NOAA/OMAO/PAE - C-130J Hercules Vertically Scanning Doppler Radar Antenna System

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration issued a Notice of Intent to Negotiate a Sole-Source Contract with Rantec Microwave Systems, Inc. for design and production of an X-band circular slotted flat plate radar antenna system supporting NOAA's Vertically Scanning Doppler Radar on forthcoming C-130J aircraft, with written capability statements due by 10:00 AM ET on August 13, 2026. The antenna subsystem will operate in X-band weather frequency; four antennas per aircraft will be installed in two wing pods (two antennas and subsystems per pod, one forward and one aft) to replicate current WP-3D Tail Doppler Radar scanning patterns for three-dimensional wind field profiles used by the Environmental Modeling Center and National Hurricane Center in severe storm forecasting. Rantec's design will be modified from its G550 antenna, hardened for outer wing station 330 installation, increased to approximately 42 inches in diameter, modified to accommodate 12KW transmit power (50 percent greater than current systems), and equipped with modified mounting hardware for center rotation. The sole-source justification rests on Rantec's proprietary ownership of specifications, drawings, and schematics developed through extensive mechanical and RF testing; alternative sources would require significant non-recurring engineering and system redesign. Contract authority is 41 U.S.C. 1901 (simplified procedures up to $9 million under RFO 12.201-1) and 41 U.S.C. 3304(a)(1) (RFO 6.103-1(b)). NAICS code is 336413 (Other Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing; 1,250-employee size standard). Interested parties should submit written capability statements to Contract Specialist Jennifer Peters at Jennifer.peters@noaa.gov; timely submissions will be considered in determining whether to conduct competitive procurement.