The U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) intends to award a sole-source contract to Skyfora located in Helsinki, Finland, for Skyfora StreamSonde dropsondes and operational/technical support services. This decision is based on the authority of 41 U.S.C. 3304(a)(1) as implemented by FAR Subpart 6.302-1, citing Skyfora as the only responsible source capable of meeting agency requirements. The StreamSonde offers unique features crucial for advancing hurricane forecasting and research, including a lightweight design with slow descent for extended measurement duration, superior wind accuracy via dual-band GNSS, and high-density swarm deployment capability. It also promises near-surface and sea-surface measurements not achievable with traditional dropsondes. Skyfora's technology is deemed essential by NOAA's Hurricane Research Division for improving Tropical Cyclone (TC) analysis and forecasting. The North American Industry Classification System Code (NAICS) is 334519. This notice is not a solicitation, but other interested parties who believe they can meet the requirements may submit a statement of capabilities to amy.l.mcliverty@noaa.gov by December 30, 2025, 12:00 PM ET.
The U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), intends to award a sole-source contract to Skyfora for their StreamSonde dropsonde and related support services. This decision is based on 41 U.S.C. 3304(a)(1) as implemented by FAR Subpart 6.302-1, citing Skyfora as the only responsible source capable of meeting NOAA's requirements. The StreamSonde offers unique features crucial for hurricane forecasting and research, including a lightweight design and slow descent (80 grams, 6 m/s) that allows for extended measurement duration and the ability to detect updrafts, unlike traditional dropsondes. It also boasts superior wind accuracy through a dual-band GNSS receiver, reducing ionospheric errors and enabling more precise turbulence measurements. Its small size facilitates high-density swarm deployments, with the capacity to track up to 50 sondes simultaneously, providing unprecedented 3D storm structure data. Additionally, the StreamSonde shows promise for near-surface and sea-surface measurements, offering direct sampling of conditions vital for Tropical Cyclone (TC) research. NOAA's Hurricane Research Division (HRD) considers these capabilities essential for improving TC analysis and forecasting. The North American Industry Classification System Code (NAICS) is 334511. This notice is not a solicitation, but other interested parties who believe they can meet the requirements may submit a statement of capabilities to amy.l.mcliverty@noaa.gov by December 30, 2025, 12:00 PM ET.