NOAA awards $4.58M for transportable weather radar systems to EWR Radar Systems Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $4,578,750 ($4.6M)

Contractor: EWR Radar Systems Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Commerce

Start Date: 2024-09-11

End Date: 2026-01-30

Contract Duration: 506 days

Daily Burn Rate: $9.0K/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: TRANSPORTABLE WEATHER RADAR

Place of Performance

Location: SAINT LOUIS, SAINT LOUIS County, MISSOURI, 63122

State: Missouri Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Commerce obligated $4.6 million to EWR RADAR SYSTEMS INC for work described as: TRANSPORTABLE WEATHER RADAR Key points: 1. The contract value represents a significant investment in advanced weather monitoring capabilities. 2. Competition dynamics for this specific radar system type warrant further investigation. 3. The firm fixed-price contract type aims to control costs and provide budget certainty. 4. Performance will be assessed against delivery timelines and technical specifications. 5. This procurement positions NOAA to enhance its meteorological data collection infrastructure. 6. The duration of the contract suggests a phased deployment or development approach.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The award of $4.58 million for transportable weather radar systems appears reasonable given the specialized nature of the equipment. Benchmarking against similar procurements for advanced meteorological instruments is challenging due to limited public data on comparable systems. However, the firm fixed-price structure suggests an effort to manage costs effectively. The price per unit, while not explicitly detailed, is likely influenced by the advanced technology and portability requirements of these radar systems.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was competed under the Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), indicating a full and open competition process for acquisitions below a certain threshold. While the specific number of bids received is not detailed, SAP generally encourages broad participation. The competitive nature of this procurement likely contributed to achieving a fair market price for the transportable weather radar systems.

Taxpayer Impact: The use of competitive procedures, even under SAP, is beneficial for taxpayers as it helps ensure that the government obtains goods and services at the best possible value, preventing potential overspending.

Public Impact

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) will benefit from enhanced weather monitoring capabilities. The procured systems will deliver advanced meteorological data crucial for forecasting and disaster preparedness. The geographic impact is nationwide, supporting improved weather services across the United States. This contract supports the manufacturing and technology sector, potentially creating or sustaining jobs in specialized engineering and production.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost overruns if unforeseen technical challenges arise during development or deployment.
Dependence on a single contractor for specialized components could pose supply chain risks.
Ensuring long-term maintainability and availability of spare parts for these advanced systems.

Positive Signals

Firm fixed-price contract provides cost certainty and limits financial risk to the government.
The use of competitive procedures under SAP suggests a focus on obtaining value for money.
The contract duration allows for phased implementation and testing of the radar systems.
The specific nature of the equipment indicates a commitment to advancing weather science and safety.

Sector Analysis

The market for meteorological and navigational instruments is a specialized segment within the broader aerospace and defense industry. This contract for transportable weather radar systems fits within the 'Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical, and Nautical System and Instrument Manufacturing' NAICS code. Spending in this sector is driven by government needs for advanced surveillance, weather monitoring, and defense applications. Comparable spending benchmarks are difficult to establish without more specific system details, but investments in radar technology are typically substantial due to R&D and manufacturing complexity.

Small Business Impact

Information regarding small business set-asides or subcontracting plans was not explicitly provided for this contract. As it was competed under Simplified Acquisition Procedures, there may be less emphasis on formal small business subcontracting goals compared to larger prime contracts. Further review of the contract details would be needed to ascertain any specific provisions or impacts on the small business ecosystem.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will primarily reside with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) contracting officers and program managers. The firm fixed-price nature of the award provides a degree of accountability for the contractor to deliver within the agreed budget. Transparency is facilitated through federal procurement databases where contract awards are reported. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of suspected fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

National Weather Service Modernization Programs
Doppler Radar Systems Procurement
Atmospheric Research and Development
Emergency Management and Disaster Preparedness Technology

Risk Flags

Potential for technical complexity leading to schedule delays.
Dependence on specialized manufacturing capabilities.
Need for robust field support and maintenance planning.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Commerce awarded $4.6 million to EWR RADAR SYSTEMS INC. TRANSPORTABLE WEATHER RADAR

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is EWR RADAR SYSTEMS INC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Commerce (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $4.6 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-09-11. End: 2026-01-30.

What is the specific technical capability of the EWR RADAR SYSTEMS INC transportable weather radar systems being procured?

The provided data indicates the procurement is for 'TRANSPORTABLE WEATHER RADAR' systems. While specific technical specifications are not detailed in the summary data, transportable weather radar systems are typically designed for mobility and rapid deployment, offering advanced meteorological data collection capabilities. These systems often include Doppler radar technology to measure wind speed and direction, precipitation intensity, and storm structure. Their portability allows for deployment in areas where fixed radar installations are not feasible or have been damaged, enhancing real-time weather monitoring and forecasting, particularly during severe weather events or for specialized research.

How does the $4.58 million award compare to historical spending on similar weather radar systems by NOAA?

Direct historical spending comparisons for 'transportable weather radar systems' are difficult without more granular data on past procurements of identical or highly similar systems. NOAA has a long history of investing in radar technology, including the NEXRAD (Next-Generation Radar) program, which involved significant capital outlays for a nationwide network of fixed Doppler radars. However, NEXRAD systems are large, fixed installations, unlike the transportable systems in this award. Procurements for mobile or specialized radar units are typically smaller in scale and scope. The $4.58 million award suggests a focused investment in a specific capability, likely for targeted deployment or research, rather than a broad network upgrade.

What are the primary risks associated with the performance and delivery of these transportable weather radar systems?

Key performance and delivery risks for transportable weather radar systems include technical complexity and integration challenges, as these systems often incorporate advanced sensors and processing capabilities. Ensuring the reliability and accuracy of the radar data under various environmental conditions is critical. The 'transportable' aspect introduces risks related to durability during transit and ease of deployment. Furthermore, reliance on specialized components or software could lead to supply chain disruptions or obsolescence issues. The firm fixed-price contract structure mitigates financial risk for the government but places the burden of managing these technical and logistical risks squarely on the contractor, EWR Radar Systems Inc.

What is the expected impact of these new radar systems on NOAA's operational capabilities and weather forecasting accuracy?

The acquisition of transportable weather radar systems is expected to significantly enhance NOAA's operational flexibility and improve weather forecasting accuracy, particularly in specific or rapidly changing scenarios. These systems can be deployed to supplement existing radar coverage, provide data in data-sparse regions, or be used for rapid response during severe weather events like hurricanes or tornadoes. The ability to move these systems allows for targeted data collection during research campaigns or in areas affected by natural disasters. This enhanced data granularity and timeliness can lead to more precise warnings, better resource allocation during emergencies, and improved understanding of atmospheric phenomena.

What is the track record of EWR Radar Systems Inc. in delivering complex radar technology to government agencies?

Information regarding the specific track record of EWR Radar Systems Inc. in delivering complex radar technology to government agencies is not detailed in the provided summary data. A thorough assessment would require reviewing past contract performance, delivery history, and any reported issues or successes with previous government procurements. Understanding their experience with similar scale and technical requirements is crucial for evaluating the risk associated with this $4.58 million award. Further due diligence would involve examining contract databases and performance reports, if available, to gauge their reliability and expertise in this specialized field.

How does the 'Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical, and Nautical System and Instrument Manufacturing' sector typically perform in terms of contract values and competition?

The 'Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical, and Nautical System and Instrument Manufacturing' sector (NAICS 334511) is characterized by high-value, technology-intensive contracts, often awarded to a limited number of specialized firms. Competition can be intense but is often focused on technical capability and past performance rather than solely price, especially for advanced systems like radar. Contract values can range from millions to billions of dollars, depending on the complexity and scale of the system (e.g., individual components vs. large integrated systems). Government agencies, particularly Defense and NOAA, are major customers, driving innovation and demand. Simplified Acquisition Procedures, as used here, are common for smaller procurements within this sector, allowing for quicker awards but potentially less extensive competition than large-scale sole-source or full-and-open bids.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Navigational, Measuring, Electromedical, and Control Instruments Manufacturing › Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical, and Nautical System and Instrument Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: MOTOR VEHICLES, CYCLES, TRAILERS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Solicitation ID: 1305M324Q0076

Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 336 LEFFINGWELL AVE, SAINT LOUIS, MO, 63122

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Manufacturer of Goods, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $4,578,750

Exercised Options: $4,578,750

Current Obligation: $4,578,750

Actual Outlays: $4,578,750

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline