Bird Avoidance Model/ Avian Hazard Advisory System (BAM/AHAS) Support

Background
The United States Air Force (USAF) experiences thousands of bird strikes each year during flight operations in low-altitude environments, with average costs exceeding $35 million annually prior to 2001. To mitigate this risk, the USAF Bird/wildlife Aircraft Strike Hazard (BASH) Team developed the Bird Avoidance Model (BAM). This model has undergone several revisions to better identify hazardous bird concentrations but is still limited by biases in historical data.

Research funded by the BASH Team in the late 1980s explored integrating the Next Generation Weather Radar (NEXRAD) network for near real-time hazard advisories, leading to advancements in data processing and communication capabilities that allow for effective distribution of hazard advisories.

Work Details
The contractor shall assist the USAF in:
1) Developing, implementing, operationally deploying, assessing, sustaining, and enhancing the BAM/AHAS System;
2) Sharing knowledge of technological and operational findings for integration with BAM/AHAS;
3) Collaborating with BASH Representatives (CORs);
4) Maintaining regular communication with USAF/DoD personnel; and
5) Maintaining and disseminating educational/training materials for BAM/AHAS operation.

Specific tasks include deriving information using existing bird hazard analysis tools, integrating radar and weather data into BAM/AHAS, tailoring bird hazard advisories for low-level aircraft operating areas, expanding BAM/AHAS for mission-critical regions globally, evaluating advisory effectiveness, maintaining current Bird Detection Radars (BDR), developing operational concepts for real-time BDR data dissemination to aircrew, and ensuring compliance with Defense Information Assurance Certification.

Period of Performance
From July 1, 2026 to April 30, 2027 for initial tasks; potential extensions from May 1, 2027 to April 30, 2028 and May 1, 2028 to April 30, 2029.

Place of Performance
Kirtland AFB, NM