INTENT TO SOLE SOURCE, Skyfora StreamSonde dropsondes, Operational and Technical Support Services
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 U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Eastern Acquisitions Division (EAD) and Office of Marine and Aviation Operation (OMAO), Aircraft Operations Center (AOC) has issued an Intent to Sole Source for Skyfora StreamSonde dropsondes and Operational and Technical Support Services. NOAA plans to award a Firm-Fixed-Price (FFP) contract to Skyfora OY (Helsinki, Finland) based on the authority of FAR 6.302-1, citing "Only One Responsible Source." Statements of capabilities from other interested parties are due by February 2, 2026.
Scope of Work
This requirement is for the supply of Skyfora StreamSonde dropsondes and associated support services. The StreamSonde's distinctive features provide data crucial for advancing hurricane forecasting and research, which traditional dropsondes cannot. Key requirements include:
- Core Meteorological Data: Measurement of Pressure, Temperature, Humidity, and Wind Speed/Direction.
- Data Format & Transmission: Conformance to World Meteorological Organization (WMO) Standard Format (TEMP DROP code) and a high-resolution data rate (compatible with or better than 2 Hz).
- Physical & Electronic Compatibility: Deployable using existing NOAA launcher hardware, despite being ultralight (14g vs. 350g traditional), and transmitting on a frequency/modulation reliably received by NOAA's Airborne Vertical Atmospheric Profiling System (AVAPS).
- Wind Measurement Accuracy: Utilization of an in-house developed dual-band GNSS receiver for high-accuracy wind and turbulence data, essential for Tropical Cyclone (TC) research.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Intent to Sole Source (Firm-Fixed-Price)
- Authority: 41 U.S.C. 3304(a)(1) / FAR 6.302-1 (Only One Responsible Source)
- Set-Aside: None (Sole Source)
- NAICS: 334519 Other Measuring and Controlling Device Manufacturing (Size Standard: 600 employees)
- Response Due: February 2, 2026, 12:00 PM ET
- Published: January 26, 2026
- Place of Performance: Lakeland, FL (NOAA AOC)
Evaluation
This notice is for market research purposes. While NOAA intends to award on a sole-source basis, any other interested party believing they can meet the requirements may submit a statement of capabilities. NOAA will consider timely submissions to determine if a competitive procurement is feasible in the future. Evidence of ability to provide the required services, with sufficient detail, must be provided.
Additional Notes
This notice does not constitute a solicitation, RFP, RFQ, or IFB. The Government reserves the right to determine its ultimate acquisition approach.