The National Data Buoy Center intends to negotiate only with PNI Coporation of Santa Rosa, California for 30 each, Model TCM2.5 compasses module.  The NDBC uses these compasses on the hurricane buoys and are used with the anemometers to determine wind direction.  These units were found to be the only compasses compatible with the buoy fleet and are necessary due to their low power consumption to about 4-6ma or less than 1/10 previously required.  This is especially important on buoys deployedin an area of low average sunlight.