THIS IS A REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI) ONLY. The National Weather Service (NWS) is investigating the implementation of a Battery Monitoring System (BMS) to monitor the Transition Power Source (TPS) supporting the NEXRAD Weather Surveillance Radar WSR-88D. The TPS used in the NEXRAD is a Powerware Model 9315-50. This TPS is a continuous duty, reverse transfer system that consists of a string of 40, 12V VRLA batteries connected in series, a solid-state rectifier, inverter, static switch, and micro-processor controlled logic. During normal TPS operation, power is provided to the TPS by the utility source. The AC utility power is converted to DC using a full-wave, six-pulse, solid-state rectifier that supplies nominal DC voltage to the inverter while simultaneously maintaining the charge on the battery string. The inverter produces a three-phase regulated output utilizing Pulse-Width Modulation (PWM). The output of the inverter is connected to the primary windings of a transformer. The secondary windings are connected to the radar sites critical load, thus providing total electrical isolation during normal system operation. If utility power is lost, the TPS reverts to Battery Mode, providing ride-through power to the critical load until either the emergency diesel generator comes on line or utility power is restored. If neither occurs, the TPS is capable of providing 9 minutes of continuous, clean power at full rated load (40KW @ .8pf) through the use of the installed battery bank. 1.0 GENERAL: The NWS is considering implementing a BMS in approximately 150 radars located within the U. S. and in several foreign countries. The TPS to be monitored is installed entirely within a pre-cast concrete, environmentally controlled, equipment shelter located near the transmitter of each WSR-88D radar. The 40 VRLA batteries are housed in a steel cabinet, arranged in 5 shelves of 8 batteries, each. Power available within the shelter is 110V, 60 Hz, or 208V, 60 Hz, 3-phase power. 1.1 The Powerware 9315-50 TPS has a built-in battery test function. However, this function is recommended for use only if the system load exceeds 50% of capacity. The WSR-88D does not routinely draw sufficient load to support implementation of this test function. As a result, the NWS maintenance technicians identify “bad” batteries through routine manual testing of the batteries or individual battery testing in response to TPS failure to support the load during a transition event. 1.2 Dependant upon the responses to this RFI and the availability of funding, the NWS intends to procure between 2 and 4 different BMS to test with the Powerware 9315-50 TPS in operational radars. 2.0 DESIRED BMS CHARACTERISTICS: 2.1 Compatibility- A proposed BMS must be fully compatible with the Powerware TPS. The BMS must not induce any faults in the TPS and the functions of the BMS must be transparent to the operation of the TPS in all modes of operation. 2.2 Effectiveness- A proposed BMS must accurately indicate specific failing batteries prior to their impacting the TPS ability to support the critical load in the battery mode of operation. 2.3 Portability of Data- The data provided by the proposed BMS must be available locally, as well as remotely via Ethernet, RS-232, etc.2.4 Ease of Use- The proposed BMS must provide a simple, straight forward, user interface that requires no special training to comprehend. A user with basic computer skills and a high school education must be able to learn the operation of the BMS using only OEM provided instructional materials. 2.5 Ease of Maintenance- The proposed BMS must provide self-diagnostics and modular design should support the identification and replacement of failed components with no specialized tools, training, or test equipment required. 2.6 Reliability- The proposed BMS must have demonstrated a high degree of reliability when used with systems similar to the Powerware TPS in question. 3. RESPONSES. Responses to this RFI must include the BMS manufacturer and model number, a product description, which addresses the characteristics listed in paragraph 2.0 above. Responses must also include a statement regarding current availability, (in production or fully developed but not in production), and estimated cost of the product. This RFI does not constitute an invitation for Bids, Request for Proposals or Request for Quotes. Should the results of this market research indicate feasibility of supporting our battery monitoring requirements with existing commercial products, the NWS will choose between 2 and 4 systems to test when funds become available. Dependant upon the results of this testing the NWS will consider retrofit options for its nationwide network of WSR-88D radars as a future product improvement project. This is not a request for proposal and there is no solicitation available. Responses to the RFI will not be returned. In accordance with FAR 15.202(e), responses to this notice are not offers and cannot be accepted by the Government to form a binding contract. Responders are solely responsible for all expenses associated with responding to this RFI. Information should be sent to the attention of Michelle Sandoval, U.S. Dept. of Commerce/NOAA, Mountain Region Acquisition Division, Boulder, CO, 80305 or by email at michelle.sandoval@noaa.gov. no later than November 4, 2005.