IMET-54 Radiosondes Sources Sought

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research, Global Monitoring Laboratory has issued a Sources Sought Notice for IMET-54 Radiosondes to conduct market research and identify capable sources. The procurement seeks radiosondes compatible with the IMET-54 system for atmospheric measurements at the Boulder, Colorado Global Monitoring Laboratory and up to nine global sites. The radiosondes must meet stringent technical specifications including temperature measurement capabilities from +60°C to -100°C using glass bead thermistors, humidity sensors with capacitive polymer technology, GNSS-derived pressure and wind measurements, and synthesized telemetry transmission in the 400.15-406 MHz frequency band. Interested companies must respond by August 16, 2025, at 1200 Eastern Time via email to darrin.moore@noaa.gov, providing company information, business size classification, evidence of relevant experience, supply intentions with country of origin, and confirmation of intent to submit proposals as prime contractors. All respondents must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM), and the applicable NAICS code is 334519 with a size standard of 600 employees.

This opportunity does not include any set-aside designations and is open to all eligible contractors. The procurement specifically targets InterMet Systems IMET-54 radiosondes that interface with unique radiosonde electronics boards, suggesting a potential brand-specific requirement. The contract is expected to be awarded as a Firm Fixed Price arrangement with an anticipated delivery date of November 7, 2025. The operational requirement involves launching three to four radiosondes per month across the global monitoring sites, with each radiosonde weighing 80 grams and requiring lithium battery operation exceeding 180 minutes. The technical specifications indicate these are precision instruments for balloon-borne atmospheric measurements, requiring sophisticated telemetry capabilities and environmental durability for scientific research applications.