LiDAR Datasets Analysis for Aircraft Exhaust Plume Rise Behavior
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 Transportation/John A. Volpe National Transportation Systems Center (Volpe Center) has issued a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for LiDAR Datasets Analysis for Aircraft Exhaust Plume Rise Behavior. The Government intends to award this as a sole source contract to AECOM in accordance with FAR 13.106-1(b). However, quotations are being requested. The objective is to analyze LiDAR data and develop parameters for validating a revised plume rise algorithm in AERMOD version 24142. Offers are due by April 6, 2026, at 3:00 PM EST.
Scope of Work
The project requires the analysis of LiDAR data to support the validation of the AERMOD version 24142 plume rise algorithm. Key tasks include:
- Reformatting LiDAR data collected at LAX, ATL, and DEN to align with current aircraft, engine, and meteorological information.
- Cleaning and quality controlling the LiDAR data.
- Analyzing the data to compute specific parameters for plume rise model validation, such as plume height, width, center, and standard deviation in horizontal and vertical planes, tracking changes over time, aircraft category, and meteorology.
- Providing figures to illustrate plume evolution.
Contract Details
- Opportunity Type: Combined Synopsis/Solicitation (RFQ)
- Contract Type: Firm Fixed Price Purchase Order
- NAICS Code: 541620 (Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services)
- Small Business Size Standard: $19 Million
- Set-Aside: None specified
- Product Service Code (PSC): F111 (Industrial Investigations, Surveys And Technical Support For Multiple Pollutants)
- Place of Performance: Cambridge, MA 02142, United States
Key Deliverables & Timeline
The project is expected to be completed by December 31, 2026. Deliverables include:
- Raw LiDAR dataset: May 31, 2026
- Processed LiDAR dataset: July 15, 2026
- Draft technical report: August 31, 2026
- Final technical report: September 30, 2026
- All pertinent data and analysis documentation: December 31, 2026
- Weekly teleconferences through December 31, 2026
Instructions to Offerors
This solicitation incorporates FAR Part 12 (Acquisition of Commercial Items) and FAR Part 13 (Simplified Acquisition Procedures). Offerors must be registered in SAM.gov to receive an award. Quotes should be firm fixed price, addressing the specified Contract Line Item Numbers (CLINs) for tasks such as raw/processed LiDAR datasets, draft/final technical reports, data documentation, and weekly teleconferences. All offers must be submitted via email to the Contracting Officer.
Important Dates
- Questions Due: March 31, 2026, at 2:00 PM Eastern Time
- Offers Due: April 6, 2026, at 3:00 PM EST
Additional Information
The contract incorporates numerous FAR and TAR clauses by reference, covering areas such as SAM registration, Buy American requirements, IT security, and electronic submission of payment requests via the DELPHI system. The data required for this project is currently in the possession of a lead scientist at AECOM.