NEXRAD RF Power Monitors

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is seeking Radio Frequency (RF) Power Monitors for the WSR-88D NEXRAD Doppler Radar system through Solicitation Number 1305M225Q0093. The procurement involves two contract line items (CLINs): one for non-recurring engineering and first article testing of an RF Power Monitor, and a production option for 20 additional units. The solicitation requires a form, fit, function replacement for existing Narda 466B-1 and General Microwave N425-838 power monitors that reached end-of-life in 2018. Vendors will be evaluated using a best value tradeoff process, with the technical approach significantly more important than price, and will receive confidence ratings based on their understanding and ability to provide the required power monitors. Quotes must be submitted by July 2, 2025, at 12:00 PM Eastern, with the government intending to award a firm-fixed price contract without discussions.

This solicitation is a 100% small business set-aside, targeting vendors capable of producing power monitors that operate in the 2.7 to 3.0 GHz frequency range with specific electrical characteristics. The first article will require government testing and approval before the production option can be exercised, with delivery expected within 120 calendar days for the first unit and 365 calendar days for production units. Delivery locations include the NEXRAD Radar Operations Center in Norman, Oklahoma, and the NLSC facility in Grandview, Missouri. The power monitors must meet strict technical specifications, including a 50Ω impedance, +15 VDC power supply, and operating temperatures from +10C to +35C. Key technical requirements include specific input/output connector types, power input ranges, and accuracy within 1% of full scale. The contract will allow for potential exercise of the production option within two years after the initial award, with the government reserving the right to procure the additional 20 units based on first article performance and testing results.