Replacement for X14 Multiplier

Request for Information (RFI) / Sources Sought

This RFI is issued by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) for the National Weather Service (NWS) Radar Operations Center (ROC). The purpose is to gather market research information regarding a replacement for the X14 Frequency Multiplier (referred to as the A2A1 unit) used in the WSR-88D NEXRAD Radar receiver. The current A2A1 unit is no longer repairable or purchasable, and NWS seeks industry input on how to advance, redesign, or replace it while maintaining compatibility with the existing system. This RFI is for informational and planning purposes only and does not constitute a solicitation or commitment to award a contract.

The WSR-88D NEXRAD radar system is critical for weather monitoring, with 158 operational radars. The A2A1 unit is a key component within the RF Generator assembly, responsible for frequency multiplication. Its end-of-life in 2018 necessitates finding a compatible replacement.

Potential replacement A2A1 units must meet specific electrical, mechanical, and environmental requirements, detailed in the attached Source Control Document (ROC Drawing 2200737). Key technical aspects include:

• Electrical: Accept a +10 dBm 57.5491 MHz CW signal, output two phase-coherent 805.6874 MHz CW signals (+0.5 dBm and +4.0 dBm), maintain specific VSWR and impedance, limit phase noise gain, and be powered by +15 VDC (max 300 mA).
• Mechanical: Identical form and fit to the current enclosure, specific connector placement, corrosion-resistant coating, and elimination of tuning screws.
• Environmental: Operating temperature range of -40°C to +85°C, non-operating range of -55°C to +125°C, humidity range of 15% to 95%, and capability to operate at altitudes up to 3,300 meters MSL.

Interested parties should submit an information package addressing:

• Company Information: Standard business details.

• Capability Statement: Design, manufacturing, redesign experience, especially with RF components and legacy systems.

• Technical Approach: Recommended solutions, challenges, and ability to meet requirements.

• Manufacturing & Production: Availability of solutions, production capability, lead times, and obsolescence concerns.

• Testing & Quality Assurance: Recommended testing, verification capabilities, and quality control processes.

• Market Research Feedback: Commercial availability, achievability of requirements, and recommendations for acquisition planning.

• Response Limit: 2 pages (excluding cover page, literature, attachments).

• Submission Method: Email only to Tyran.Claypool@noaa.gov.

• Response Due Date: 14 calendar days after publication at 4:00 PM EST.

• Questions Due: May 18th, 2026, at 4:00 PM EST via email to Tyran.Claypool@noaa.gov.

This RFI is for market research only. No contract will be awarded based on this RFI, and responses are not offers. Participation is voluntary.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a Vendor Item Control Drawing (DWG NO. 2200737, REV B) for the X14 Multiplier Assembly (4A1A2A1). It provides detailed specifications and requirements for the manufacturing and performance of this item.

• General Notes: Specifies adherence to ASME Y14.100 and clarifies that suggested sources are not guarantees of availability. Any deviation requires review, concurrence, and qualification.
• Electrical Requirements: Details DC voltage, current draw, input power, input frequency, input waveform, output frequency, output power, output waveform, impedance, phase noise, gain, and VSWR.
• Output Spectrum Requirements: Specifies limits for non-harmonic spurs and harmonics.
• Mechanical Requirements: Outlines requirements for filter tuning screws, enclosure material (6061 Aluminum Alloy), corrosion resistance (nickel-plating), and marking (per MIL-STD-130).
• Environmental Requirements: Defines operating and non-operating temperature ranges, operating and non-operating humidity, and altitude limits.
• Stress Tests: Includes requirements for temperature cycling, stabilization bake, burn-in, mechanical shock and vibration.
• Reliability: Specifies a Mean-Time Between Failures (MTBF) of at least 50,000 hours.
• Part Identification: Details vendor identification, vendor part number, and serial number application.
• Procuring Agency: Notes the agency's right to perform inspections.
• Suggested Source(s): Currently TBD.

This drawing is critical for any bidder intending to supply the X14 Multiplier Assembly. It defines all technical, performance, and environmental specifications that the item must meet. Bidders must ensure their proposed product fully complies with these detailed requirements. The drawing also indicates that the suggested source is TBD, implying potential for new suppliers. The distribution statement indicates the document is approved for public release and unlimited distribution.