R -- MODIFY EXPERT SYSTEM FOR IONOGRAM REDUCTION (ESIR) SYSTEM

The National Environmental Satellite, Data and Information Service, National Geophysical Data Center (NGDC) proposes to negotiate on a sole source basis, under the authority of 41 U.S.C. 253(c)(1), with the Space Environment Corporation of Providence (SEC-P) for the modification and testing of the Expert System for Ionogram Reduction (ESIR) software system recently developed by SEC-P. The ESIR software system is a unique product for analyzing ionograms from simple ionosondes in either native formats or ionogram imagery. NGDC proposes to have SEC-P perform the following tasks:1) Adapt the ESIR software to analyze ionogram images in real time 2) Test and verify the accuracy of the analysis technique 3) Assist NGDC personnel with the transition of the software to NGDC operations. This procurement is being conducted per FAR Part 13, Simplified Acquisition Procedures (NTE $100K). The ESIR software system was developed by SEC-P and this cutting edge technology can only be modified by SEC-P. This synopsis is issued for information only. No competitive solicitation is planned. Information submitted in response to this notice will be used solely to determine whether or not use of competitive procedures to fulfill this requirement would be in the Government's best interest and must address qualifications pertinent to this requirement. Any questions regarding this notice must be submitted in writing to the attention of Ms. Rima (e-mail preferred). Anticipated award date is May 4, 2006.