Small Optical Particle Spectrometers (POPS)
Closed Pre-Solicitation Posted
- Solicitation number
- 145036-25-0024
- Agency
-
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Department of Commerce
- Responses due
- Set-aside
- No set-aside
Opportunity facts
- NAICS code
- 334519 Other Measuring and Controlling Device Manufacturing
- PSC
- 6640 Laboratory Equipment And Supplies
- Place of performance
- Boulder, Colorado 80305, United States
- Points of contact
Notice details come from SAM.gov. Updated .
About this opportunity
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Chemical Sciences Lab is conducting market research to identify potential sources for 10 small optical particle spectrometers (POPS) used to measure stratospheric aerosol size distributions via balloon sondes. These instruments are required for an ongoing project measuring stratospheric aerosol number and size distributions as part of the congressionally funded NOAA OAR Earth Radiation Budget initiative, with launches planned from Boulder, CO and other global sites. The instruments must weigh less than 1 kg, fit within dimensions of 8" x 8" x 6", consume less than 6 watts of power, and detect particles as small as 140 nm diameter while demonstrating proven performance at high altitude and low pressure conditions. Interested parties must submit capabilities statements of no more than 3 pages including company information, relevant experience, technical specification compliance confirmation, production lead times, and any questions. All responses must be submitted electronically to Elliott Waxman at elliott.waxman@noaa.gov by August 8, 2025, with delivery of all 10 instruments required by September 26, 2025.
This opportunity does not utilize any set-aside designations and is open to all qualified vendors. The sources sought notice does not identify any current contractors or incumbents for this requirement, nor does it specify budget ranges or award values for the anticipated procurement. The agency requires delivery of exactly 10 optical particle spectrometer units with partial deliveries acceptable if production schedules permit, providing a tight delivery timeline of approximately seven weeks from the response deadline to required delivery. The procurement falls under NAICS code 334519 for Other Measuring and Controlling Device Manufacturing and PSC code 6640 for Laboratory Equipment and Supplies. This market research effort is being conducted solely for planning purposes and does not constitute a commitment by the government to award a contract, with all submitted information to be used exclusively for market analysis.
Notice text
AGENCY: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Office of Atmospheric Research (OAR), Chemical Sciences Lab (CSL)
DESCRIPTION
This is a Sources Sought notice. This is NOT a request for quotes or proposals. This notice is for informational and planning purposes only and does not constitute a solicitation. The Government will not pay for any information submitted in response to this Sources Sought notice.
NOAA CSL is seeking to identify potential sources capable of providing 10 small optical particle spectrometers (Portable Optical Particle Spectrometer (POPS)) for the measurement of stratospheric aerosol size distributions using balloon sondes.
SCOPE OR MISSION
The instruments are needed for an ongoing project involving the systematic measurement of stratospheric aerosol number and size distributions. These measurements will be conducted using small (weather) balloon sondes launched from Boulder, CO and other global sites, to characterize the baseline and variability of stratospheric aerosol microphysical properties. This project is a key component of the congressionally funded NOAA OAR Earth Radiation Budget initiative.
BACKGROUND
Stratospheric aerosol is a critical component of the climate system. Improved observations of stratospheric aerosol microphysics and variability are necessary to enhance model representation of climate and ozone chemistry impacts resulting from changes in stratospheric aerosol. Furthermore, in situ observations are essential for validating and improving the interpretation of satellite remote sensing observations. These measurements necessitate a miniaturized, research-quality instrument capable of detecting particles with diameters as small as 140 nm to accurately characterize the stratospheric aerosol size distribution.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Operational requirements for the optical particle spectrometer (OPC) instruments include:
- Instrument Weight: < 1 kg
- Size: Smaller than 8" x 8" x 6"
- Power Consumption: < 6 W
- Minimum Particle Diameter Detection Limit: ≤ 140 nm
- Performance: Demonstrated performance at high altitude/low pressure.
DELIVERY SCHEDULE
NOAA CSL requires delivery of all 10 instruments by Sep 26, 2025. Partial deliveries following acceptance of the order are requested if permitted by production schedules.
SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS
Interested parties are requested to submit a brief capabilities statement (no more than 3 pages) demonstrating their ability to meet the requirements outlined in this notice. Submissions should include:
- Company name, address, and primary point of contact information.
- A brief description of relevant experience and past performance in producing similar optical particle spectrometers.
- Confirmation of ability to meet the technical specifications.
- Anticipated lead time for production and delivery of 10 units.
- Any questions regarding this Sources Sought notice.
Please submit all responses electronically to Elliott Waxman (elliott.waxman@noaa.gov) by Aug 8, 2025.
This Sources Sought notice is for market research purposes only and does not commit the Government to award a contract. All information submitted will be used for planning purposes only.
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