A -- EXPERIMENTAL, DEVELOPMENT, TEST, AND RESEARCH The National Severe Storms Laboratory (NSSL) of the US Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Environmental Research Laboratories, is seeking a highly qualified Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) partner to participate in the enhancement of a number of severe weather detection and prediction algorithms that have been developed for the Weather Surveillance Radar -- 1988 Doppler (WSR-88D) system. NSSL has developed a suite of algorithms including the Storm Cell Identification and Tracking Algorithm, Hail Detection Algorithm, Tornado Detection Algorithm, Mesocyclone Detection Algorithm, and a Damaging Downburst Prediction and Detection Algorithm. These algorithms are in varying stages of maturity and the computer programs are generally not suitable for operational systems. To achieve the timely and efficient commercial exploitation of these algorithms, NSSL proposes to negotiate a CRADA with a private sector firm or firms. The cooperating firm(s) should be willing to locate staff in Norman, OK or provide funds for additional NSSL staff or otherwise establish procedures to ensure close cooperation with NSSL in Norman. It is anticipated that the firm(s) selected for this CRADA will actively participate in collaborative research and development activities with NSSL including the enhancement of the algorithms, and converting the software code to commercial quality code with appropriate documentation. To accomplish these tasks in a timely manner it is expected that the cooperating firm(s) will provide either funds or personnel equivalent to at least 2 person-years of effort. Government funds will not be transferred to the CRADA partner during the course of this CRADA. Selection of the cooperative private firm(s) is planned for March 30, 1997 and will be made by a panel of scientists, software engineers, and managers form NSSL. Execution of an agreement (the CRADA) is planned for the end of April, 1997. Selection criteria will include the experience and capability of the applicant, and overall benefit to NSSL (perhaps including cash payments, contributions in kind, and royalties, if appropriate). Proposals and questions should be addressed to Michael Eilts, NSSL, 1313 Halley Circle, Norman, OK 73069, (405) 366-0414, e-mail: eilts@nssl.noaa.gov. Proposals should provide sufficient information to address the considerations above. Responses are due by (2 Weeks from date of listing in CBD). E-MAIL: NOAA; MASC Acquisition Management, Joyce.J.Mills@noaa.gov.

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