MODIFICATIONS TO THE DEPTH-AVERAGED WATER DENSITY ENGINE, ADVANCED CIRCULATION (ADCIRC), IN ORDER TO PROVIDE GLOBAL GRIDS (WATER LEVEL DATUMS) AND OTHER MULTI-YEAR WATER LEVEL PRODUCTS THAT WILL IMPROVE NOAA TIDALLY-REFERENCE AIRBORNE OPERATIONS.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is seeking to modify the Depth-Averaged Water Density Engine, Advanced Circulation (ADCIRC) model to provide global grids (water level datums) and other multi-year water level products that will improve NOAA's tidally-referenced airborne operations. The ADCIRC model was identified as an operation-ready open-source model engine that can generate tidally-referenced marine grids. The modifications will allow for long-term hindcast marine grids and improvements to the ocean model, which will enable investigation of appropriate time windows months ahead of planned flights. The requirements for the development include identification of appropriate data sources and models, interface with existing package architecture, and testing. • The contract will be awarded on a sole source basis to the University of Notre Dame, the original developer of the ADCIRC ocean model. • The period of performance is from October 1, 2026, to September 30, 2027. • The modifications will support aerial operations that update marine navigational charts. • The upgraded ocean model will enable more accurate predictions of tide windows for aerial imagery and take into account local and global water level changes.