**THIS IS NOT A REQUEST FOR QUOTE**
**THIS IS A REQUEST FOR INFORMATION FOR MARKET RESEARCH ONLY – NO AWARD WILL BE MADE FROM THIS NOTICE. **
Sources Sought Notice (SSN) for Request for Information (RFI) No. 142084-25-0100 - Automatic Radiosonde Launching/Observing System (AROS)
1. Introduction
This is being released for informational purposes to assist the Department of Commerce (DOC), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), National Weather Service (NWS), Office of Observations (OBS) and is subject to change.
This notice is issued solely for information and planning purposes and does not constitute a Request for Proposal (RFP), Request for Quotation (RFQ), or Invitation for Bid (IFB). In accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 15.201(e), RFIs may be used when the Government wants to obtain price, delivery, other market information, and capabilities for planning purposes. Responses to this announcement are not considered quotes or offers and cannot be accepted by the Government to form a binding contract. The Government will not be held responsible for any costs incurred in response to this SSN.
The DOC/NOAA/NWS/OBS is looking to gather feedback from industry on the current market segment of automatic radiosonde launches. The NWS already operates a network of automatic radiosonde launching systems, mostly in Alaska, and has developed experience in this area that it did not have 10 years ago when the technology was new to the fielded network of launching devices. This is necessary to replace the current launchers that are reaching the end of the manufacturers’ projected life expectancy.
The information provided in this notice is subject to change and is not binding on the Government. Participation in this notice is voluntary, and responses are not required for participation in any future solicitations. The Government reserves the right to use information provided by respondents for any purpose deemed necessary and legally appropriate, including to assist in developing acquisition strategies, Statements of Work (SOW), Performance Work Statements (PWS), or Statements of Objectives (SOO) for future solicitations.
2. Purpose and General Information
This SSN is issued as part of the Government’s overall market research activity in accordance with FAR Part 10. This RFI is intended as a market research tool and is issued in accordance with FAR 10.002(b). No contract or award will be made as a result of this RFI.
The intent is to identify potential sources that possess the expertise, capabilities, and experience to fulfill the requirements detailed below.
The Government may request follow-up information from respondents based on their submissions. Information received from follow-up questions and presentations is considered part of the overall market research activity per FAR Part 15.201(c)(7). Responses to this notice do not guarantee participation in future solicitations and will not be considered offers. No funds have been authorized, appropriated, or received for this contemplated effort.
3. Disclaimer
This notice is not a solicitation and does not obligate the Government to issue a solicitation or award a contract. Any information provided is at the respondent’s discretion and will be used solely for market research purposes. Respondents are advised that the Government will not pay for any information provided or for any administrative costs incurred in response to this notice.
4. Proprietary Information
If submitting proprietary information, please clearly mark it as "Proprietary" and segregate it from non-proprietary content. Proprietary information will be safeguarded in accordance with applicable regulations.
5. Industry Participation
Some respondents may be contacted for additional information or invited to participate in industry discussions and/or an industry day event. Participation is voluntary, and respondents will be notified if they are selected for further engagement.
A non-response to this RFI does not preclude participation in a future competition, nor shall information provided in response to this RFI be used to exclude anyone from responding to any future RFQ, RFP, or IFB.
6. Industry Discussions
The Government may request additional information and/or hold industry discussions based on the responses received. Respondents may be contacted directly if more information is required.
7. Industry Day and Follow-up Activities
The Government may host an industry day following the review of submissions. Respondents are asked to indicate whether they would be interested in attending an industry day and/or participating in one-on-one Q&A sessions.
8. Specific Small Business Considerations
The Government encourages responses from small businesses and will use this information in making set-aside determinations. If your company does not currently possess the full capability to fulfill the requirement, please indicate any teaming arrangements, joint ventures, or subcontracting partnerships you would establish. Evidence of these arrangements, such as letters of intent or agreements, is encouraged but not required.
9. Questions and Communications
Questions regarding this notice should be submitted via email to the contacts listed below no later than AUGUST 06, 2025, 12:00 PM Eastern Time. The Government does not guarantee responses to questions submitted after this deadline. Responses to relevant questions may be posted publicly on SAM.gov.
Primary Points of Contact:
- Supervisory Contracting Officer: Jennifer Roesner, jennifer.roesner@noaa.gov
- Contracting Officer: Timothy Wampler, timothy.wampler@noaa.gov
Communications with regard to this RFI shall only be permitted in writing during the RFI response period.
10. Response Submission Instructions
If, after reviewing this document, you desire to participate in this market research request for information, you should reply via email with the corresponding responses to the questions and any capabilities statement.
RFI Response Instructions
Response to RFI Questions – https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfp1yMi6msLkd7nXTy7JG2YcKnLlHs61Ls_Ni-eWQP7DnwYeg/viewform?usp=dialog
Case Studies– Page Limit - 10 pages
10.1. Response to RFI Questions
Responses to the RFI Questions shall be submitted using the Google form link by AUGUST 20, 2025, 12:00 PM Eastern Time. Incomplete responses or those that do not follow these instructions may not be reviewed.
10.2. Case Studies
Please provide any case studies you may have performed for similar auto launcher technologies. What were the outcomes and major lessons learned?
Submit case studies to:
- Supervisory Contracting Officer: Jennifer Roesner, jennifer.roesner@noaa.gov
- Contracting Officer: Timothy Wampler, timothy.wampler@noaa.gov
Note: Please include your company name and “RFI 142084-25-0100 (AROS)” in the subject line.
11. Response Review and Confidentiality
Responses will be reviewed by Government personnel and may involve third-party contractors who have signed non-disclosure agreements. Respondents will not be notified of the results of this review, nor will responses be returned. Information provided may be used in the development of future solicitation documents, including SOW’s, PWS’, or SOO’s.
12. ONE-ON-ONE SESSIONS:
After a review of the responses to the RFI, the Government may schedule one-on-one sessions. Please complete this form (https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScmCC079WMF7Kws7pEUT9FQaImnwgTKu_fdjDcWzygiq16Dag/viewform?usp=dialog) so that we have the necessary information to coordinate a one-on-one session if it is required.
13. Proprietary Information and Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Notice
The Government is not seeking proprietary information but recognizes that responses may include proprietary data. Respondents should clearly mark proprietary content and provide the necessary FOIA protection statements. Information submitted may be subject to disclosure under the FOIA, but the Government will take appropriate steps to protect such information from disclosure.
14. Conclusion
This notice is part of ongoing market research and does not commit the Government to any course of action. The information provided herein is subject to change and is not binding on the Government. Respondents are advised to monitor SAM.gov for any updates or amendments to this notice.
15. Attachments:
Attachment 1 - Operating and Non-Operating Conditions
Attachment 2 -Temperature Dewpoint Sensor Accuracy Specification
Attachment 3 - Dewpoint Accuracy Specification
Attachment 4 - Site Specific Information
Attachment 5 - NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE MANUAL 10-1402
Attachment 6 - NWS-J100-AR-RS001
Attachment 7 - NWS-J100-AR-SW001
Attachment 8 - FEDERAL METEOROLOGICAL HANDBOOK No. 1-2019
Attachment 9 - J300-SP005 Revision L
16. Hyperlinks
- The 2023 edition of the National Fire Protection Association Code Number 70, National Electric Code (NFPA70: NEC 2017-2023) - https://www.nfpa.org/codes-and-standards/nfpa-70-standard-development/70
- The 2023 National Electrical Safety Code(R) (NESC(R)) - https://store.accuristech.com/standards/ieee-c2-2023?product_id=2254672
- The 2022 American National Standard (ANSI) & National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) Wiring Devices - Dimensional Specifications - https://www.nema.org/standards/view/wiring-devices-dimensional-specifications
- The Federal Meteorological Handbook No. 3 - Rawinsonde and Pibal Observations (FCM-H3-1997) - https://www.icams-portal.gov/resources/ofcm/fmh/allfmh2.htm
- Guide to Instruments and Methods of Observation (WMO-No. 8) - https://community.wmo.int/en/activity-areas/imop/wmo-no_8
- Request For Information (RFI) Questionnaire: Automatic Radiosonde Launching/Observing System (AROS) Capability Self-Assessment - https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfp1yMi6msLkd7nXTy7JG2YcKnLlHs61Ls_Ni-eWQP7DnwYeg/viewform?usp=dialog
- One-on-One Session Information Collection - https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScmCC079WMF7Kws7pEUT9FQaImnwgTKu_fdjDcWzygiq16Dag/viewform?usp=dialog
