Draft RFP - ProTech Space-Based Environmental Monitoring (SBEM) Domain Task Order 1(TO1)
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
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has released a Draft Request for Proposal (RFP) for Task Order 1 (TO-1) under the pending ProTech 2.0 Space-Based Environmental Monitoring (SBEM) Domain Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract. This draft seeks industry feedback on requirements for near-real-time Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) radio occultation (RO) satellite data for operational weather and space weather models. Responses to the Draft RFP are due by April 17, 2026.
Purpose & Scope
NOAA aims to acquire commercial near-real-time satellite-based GNSS RO and ionospheric measurements (Level 0 and Level 1a data) to be processed into neutral atmosphere and space weather products. The data will support weather and space weather analysis, prediction systems, and research, and will be archived by NOAA.
Key requirements include:
- Neutral Atmosphere Data: 6,000 to 10,000 compliant RO profiles per day.
- Total Electron Content (TEC) Data: 500 to 3,000 compliant TEC ionospheric tracks per day.
- Desired Capabilities: Enhanced SNR RO profiles (500-1000/day) and RO observations with temporal resolution enhancements.
- Data Preparation (for new providers): Technical documentation, sample data, and support for NOAA's ingestion and testing.
Contract Details
- Opportunity Type: Presolicitation (Draft RFP)
- Contract Type: Firm-Fixed-Unit-Price (FFUP) delivery order(s) under the ProTech 2.0 SBEM IDIQ.
- Period of Performance: Base period from December 1, 2026, through December 1, 2028 (for existing providers); January 5, 2027 – December 1, 2028 (for new providers).
- Set-Aside: None specified.
- Product/Service Code: DF10 (IT Management Tools and Services).
Key Dates & Actions
- Draft RFP Published: April 3, 2026
- Q&A Period Deadline: April 17, 2026, 1:00 PM EST. Submit questions via the provided Q&A spreadsheet to Suzanna Espinoza (suzanna.espinoza@noaa.gov) and Cherron Bennett-Pettus (cherron.bennett-pettus@noaa.gov).
- Industry Day: April 9, 2026, 1:00-2:30 PM EST (virtual). Registration link provided in the original notice.
- Anticipated Final RFP Release: On or about April 24, 2026, with a 20-business-day open period.
Submission & Evaluation
Proposals for the final RFP will require two volumes: Technical (max 15 pages) and Price. The Technical Volume must demonstrate the ability to meet SOW specifications, including operational readiness, data delivery, and geospatial distribution. The Price Volume should use the provided spreadsheet (J.5) and align with the technical proposal.
Evaluation Criteria: Award will be based on a Best Value Tradeoff Process, with Technical Approach being more important than Price. Technical evaluation will assess minimal requirements (Neutral Atmosphere Data, TEC) and desired capabilities. Multiple awards are intended to ensure data redundancy and high availability.
Contacts
- Contract Specialist: Cherron Bennett-Pettus (cherron.bennett-pettus@noaa.gov)
- Contracting Officer: Suzanna Espinoza (Suzanna.Espinoza@noaa.gov)