Federal Register #2026-09099

Request for Comment: Modernizing the National Weather Service Cooperative Observer Program and AbilityOne Product Additions

This opportunity centers on the National Weather Service's (NWS) request for public input regarding the modernization of its Cooperative Observer Program (COOP): - Government Buyer: - Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), National Weather Service (NWS) - Modernization Goals: - Transition COOP to a real-time observing program - Deploy commercial sensor technology and automate data collection - Optimize network coverage to address geographic data gaps - Integrate mesonet data for improved weather observations - Request for Comment (RFC): - Seeks feedback on current COOP data usage and modernization strategies - No procurement of products or services at this stage - Additional AbilityOne Commission Proposals (not part of NWS RFC): - Addition of weather-resistant shipping boxes and various non-rechargeable batteries to the Procurement List (mandatory for DoD) - Custodial services for Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho - No specific OEMs or vendors are named in the RFC or product/service proposals - Notable Requirements: - Emphasis on commercial sensor technology and automation for future procurements - Focus on network optimization and integration of third-party data sources

Description

The National Weather Service (NWS) is seeking public and stakeholder input on modernizing the Cooperative Observer Program (COOP), a long-standing volunteer meteorological network providing critical weather data since 1890. The modernization aims to deploy commercial sensor technology, automate data collection to reduce volunteer burden, optimize the network footprint to address geographic data gaps, and integrate mesonet data. This request for comments (RFC) solicits feedback on current use of COOP data, the potential shift to sub-hourly reporting, and considerations for network modernization and optimization. The RFC is informational only and does not constitute a solicitation for contracts or grants.

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