Commercial Cloud-to-Ground (CG) Lightning Data Feed

The National Weather Service (NWS) within NOAA is conducting market research for a continuous, real‑time cloud‑to‑ground lightning data feed. Vendors are asked to submit a short capability statement describing how they can provide encrypted, low‑latency CG lightning telemetry (Level I or Level III) that meets stringent accuracy, timing, and detection‑efficiency metrics for both CONUS and OCONUS coverage. The effort is a Sources‑Sought notice; no contract award or pricing is guaranteed at this stage. • Required deliverables: Real‑time encrypted TCP/IP stream (AES‑128) of CG lightning data, meeting location accuracy (≤ 1 km CONUS), timing accuracy (≤ 0.001 s), detection efficiency (≥ 95 % CONUS), and latency (≤ 60 s for CONUS, ≤ 120 s OCONU​S). • Data must integrate with NOAA’s AWIPS, CIRRUS, and MRMS systems and be archived for up to five years. • Vendors must provide a concise (≤ 5‑page) capability statement by 23 Oct 2026, including company profile, technical capabilities, relevant experience, and any potential risks or recommendations.