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Sole Source Contract Modification for WVSS-II Sensors on Commercial Aircraft

NOAA is announcing its intent to modify a sole source contract for the procurement and installation of Water Vapor Sensing System II (WVSS-II) sensors on commercial aircraft. - Sole source contract modification with FLYHT, Inc. for WVSS-II sensors - WVSS-II sensors measure atmospheric water vapor, wind, temperature, and pressure - Sensors use tunable diode laser absorption spectroscopy and transmit data via aircraft communications - Increased funding will allow for a larger quantity of sensors than previously contracted - FLYHT, Inc. is the only identified manufacturer of new WVSS-II sensors - NOAA invites information from other parties capable of providing WVSS-II sensors, but this is not a competitive solicitation - No specific part numbers or quantities disclosed in the notice - Installation services for the sensors are included in the procurement - Contract modification expected around September; no detailed period of performance provided

Description

NOTICE OF INTENT TO SOLE SOURCE

The National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration, Acquisition and Grants Office, Eastern Acquisition Division, intends to negotiate a sole source contract modification to FLYHT, Inc.

A sole source modification is anticipated for existing Contract No. 1305M225P0238, which provides for the purchase and installation of new Water Vapor Sensing System II (WVSS-II) sensors on existing commercial aircraft to increase the meteorological data available to the National Weather Service (NWS). The actual acquisition and ingestion of meteorological data are outside the scope of this requirement, as existing NWS commercial meteorological data contracts will be utilized to process the additional aircraft-based observational data. While the original contract included optional sensor quantities, approved funding for the program has increased; consequently, the Government anticipates purchasing a substantially greater quantity of WVSS-II sensors than was initially intended.

WVSS-II sensor measurements enhance weather forecast models by improving accuracy of predications and warnings of thunderstorms, flash floods, hail, tornadoes, clouds, icing, and other meteorological events, thereby increasing safety of life and property. WVSS-II sensors have been in operational use at United Parcel Service (UPS) and Southwest Airlines (SWA) beginning in early October of 2009. The WVSS-II sensor is designed for measurement of atmospheric water vapor from commercial aircraft, in conjunction with the NWS Commercial Data Program. The WVSS-II sensors provide vertical profiles of wind speed and direction, temperature, pressure, and related meteorological variables at high vertical resolution in the atmosphere from takeoff to cruise level, and multiple vertical heights, similar to radiosondes, adding to the existing aircraft data. The WVSS-II sensor uses tunable diode laser absorption spectroscopy technologies to measure water vapor concentrations along the aircraft flight path, with data communications to the ground by commercial carriers using existing Aircraft communications pathways.

This acquisition shall be made under 41 USC 1901: Simplified acquisition procedures. The anticipated modification date is on or around September 1, 2026.

Current market research has indicated that only one responsible source and no other can provide newly manufactured WVSS-II. Note that this is not a request for competitive proposals. However, all interested parties who believe they can meet the requirements are invited to submit in writing complete information describing their ability to provide WVSS-II sensors. 

A determination by the Government not to compete this requirement based on responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. Information received will be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement. 

The closing date for this notice is July 8, 2025 at 1500 hours Eastern Time. For information regarding this requirement, please contact Paul Thomas at paul.thomas@noaa.gov and Jennifer Roesner at jennifer.roesner@noaa.gov.

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