DRAFT SOW: NOAA Wildfire Imagery Pilot Study
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) Commercial Data Program (CDP) has issued a Special Notice (RFI) seeking feedback on a draft Statement of Work (SOW) for a Wildfire Imagery Pilot Study. This RFI aims to gather industry input on the requirements for commercially provided multispectral satellite data to enhance wildfire detection, monitoring, and mapping. Responses are due by February 25, 2026, at 4:00 PM Eastern Time.
Scope of Work
The pilot study will assess the viability of commercially provided multispectral satellite data and products for wildfire detection, monitoring, and mapping, augmenting NOAA's existing remote sensing capabilities. Key requirements include:
- Data Provision: Multi-spectral observation data (visible, near infrared, short-wave infrared, mid-wave infrared, and long-wave infrared channels).
- Data Products: Level 1B (calibrated, geolocated radiances) and Level 1C (resampled onto a fixed Earth grid). Optional Level 2 data (active fire detection).
- Performance Standards: Horizontal Spatial Resolution of 200m, Geolocation Accuracy of 50% of spatial resolution, L1B product Latency of 60 minutes (Global), and at least 80% operational availability.
- Region of Interest: Two options for the Western United States (1900 km x 1000 km or 950 km x 500 km).
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Special Notice (Request for Information - RFI)
- Purpose: Informational only; not a request for proposals or a solicitation.
- Set-Aside: None specified.
- Response Due: February 25, 2026, 4:00 PM ET
- Published: February 18, 2026
- Anticipated Solicitation: Estimated late 3QFY2026.
- Pilot Study Duration: 1 month preparation, 3-9 months data delivery (during peak wildfire season, June-November), 3 months evaluation.
Submission Instructions
Responses must be submitted via email to Contracting Officer Suzanna Espinoza (suzanna.espinoza@noaa.gov) and Contract Specialist Cherron Bennett-Pettus (cherron.bennett-pettus@noaa.gov). Submissions are limited to 5 pages (including appendices, title pages, tables, graphics, pictures, and figures) and should use 12-point proportional font. Acceptable formats include Microsoft Word, Microsoft PowerPoint, and/or Adobe Acrobat PDF.
Additional Notes
This RFI does not guarantee a future solicitation or contract award. Proprietary information must be clearly marked on each page. Information received may be shared with members of the Interagency Committee for Advancing Weather Services (ICAMS), which includes representatives from NOAA, NASA, DoD, NSF, DoE, and DoI, to foster interagency coordination. Not responding to this RFI will not preclude participation in any subsequent NOAA solicitations.