SOURCES SOUGHT
R -- Sources Sought for a Conceptual Development of an Advanced Infrared Measuring Device
- Notice Date
- 10/5/2010
- Notice Type
- Sources Sought
- NAICS
- 541990
— All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
- Contracting Office
- Department of Transportation, Research and Innovative Technology Administration, Volpe National Transportation Systems Center, 55 Broadway, Kendall Square, Cambridge, Massachusetts, 02142-1093
- ZIP Code
- 02142-1093
- Solicitation Number
- DTRT57--11-SS-0006
- Archive Date
- 12/10/2010
- Point of Contact
- Karen M. Marino, Phone: 6174942437
- E-Mail Address
-
karen.marino@dot.gov
(karen.marino@dot.gov)
- Small Business Set-Aside
- N/A
- Description
- Description The U.S. Department of Transportation, Research and Innovative Technology Administration, John A. Volpe National Transportation Systems Center (Volpe Center), Cambridge, MA, is conducting a sources sought notice to identify business concerns capable of conducting research in advanced laser technology for potential implementation into the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). These lasers will address safety recommendations to ensure the integrity of National Airspace Safety (NAS) safety. This task shall address how laser based infrared-runway visual range (IR-RVR) concepts will enhance safety in the NAS and demonstrate a clear path towards integration and operation in the NAS. Throughout this task the company will consider the interface of laser based IR RVR technology in controller/pilot situational awareness. Draft a conceptual plan that analyzes the capabilities of existing Enhanced Vision Systems (EVS) technology and compare these capabilities to conventional RVR visibility measurements. This plan will: • Describe the concept of installing EVS sensors on a fixed tower simulating an approximate 3 degree glide slope similar to most Instrument Landing Systems (ILS) • Describe a reference IR laser(s) that measures visibility at multiple IR spectra • Identify the availability of IR lasers near the 5 micron and 10 micron bands • Determine costs of above lasers to include the procedures for installation, maintenance, operations, calibration, and safety aspects of the lasers • Describe the data collection process to include the type of data to be collected and frequency of collection • Describe the employment of software to interface to the advanced laser technology and how that software would be employed and integrated in the NAS. Background Runway Visual Range (RVR) information is now used to inform controllers and pilots of visibility conditions for guidance during takeoffs and landings. Consequently RVR information impacts the safety and efficiency of airport operations. In addition to providing guidance during landings, in the future, EVS technology could be used to execute taxi operations under low-visibility conditions. This would require an infrared visibility sensor to determine visibility on taxiways as well as runways. Accordingly, the Navigation Services Office requires expertise on: sensors used for the generation of Infrared RVR products; means/methods of interpreting phenomena such as fog, snow and haze conditions that reduce airport visibility; and assistance in testing sensors and evaluating performance of EVS related technology under diverse weather conditions. The Volpe Center has been a prime resource for the provision of such services with conventional RVR systems for nearly two decades, and has extensive experience with operational use of infrared visibility sensors. The Volpe Center's contributions to the FAA's RVR Program include: (1) Operation and maintenance of the Otis Weather Test Facility (WTF) on Cape Cod, Massachusetts for the testing and evaluation of the performance of visibility sensors and ambient light sensors in support of the New Generation Runway Visibility System (NG-RVR) and the PC-Based Runway Visual Range System (PC-RVR); (2) Archiving, analysis and interpretation of data obtained at the Otis WTF and at other test sites throughout the Continental United States (CONUS) to ensure proper operation of sensors and systems and to evaluate plausible future concepts of operation; (3) Consultation on related data processing algorithms such as those based on Koschmieder's Law and Allard's Law that are the bases for computing RVR values; (4) Conduct of related studies on airport lighting concepts, potential methods of mitigating the impacts of a failed RVR visibility sensor at an airport and ways of reducing loss of service in snowfall conditions. Period of Performance & Deliverables The period of performance for this SOW is from the date of execution through March 31, 2011. Task 1, Concept of Operations document, will be delivered by Dec 1, 2010. No travel is expected. The Volpe Center is seeking capability information. THIS NOTICE IS NOT A REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE PROPOSALS or QUALIFICATIONS. Do not include any pricing information. This notice is for informational and planning purposes only, and is a market research tool to determine the availability and adequacy of potential business sources prior to determining the method of acquisition and possible issuance of a Request for Quotation including the use of any non-profit organization or small business programs. Each response must reference the sources sought title. All Offerors must state whether they are a large or small business. Offerors are requested to provide their DUNS and CCR numbers. Interested parties must respond to this announcement electronically (via email) within 4 days of publication. Mailed, telephonic, and faxed requests will not be honored. All responses must be sent to the attention of Karen M. Marino, electronically via email. Please e-mail all responses to: Karen.Marino@dot.gov. All data received in response to this announcement marked or designated as corporate or proprietary information will be protected from release outside the Government in accordance with the Freedom of Information Act and Privacy Act provisions. Availability of any formal solicitation will be announced separately. The Government is not obligated to and will not pay for any information received from potential sources as a result of response to this notice and submittals will not be returned to the sender. This notice does not constitute a solicitation for bids and proposals, and is not to be construed as a commitment by the Government. The information provided herein is subject to change and in no way binds the Government to solicit for or award a competitive purchase order. Unless otherwise stated herein, no solicitation regarding this announcement is available. Requests for the same will be disregarded. If a solicitation is released, it will be synopsized on FedBizOpps. Please be aware that all information submitted in response to this request, whether written, oral, electronic, graphic, or any other medium, is considered public information under the Freedom of Information Act, 5 U.S.C. 552. For information about the Volpe Center refer to the Volpe Center website at http://www.volpe.dot.gov
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