weather radar system for the United States Naval Academy

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides responses to industry questions regarding solicitation N0018926Q0037, clarifying requirements for a weather radar server and related systems.

• 20-meter Cable: Confirmed as correct, referencing CLIN 0002.
• Server/System Limitations: The solicitation does not intend to limit proposed sources or systems. The server must be able to produce/store data in accessible formats (e.g., NEXRAD Level-II or netCDF) and allow for changes to scanning strategies.
• Operational Environment: The system only needs to operate within the storage space and power provided by USNA.
• USNA Provided Resources: Network support will be provided by USNA. Any equipment connecting to the USNA network must be compatible with US Navy IT Protocols and require SafeConnect authentication. Contact syshelp@usna.edu or 410-293-3500 for specific IT protocol details.
• Small Business Verification: The requirement is not set aside for small business. The contracting department will verify contractor business size using the SBA small business search.

This Q&A document clarifies technical requirements for the server and system, confirms operational parameters, and outlines IT compatibility needs. It also clarifies the approach to small business verification, indicating it is not a set-aside.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document is a combined synopsis/solicitation for a weather radar system for the United States Naval Academy. It is a full and open competition using Simplified Acquisition Procedures for commercial items. This announcement serves as the only solicitation; no separate written solicitation will be issued. The acquisition will result in a Firm-Fixed-Price contract.

• One (1) Compact Dual Polarimetric X-band Doppler Weather Radar System.

• System must be capable of collecting real-time, high-resolution weather radar data, images, and data products.

• Must operate in the X-Band (9.4 GHz) with a selectable scan mode and an observation range exceeding 60 km.

• Must be dual polarimetric, operating in simultaneous transmission/receiving (STAR) mode.

• Data output must be in CF/Radial and NEXRAD Level-II formats.

• Must output polarimetric variables: differential reflectivity (ZDR), specific differential phase (KDP), and correlation coefficient (CC).

• Nyquist velocity must be at least 60 m/s.

• Radar unit must be compact, with a weight less than 68 kg and a footprint less than 1.2 m wide and deep, and less than 1.2 m high.

• Includes signal processing unit, data processing unit, and software for basic display.

• Compatible with 120-240VAC power at 50/60 Hz.

• Includes required cabling, a non-penetrating roof mount radar tower (2m tall).

• On-site installation and training support are required.

• A 5-year warranty is required.

• System must be compatible with Windows 11 and/or Linux.

• All supplies and software must be Trade Agreements Act-designated countries origin compliant.

• No refurbished items are acceptable.

• Contract Type: Firm-Fixed-Price

• Estimated Value: Not specified.

• Period of Performance: Not specified, but delivery is 60 days after Purchase Order award.

• Proposal Submission: Electronic submission via email to Megan Evans (megan.m.evans18.civ@us.navy.mil).

• Submission Deadline: 27 February 2026, 10:00 AM EST.

• Evaluation Criteria: Award will be made to the responsible quoter whose quote is most advantageous to the Government, based on technical compliance and price. The Government intends to award without communications.

• Price will be evaluated first. Technical evaluation will be on an Acceptable/Unacceptable basis against minimum specifications.

• Full and open competition.

• NAICS Code: 334511

• Small Business Size Standard: 1,350 employees.

• A site visit is scheduled for 20 February 2026. Interested parties must contact Scott Loeffler (loeffler@usna.edu) and Megan Evans (megan.m.evans18.civ@us.navy.mil) to indicate attendance.

• Questions regarding solicitation requirements are due by 23 February 2026, 4:00pm EST.

• Offerors must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM.gov).

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides responses to vendor questions regarding the "Dual Polarimetric X-Band Doppler Weather Radar System" opportunity.

• Contract Type: The opportunity is for a new contract, not an incumbent one.
• Existing Supplies: The OAS Department and USNA will provide storage space, computing elements, electronics, electricity, power, and ensure system software compatibility with USNA IT specifications. Bidders are advised to refer to the combined synopsis-solicitation for details on existing supplies, software, and materials.
• Site Visit: A site visit is scheduled for February 20, 2026. Further information regarding site visits can be found in section 52.237-1 of the solicitation.
• Due Date Extension: The due date for submissions has been extended to February 27, 2026.

The due date for the solicitation has been extended. Specific details regarding existing supplies and materials are referenced within the main solicitation document.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for a weather radar system for the United States Naval Academy. The government is procuring this system under full and open competition using Simplified Acquisition Procedures for commercial items. This announcement serves as the only solicitation; no separate written solicitation will be issued.

• A Compact Dual Polarimetric X-band Doppler Weather Radar System capable of collecting real-time, high-resolution weather radar data, images, and data products.

• The system must operate in the X-Band (9.4 GHz) with selectable scan modes and an observation range exceeding 60 km.

• Data output in CF/Radial and NEXRAD Level-II formats.

• Output polarimetric variables: differential reflectivity (ZDR), specific differential phase (KDP), and correlation coefficient (CC).

• Reported Nyquist velocity of at least 60 m/s.

• Compact unit with radar weight < 68 kg, footprint < 1.2 m wide and deep, and height < 1.2 m.

• Includes a signal processing unit, data processing unit, and software for basic display.

• Compatible with 120-240VAC at 50/60 Hz power.

• Includes all required cabling, a radar tower (non-penetrating roof mount, at least 2m tall), on-site installation, and training support.

• A 5-year warranty is required.

• System must be compatible with Windows 11 and/or Linux.

• No refurbished items will be accepted.

• All items must be Trade Agreements Act-designated countries origin compliant.

• Contract Type: Firm-Fixed-Price (FFP) contract.

• Period of Performance: Not explicitly stated, but delivery is 60 days after award.

• Estimated Value: Not stated.

• Proposal Submission: Quotes must be submitted electronically via email to Megan Evans at megan.m.evans18.civ@us.navy.mil.

• Key Deadlines:

  • Questions Due: 10 February 2026, 10:00 AM EST.
  • Solicitation Closes: 17 February 2026, 10:00 AM EST.

• Evaluation Criteria: Award will be made to the responsible quoter whose quote is most advantageous to the Government, based on initial quotes. Evaluation will consider Technical Approach and Price. The government reserves the right to award to other than the lowest priced quoter.

• Quote Validity: Quotes must be held firm for 180 days after the solicitation closing date.

• Full and open competition.

• NAICS Code: 334511.

• Small Business Size Standard: 1,350 employees.

• Quoters must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM).

• All quotes must include price(s), FOB destination, delivery date, country of origin, point of contact, business size, and NET 30 payment terms.

• Hard-copy submissions are not authorized.

• Alternate quotes are not authorized.

• Objections to terms and conditions may result in an unacceptable quote.