McIDAS Satellite Server Family and McIDAS-X MX License Renewal
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 Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Shared Services Center (NSSC) intends to award a sole-source contract to the University of Wisconsin System for the McIDAS Satellite Server Family and McIDAS-X MX License Renewal. This Special Notice is issued under FAR 13.106-1(b)(1)(i), as the University of Wisconsin-Madison Space Science and Engineering Center (SSEC) is identified as the sole developer and distributor of the required software. Interested organizations may submit written capabilities to challenge this determination by March 5, 2026, at 7 a.m. Central Standard Time.
Purpose & Scope
This requirement is for the renewal of McIDAS subscriptions to support atmospheric science projects, programs, and field campaigns at NASA Langley Research Center in Hampton, VA. The scope includes one (1) McIDAS-X MX License (for six or more workstations), one (1) All Annual Satellite Server Family Charges for 2026, and Real-Time and Archive ADDE usage up to 200 TB. This acquisition is critical for real-time data acquisition, processing, and access to satellite data from various GEO satellites (e.g., GOES-East, GOES-West, Himawari, Meteosat-9/11), supporting programs like CERES, DOE ARM, NOAA convective weather, FAA Icing, and NASA Airborne Flight Missions.
Contract Details
- Opportunity Type: Special Notice (Intended Sole Source)
- Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
- Office: NASA Shared Services Center (NSSC)
- Place of Performance: NASA Langley Research Center, Hampton, VA 23681, United States
- Period of Performance: January 1, 2026 – December 31, 2026
- Product Service Code: DA10 (Support Services, SaaS or Subscription)
- NAICS Code: 611310 (Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools)
Set-Aside
This is an intended sole-source action; therefore, no set-aside designation applies. However, other interested organizations are invited to submit capabilities to determine if a competitive procurement is warranted.
Submission & Evaluation
- Submission Requirement: Organizations must submit written capabilities and qualifications to perform the effort.
- Submission Deadline: March 5, 2026, at 7 a.m. Central Standard Time.
- Evaluation Purpose: Submissions will be evaluated solely to determine if a competitive procurement is justified. The government retains sole discretion on whether to proceed with a competitive basis.
- Communication: Oral communications regarding this notice are not acceptable.
Additional Notes
The justification for the sole source is that SSEC is the exclusive developer and distributor of McIDAS software, which is only provided to those with MUG (McIDAS Users' Group) membership. Failure to acquire this renewal would prevent NASA from generating global cloud and radiative products essential for various NASA programs and projects, impacting nowcasting, aircraft guidance, and mission planning. NASA Clause 1852.215-84, Ombudsman, is applicable. The primary point of contact is Shanna Patterson (shanna.l.patterson@nasa.gov).