NOAA/Systems Acquisition Office (SAO), 1315 E. W. Highway, Mail Code SAOX2, Silver Spring, MD 20910

A -- ASSESSING THE IMPACT OF GPS/MET DATA ON NUMERICAL WEATHER PREDICTION SOL 50-SPNA-7-00027 POC Donald L. Kraus, Contracting Officer, 301 427-2084 ext 136 E-MAIL: Don Kraus, dkraus@ipo.noaa.gov. The NOAA, Integrated Program Office (IPO), requires the Florida State University (FSU) in Tallahassee, Florida, to conduct follow-on, independent studies using the computer models and simulation tools developed by FSU for the NOAA National Center for Environmental Prediction. These studies are to assess the role of GPS radio occulation to yield more accurate temperature and water vapor soundings and improve numerical weather forecasts and climate analysis. These follow-on studies, expected to comprise a one year contract with two option years for additional studies, will represent an extension of the above-mentioned GPS refraction angle assimilation experiments. Major work involves: 1) Finalize the GPS raytracing software and document it in details; 2) Link the GPS software to the NCEP three-dimensional variational data assimilation (3DVAR) system; 3) Assess the actual GPS data for a period of a month from 20 June and 20 July 1995, with emphasis in examining the moisture information in the low troposphere contained in the GPS measurements; 4) Define the observational error covariance matrix for the GPS refraction angle data; and 5) Publish results on refereed journal. The FSU is the one responsible source which is capable of verifying the algorithm performance and provide impact assessment of assimilated data. Based on FSU's unique capability, the depth of its experience, laboratory facilities, unique staff capability, and the refined instruments it has developed for this test, FSU is the single source which is capable of supporting this requirement for the IPO, IAW 41 U.S.C 253(c)(1). Any party desiring consideration must identify its full capability in writing to the Contracting Officer within 15 days of this publication. No RFP or solicitation is available. No further CBD notice is planned. POC: Donald L. Kraus; (301) 427-2084, extension 136. SEE Note 22. (0166)

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