WEATHER AND SEA STATE SYSTEMS
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 Department of the Air Force, 96th Test Systems Squadron (TSSQ), is conducting market research to identify sources capable of providing Weather and Sea State Systems for procurement and sustainment support. This Request for Information (RFI) aims to gather capabilities for improving atmospheric and sea state data collection at the Eglin Gulf Test and Training Range (EGTTR) in Florida. Responses are due by May 22, 2026.
Scope of Need
The Eglin Gulf Test and Training Range (EGTTR) requires enhanced capabilities to measure atmospheric data (up to 100,000 feet) and sea state data across its water test areas in the Gulf of America. Existing National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) buoys are insufficient, lacking complete coverage, Department of War (DoW) control, and reliability. Accurate sea-state data is crucial for surface target navigation, personnel recovery, and characterizing background clutter for Electro Optical/Infrared (EO/IR) sensors. The new systems must provide accurate data for all airborne test platforms, test items, and targets utilizing the Eglin Test and Training Complex (ETTC). All systems must operate on a DoW network, comply with Information Systems (IS) rules, and be validated according to Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) Security Technical Implementation Guides (STIGs).
Information Requested
Interested sources must provide demonstrated capacity and capability with verifiable past performance history for:
- Procurement, provision, and installation of all materials, spare parts, and consumables.
- Design, testing, modification, and installation of system components, modifications, and improvements.
- Repair, refurbishment, and maintenance to manufacturer specifications.
- Operation, calibration, alignment, tuning, and verification of performance to manufacturer specifications.
- Procurement of new Weather and Sea State systems.
Submission Details
- Response Type: White paper (max 8 pages, 8.5 x 11, 12pt font) and/or PowerPoint presentation (max 16 slides).
- Submission Deadline: May 22, 2026.
- Submission Method: Electronically to Mr. Anthony Aldrich at
96TSSQ.RNXT.RNXTRFI@US.AF.MIL. - Accepted Formats: PDF, Microsoft Word, or Microsoft PowerPoint.
- Administrative Information (Section 1, not counting towards page limits): Company name, mailing address, CAGE code, Point of Contact (POC), POC telephone number, email address, business website, business size status (e.g., 8(a), HUBZone, WOSB, SDVOSB, SB, LB), and foreign-owned/controlled status.
- Proprietary Information: Must be clearly marked. All submissions become U.S. Government property and will not be returned.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Request for Information (RFI) / Sources Sought
- Set-Aside: None specified (market research stage)
- Response Due: May 22, 2026
- Published: April 8, 2026
Additional Notes
This RFI is for planning purposes only and does not constitute a Request for Proposal (RFP) or an obligation to acquire products or services. The information gathered will aid in developing an acquisition strategy, Statement of Work (SOW), Statement of Objectives (SOO), or performance specifications. Questions should be submitted in writing to Mr. Aldrich; general non-proprietary questions will be shared. Questions received after April 23, 2026, may not be answered in time for the submission deadline.