast and alerting guidance for the National Weather Service's two Tsunami Warning Centers located in Palmer, Alaska and Honolulu, Hawaii. The solicitation (RFQ 1305M326Q0019) requires contractors to develop an integrated system that consolidates multiple disparate applications and backend processes while incorporating existing tsunami models, seismic and sea-level observation networks, and inundation/arrival time modeling capabilities. Key contract requirements include delivering the system as a state maintainable by NOAA/NWS Enterprise support with 24/7/365 operational availability and FISMA High impact-level security compliance on-premises systems. Evaluation will follow a two-phase advisory down-select approach using four factors: experience with relevant software development platforms, iterative project management approach, technical capability demonstrated through oral presentations with scenario-based questions conducted via Google Meet, and price using the SPHERe (Set Price with Highest Evaluated Ratings) methodology. Critical deadlines include February 11, 2026 at 2:00 PM Pacific Time for submission of questions, and February 17, 2026 at 2:00 PM Pacific Time for Phase I quotation submissions.

This acquisition is a 100% small business set-aside under NAICS code 541512 (Computer Systems Design Services) with a $34 million size standard threshold. The base contract period consists of a two-month baselining effort beginning March 16, 2026, followed by approximately one year of development through May 15, 2027, with an optional additional development year extending through May 15, 2028. The total base evaluated price is $2,000,823.20, with the optional development year valued at $1,938,823.20, bringing the total evaluated price ceiling to $3,939,646.40; time-and-materials line items carry a $124,000 ceiling with $108,000 currently allotted for other direct costs and travel. The pricing structure includes firm-fixed-price line items for baselining effort and CASS development sprints, along with time-and-materials provisions for other direct costs. Performance will take place at the Tsunami Warning Centers in Honolulu, Hawaii and Palmer, Alaska, with the Government intending to award a single contract and negotiate final terms including a comprehensive Performance Work Statement prior to contract award.