NOTICE OF INTENT TO SOLE SOURCE MCIDAS-X SOFTWARE LICENSES AND SUPPORT
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 Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), specifically the National Weather Service (NWS) NCEP Central Ops, has issued a Notice of Intent to Sole Source for MCIDAS-X Software Licenses and Support. NOAA plans to negotiate with the Space Science and Engineering Center (SSEC) out of Madison, WI. This action is based on the determination that SSEC is the sole entity capable of providing this critical software, which has been under their continuous development since 1973. Firms believing they can meet the government's requirements must submit documentation by June 3, 2026.
Purpose & Justification
This notice serves to inform the public of NOAA's intent to award a sole source contract to SSEC for the continued support of McIDAS-X software licenses and services. The McIDAS-X software is a sophisticated package vital for the visualization and manipulation of geophysical data, including satellite, radar, and observational data. It is leveraged by NWS to support NCEP’s satellite data processing requirements, crucial for their forecast mission and the protection of life and property. SSEC is identified as the only source providing timely display and analysis of meteorological data and a unique historical database, having developed and maintained the software since 1973.
Scope of Work
The requirement includes:
- Continued support for McIDAS-X software licenses and services.
- Software support level: Next business day.
- Provision of 54 licenses.
- Support for McIDAS-X Software on both Windows-based and Linux-based operating systems.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Notice of Intent to Sole Source (Special Notice)
- Authority: FAR 13.501(a) and FAR 13.106-1(b)(1)
- Intended Contractor: Space Science and Engineering Center (SSEC), University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Place of Performance: College Park, MD
- Delivery Schedule: July 21, 2026
- Published Date: May 19, 2026
- Response Due: June 3, 2026, at 2:00 PM EST
Response Instructions
This is not a request for competitive proposals. However, firms that believe they can fully meet the government's requirements for MCIDAS-X software licenses and support may submit substantiating documentation in writing. Such documentation will be evaluated solely to determine if a competitive procurement is feasible. Oral communications are not acceptable.
Contact Information
Interested vendors should email Taylor Abrassart (Contract Specialist) at taylor.abrassart@noaa.gov and Vicki Keen (Contracting Officer) at Vicki.keen@noaa.gov.