III. SCOPE OF WORK/SPECIFICATIONS The South Carolina Aeronautics Commission (SCAC) presently owns and maintains twenty-nine (29) Automated Weather Observation Systems (AWOS) sites across the state. SCAC will provide funding for the monitoring service, the Vendor will provide all services described herein. SCAC will pay the Vendor on a quarterly basis. The weather information collected by the AWOSs is broadcast to the National Weather Service (NWS) through the National Airspace Data Interchange Network (NADIN). The NADIN facilitates rapid information sharing of weather data between the AWOSs and FAA Air Traffic Control Centers (ATCC), making this system vital to pilots flying throughout the United States. A list of SCAC-owned AWOSs is included as an attachment. The goal of this program is to provide a reliable system that updates weather information to the NADIN at twenty (20) minute intervals. The program will also provide for maintenance and upgrades of the weather data collection/distribution system as required in order to provide a functional service. The NADIN must utilize a wireless delivery system, not connected to telephone lines or internet connection of any type. The data is delivered wirelessly using cellular network. The technology utilized must be in use by the successful bidder at the time of bid. Vendor shall provide labor and materials necessary to monitor NADIN systems at 29 AWOS sites across the state. In order to broadcast AWOS data to the NADIN, the AWOS system must be monitored continuously. To monitor the system continuously, the vendor must provide the following: • Server capable of collecting the weather data and uploading the data to the National Weather Service (NWS). • Cell modem connecting AWOS data collection to contractor provided server. • Data link between AWOS site and cell modem. • Periodic upgrades and/or maintenance to any of the components listed above as required to keep the system functioning.
