Aerosol Robotic Network (AERONET) Project
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
Timeline
Qualification Details
Fit reasons
- NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
- Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
- Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
- Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps
Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.
Quick Summary
NASA/GSFC is conducting a Sources Sought for the Aerosol Robotic Network (AERONET) Project to acquire CIMEL CE318-T Sun-Sky-Lunar Spectral Photometers and associated parts. This is anticipated to be a sole-source, Firm Fixed Price, Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract with CIMEL ELECTRONIQUE for a period of five years. The purpose is to maintain and upgrade the AERONET program's global network for monitoring aerosol optical properties, crucial for climate change and satellite validation. Interested organizations must submit capabilities by June 23, 2026.
Scope of Work
The requirement is for several models of the CIMEL CE318-T family of Sun-Sky-Lunar Spectral Photometers, along with necessary parts for repair, maintenance, and upgrade. These instruments monitor aerosol optical properties and provide a uniform database. Key requirements from the Statement of Work include:
- Procurement of CE 318 T Sun photometers capable of reliable function in harsh environmental conditions.
- Support for multiple data communication options (DCS, cellular, PC/internet).
- Automatic direct solar, lunar, and diffuse sky measurements.
- New systems must be identical in function and electronically compatible with existing AERONET instruments.
- Instruments must be capable of unattended operation for up to eight weeks, with a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) exceeding 10,000/1 for all channels.
- Environmental requirements include sealed operation within -20 to 50 degrees C for a year with minimum maintenance.
- Specifics on Advanced Control Box, Tracking Robot, Microprocessor, Communication, Power, and Environmental requirements are detailed.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Sources Sought (anticipated Sole-Source, Firm Fixed Price IDIQ)
- Duration: 5 years (anticipated contract period of performance: October 1, 2026, to September 30, 2031)
- Set-Aside: None (Sole-Source justification: 10 U.S.C 3204(a)(1) - Only One Responsible Source)
- Response Due: June 23, 2026, 4:00 PM EST
- Published: June 11, 2026
- Place of Performance: CIMEL Electronique (Paris, France) and NASA Goddard Space Flight Center.
Evaluation
Capabilities and qualifications submitted by interested organizations will be evaluated solely to determine if the acquisition can be conducted on a competitive basis. The Government retains discretion regarding competition.
Additional Notes
NASA/GSFC intends to acquire a commercial product or service using FAR Part 12. The sole-source justification is based on CIMEL ELECTRONIQUE being the only available source for instrumentation that meets the Government's needs, given the AERONET program's 30+ year history and standardization around the CE318-T instrument. Award to any other vendor would not meet instrumentation schedule requirements. NASA Clause 1852.215-84, Ombudsman, is applicable.