Weather Tracking System *211678

Project Description: The Department of Aviation is searching for weather forecast technology that is built to support and enhance operational decision making. Essential components of this technology must include airport specific forecasting, monitoring, alerting / notification, AND runway forecasting. The ability for all desired specifications to be viewed on a user-friendly single display is prominent in enabling personnel to make efficient data driven decisions. Furthermore, the services requested will assist Airport Operation Managers and Personnel in identifying both daily and forecasted conditions to allow for appropriate resource management, allocation, and personnel scheduling.
The Department of Aviation is seeking a weather forecasting service that can provide the following specifications:
• An online interface that is easy to understand and provides forecasting specific to Dallas Love Field (current radar, weather alerts, current conditions).
• A system that provides up to the minute forecasting, including lightning detection, thunderstorms, rain, snow, sleet, freezing rain, high winds, excessive heat / cold.
• Alerts for temperatures, high winds, precipitation type, lightning within a controlled vicinity of Dallas Love Field.
• A consulting forum to provide forecasts and answer questions about forecasts.
• The ability to provide surface temperatures and temperature forecasts for runways.
• The ability to create weather alerts based on set parameters for both current and forecast weather.
• An app for smartphone use to receive alerts and watch weather.
History of issue being resolved/intended outcome: The intended outcome of this service is to provide the Department of Aviation with a tool that offers quick access to up-to the-minute and detailed forecasts, pavement conditions, and to reduce the impact that weather plays in airport operations. With detailed runway pavement condition and forecasting we look to reduce the cost spent on chemical application during winter weather events. A weather tool that can accurately forecast weather not only leads to enhanced safety of the airport but can also reduce costs. Current forecast briefings provided to the Department of Aviation are for a regional area and do not focus solely on the airport. In past weather events, the greatest challenge is with the timing of chemical application to ensure that the runway will remain operational, with the least amount of impact to air traffic. When chemicals are applied at the wrong time this can lead to deterioration of surfaces and an increase in the cost spent on applying chemicals.
The Intent of the contract (minimum of 1 to 3 years)