Radar Next Industry Day
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 Weather Service (NWS), under the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), is hosting a Radar Next Industry Day on July 7, 2026, at The MITRE Corporation in McLean, VA. This event aims to brief industry on the Radar Next program, which seeks to deploy a successor to the Next Generation Radar (NEXRAD) system, and to gather industry insights. Limited one-on-one (1:1) sessions will also be held on July 7-8, 2026. Registration and questions are due by June 15, 2026.
Purpose and Background
The Radar Next program, launched in 2023, is strategically planning and deploying the successor to NEXRAD, which is projected to fall below required availability levels by the early 2030s. The program focuses on ensuring data continuity, addressing coverage gaps, improving data quality, and aligning future radar capabilities with NWS's mission, including integration with enterprise Cloud and commercial data buys. The Industry Day will provide updates on the program's status, acquisition approach, and NOAA's priorities.
Industry Day Objectives
- Provide information on the Radar Next program's alignment with NOAA priorities, current status, and planned acquisition activities.
- Learn from industry about current and emerging capabilities, particularly in the C-Band commercial radar data buy space.
- Promote competition and facilitate networking and teaming opportunities.
Key Information
- Dates: Industry Day: July 7, 2026 (9:00 AM - 12:30 PM ET); 1:1 Sessions: July 7-8, 2026 (times TBD).
- Location: The MITRE Corporation, 7596 Colshire Drive, McLean, VA 22102.
- Registration: Mandatory for Industry Day attendance and separate for 1:1 sessions. Links are provided in the Attachments/Links section of the original notice. All registrations and questions must be submitted by Monday, June 15, 2026.
- 1:1 Sessions: Limited one-hour sessions with the Radar Next leadership team. Participation requires separate registration and is not guaranteed. Initial focus is on C-Band commercial radar data buys, but other relevant topics may be considered. Participants are encouraged to include executive leadership and subject matter experts and be prepared for interactive, technically focused exchanges.
- Key Attendees: Includes Ajay Mehta (Director, NWS Office of Systems), Jessica Schultz (Radar Next Deputy Director), and Jennifer Hildebrandt (NOAA Acquisition & Grants Office).
- Support Contractors: M2 Strategy, Inc., The MITRE Corporation (FFRDC), and University of Oklahoma Advanced Radar Research Center will assist. Attendees consent to information sharing with these contractors, who are bound by strict confidentiality and conflict of interest restrictions.
Relevant Documents
- Attachment 2: Preliminary Draft Radar Next C-Band Requirements.pdf: Outlines preliminary C-Band requirements, including Minimum Viable Product (MVP) specifications (e.g., 6 base weather products, command and control, FISMA/DHS compliance), coverage (CONUS/OCONUS), detailed product specifications, environmental requirements, and operational requirements (e.g., availability, reliability). It also poses specific questions to industry regarding installation, power, system switchover, environmental compliance, maintenance, and cross-pol isolation.
- Attachment 1: One-on-One Sample Questions.pdf: Provides insight into programmatic areas of interest for 1:1 sessions, covering overarching Radar Next program strategic questions (e.g., large radar program experience, teaming, open systems, cost drivers, AI/MBSE integration, portable/mobile solutions), C-Band radar capabilities (e.g., commercial data buy models, technical aspects, business models, data rights), and C-Band dish weather radar tactical and technical questions (e.g., lifespan, time to operations, availability, pricing, environmental considerations).
Disclaimer
This notice is for informational and planning purposes only and does not constitute a solicitation or commitment by the Government.