RECOVERY CLOUD RESOLVING MODEL

NASA/GSFC Mesoscale Dynamics and Modeling Group has a requirement to conductCloud-Resolving Model (CRM) studies using Modern Era Retrospective-analysis for Researchand Applications (MERRA), because weather and climate prediction lies in representingclouds and cloud systems in numerical weather and climate models. To accomplish thismission scientists are utilizing a "cloud-resolving model" or "CRM", a computer programthat can simulate the life cycle of clouds and cloud systems. CRMs simulate clouds andcloud systems at resolutions comparable to satellite-based cloud diagnostics while havingdomains comparable to climate model grid boxes, which serves as a unique bridge betweenthe satellite observations and climate models.NASA scientists in the Mesoscale Dynamics and Modeling Group will undertake the researchutilizing NASA satellite measurements, retrieved products and field campaign observationsin conjunction with the Goddard Cumulus Ensemble (GCE) model, which is a CRM that wasdeveloped and improved at Goddard, in order to extend their understanding of clouds andtheir impact on short-term climate and weather.The scientists has conducted a limited number of CRM-simulated cases in field experimentsfor clouds and cloud systems over specific geographic locations. However, additionalexperiements are required, therefore, scientists will use "large-scale analyses"generated by the Global Modeling and Assimilation Office (GMAO) to improve cloudparameterizations by placing satellite data in a meteorological context and expand therange of environmental conditions to be explored by CRM simulations.Scientists at NASA hopes to expand and accelerate NASA's ability to model cloud processesin climate models, conduct high-resolution CRM simulations using MERRA, and developsatellite-based cloud diagnostics that can be used to improve climate modelingcapabilites.This task using ARRA funds will develop MERRA-related software utilites for CRMsimulations, perform high resolution CRM simulations for cloud and cloud system studies,and conduct research on cloud and cloud system structures using NASA CloudSat and TRMMdata.NASA/GSFC intends to award a new Task 61311409 under contract #NNG06HX18C with ScienceSystems Applications Inc (SSAI). A Cost Plus Award Fee Contract No. NNG06HX18C wasawarded to SSAI on April 18, 2006, on a competitive basis.This notice is provided for informational purposes only, in accordance with the AmericanRecovery and Reinvestment Act(ARRA).The Government does not intend to acquire a commercial item using FAR Part 12. See Note26.An Ombudsman has been appointed. See NASA Specific Note "B".NOTE: The initial NAICS code of 541710 has been replaced with 541712.Any referenced notes may be viewed at the following URLs linked below.