Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation Act of 2017

To improve the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s weather research through a focused program of investment on affordable and attainable advances in observational, computing, and modeling capabilities to support substantial improvement in weather forecasting and prediction of high impact weather events, to expand commercial opportunities for the provision of weather data, and for other purposes. 1. Short title; table of contents (a) Short title This Act may be cited as the Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation Act of 2017 (b) Table of contents The table of contents for this Act is as follows: Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents. Sec. 2. Definitions. TITLE I—United States Weather Research and Forecasting Improvement Sec. 101. Public safety priority. Sec. 102. Weather research and forecasting innovation. Sec. 103. Tornado warning improvement and extension program. Sec. 104. Hurricane forecast improvement program. Sec. 105. Weather research and development planning. Sec. 106. Observing system planning. Sec. 107. Observing system simulation experiments. Sec. 108. Annual report on computing resources prioritization. Sec. 109. United States Weather Research program. Sec. 110. Authorization of appropriations. TITLE II—Subseasonal and Seasonal Forecasting Innovation Sec. 201. Improving subseasonal and seasonal forecasts. TITLE III—Weather Satellite and Data Innovation Sec. 301. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration satellite and data management. Sec. 302. Commercial weather data. Sec. 303. Unnecessary duplication. TITLE IV—Federal Weather Coordination Sec. 401. Environmental Information Services Working Group. Sec. 402. Interagency weather research and forecast innovation coordination. Sec. 403. Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research and National Weather Service exchange program. Sec. 404. Visiting fellows at National Weather Service. Sec. 405. Warning coordination meteorologists at weather forecast offices of National Weather Service. Sec. 406. Improving National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration communication of hazardous weather and water events. Sec. 407. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Weather Ready All Hazards Award Program. Sec. 408. Department of Defense weather forecasting activities. Sec. 409. National Weather Service; operations and workforce analysis. Sec. 410. Report on contract positions at National Weather Service. Sec. 411. Weather impacts to communities and infrastructure. Sec. 412. Weather enterprise outreach. 2. Definitions In this Act: (1) Seasonal The term seasonal (2) State The term State (3) Subseasonal The term subseasonal (4) Under Secretary The term Under Secretary (5) Weather industry and weather enterprise The terms weather industry weather enterprise I United States Weather Research and Forecasting Improvement 101. Public safety priority In conducting research, the Under Secretary shall prioritize improving weather data, modeling, computing, forecasting, and warnings for the protection of life and property and for the enhancement of the national economy. 102. Weather research and forecasting innovation (a) Program The Assistant Administrator for the Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research shall conduct a program to develop improved understanding of and forecast capabilities for atmospheric events and their impacts, placing priority on developing more accurate, timely, and effective warnings and forecasts of high impact weather events that endanger life and property. (b) Program elements The program described in subsection (a) shall focus on the following activities: (1) Improving the fundamental understanding of weather consistent with section 101, including the boundary layer and other processes affecting high impact weather events. (2) Improving the understanding of how the public receives, interprets, and responds to warnings and forecasts of high impact weather events that endanger life and property. (3) Research and development, and transfer of knowledge, technologies, and applications to the National Weather Service and other appropriate agencies and entities, including the United States weather industry and academic partners, related to— (A) advanced radar, radar networking technologies, and other ground-based technologies, including those emphasizing rapid, fine-scale sensing of the boundary layer and lower troposphere, and the use of innovative, dual-polarization, phased-array technologies; (B) aerial weather observing systems; (C) high performance computing and information technology and wireless communication networks; (D) advanced numerical weather prediction systems and forecasting tools and techniques that improve the forecasting of timing, track, intensity, and severity of high impact weather, including through— (i) the development of more effective mesoscale models; (ii) more effective use of existing, and the development of new, regional and national cloud-resolving models; (iii) enhanced global weather models; and (iv) integrated assessment models; (E) quantitative assessment tools for measuring the impact and value of data and observing systems, including Observing System Simulation Experiments (as described in section 107), Observing System Experiments, and Analyses of Alternatives; (F) atmospheric chemistry and interactions essential to accurately characterizing atmospheric composition and predicting meteorological processes, including cloud microphysical, precipitation, and atmospheric electrification processes, to more effectively understand their role in severe weather; and (G) additional sources of weather data and information, including commercial observing systems. (4) A technology transfer initiative, carried out jointly and in coordination with the Director of the National Weather Service, and in cooperation with the United States weather industry and academic partners, to ensure continuous development and transition of the latest scientific and technological advances into operations of the National Weather Service and to establish a process to sunset outdated and expensive operational methods and tools to enable cost-effective transfer of new methods and tools into operations. (c) Extramural research (1) In general In carrying out the program under this section, the Assistant Administrator for Oceanic and Atmospheric Research shall collaborate with and support the non-Federal weather research community, which includes institutions of higher education, private entities, and nongovernmental organizations, by making funds available through competitive grants, contracts, and cooperative agreements. (2) Sense of Congress It is the sense of Congress that not less than 30 percent of the funds for weather research and development at the Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research should be made available for the purpose described in paragraph (1). (d) Annual report Each year, concurrent with the annual budget request submitted by the President to Congress under section 1105 of title 31, United States Code, for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the Under Secretary shall submit to Congress a description of current and planned activities under this section. 103. Tornado warning improvement and extension program (a) In general The Under Secretary, in collaboration with the United States weather industry and academic partners, shall establish a tornado warning improvement and extension program. (b) Goal The goal of such program shall be to reduce the loss of life and economic losses from tornadoes through the development and extension of accurate, effective, and timely tornado forecasts, predictions, and warnings, including the prediction of tornadoes beyond 1 hour in advance. (c) Program plan Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Assistant Administrator for Oceanic and Atmospheric Research, in coordination with the Director of the National Weather Service, shall develop a program plan that details the specific research, development, and technology transfer activities, as well as corresponding resources and timelines, necessary to achieve the program goal. (d) Annual budget for plan submittal Following completion of the plan, the Under Secretary, acting through the Assistant Administrator for Oceanic and Atmospheric Research and in coordination with the Director of the National Weather Service, shall, not less frequently than once each year, submit to Congress a proposed budget corresponding with the activities identified in the plan. 104. Hurricane forecast improvement program (a) In general The Under Secretary, in collaboration with the United States weather industry and such academic entities as the Administrator considers appropriate, shall maintain a project to improve hurricane forecasting. (b) Goal The goal of the project maintained under subsection (a) shall be to develop and extend accurate hurricane forecasts and warnings in order to reduce loss of life, injury, and damage to the economy, with a focus on— (1) improving the prediction of rapid intensification and track of hurricanes; (2) improving the forecast and communication of storm surges from hurricanes; and (3) incorporating risk communication research to create more effective watch and warning products. (c) Project plan Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Under Secretary, acting through the Assistant Administrator for Oceanic and Atmospheric Research and in consultation with the Director of the National Weather Service, shall develop a plan for the project maintained under subsection (a) that details the specific research, development, and technology transfer activities, as well as corresponding resources and timelines, necessary to achieve the goal set forth in subsection (b). 105. Weather research and development planning Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, and not less frequently than once each year thereafter, the Under Secretary, acting through the Assistant Administrator for Oceanic and Atmospheric Research and in coordination with the Director of the National Weather Service and the Assistant Administrator for Satellite and Information Services, shall issue a research and development and research to operations plan to restore and maintain United States leadership in numerical weather prediction and forecasting that— (1) describes the forecasting skill and technology goals, objectives, and progress of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration in carrying out the program conducted under section 102; (2) identifies and prioritizes specific research and development activities, and performance metrics, weighted to meet the operational weather mission of the National Weather Service to achieve a weather-ready Nation; (3) describes how the program will collaborate with stakeholders, including the United States weather industry and academic partners; and (4) identifies, through consultation with the National Science Foundation, the United States weather industry, and academic partners, research necessary to enhance the integration of social science knowledge into weather forecast and warning processes, including to improve the communication of threat information necessary to enable improved severe weather planning and decisionmaking on the part of individuals and communities. 106. Observing system planning The Under Secretary shall— (1) develop and maintain a prioritized list of observation data requirements necessary to ensure weather forecasting capabilities to protect life and property to the maximum extent practicable; (2) consistent with section 107, utilize Observing System Simulation Experiments, Observing System Experiments, Analyses of Alternatives, and other appropriate assessment tools to ensure continuous systemic evaluations of the observing systems, data, and information needed to meet the requirements of paragraph (1), including options to maximize observational capabilities and their cost-effectiveness; (3) identify current and potential future data gaps in observing capabilities related to the requirements listed under paragraph (1); and (4) determine a range of options to address gaps identified under paragraph (3). 107. Observing system simulation experiments (a) In general In support of the requirements of section 106, the Assistant Administrator for Oceanic and Atmospheric Research shall undertake Observing System Simulation Experiments, or such other quantitative assessments as the Assistant Administrator considers appropriate, to quantitatively assess the relative value and benefits of observing capabilities and systems. Technical and scientific Observing System Simulation Experiment evaluations— (1) may include assessments of the impact of observing capabilities on— (A) global weather prediction; (B) hurricane track and intensity forecasting; (C) tornado warning lead times and accuracy; (D) prediction of mid-latitude severe local storm outbreaks; and (E) prediction of storms that have the potential to cause extreme precipitation and flooding lasting from 6 hours to 1 week; and (2) shall be conducted in cooperation with other appropriate entities within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, other Federal agencies, the United States weather industry, and academic partners to ensure the technical and scientific merit of results from Observing System Simulation Experiments or other appropriate quantitative assessment methodologies. (b) Requirements Observing System Simulation Experiments shall quantitatively— (1) determine the potential impact of proposed space-based, suborbital, and in situ observing systems on analyses and forecasts, including potential impacts on extreme weather events across all parts of the Nation; (2) evaluate and compare observing system design options; and (3) assess the relative capabilities and costs of various observing systems and combinations of observing systems in providing data necessary to protect life and property. (c) Implementation Observing System Simulation Experiments— (1) shall be conducted prior to the acquisition of major Government-owned or Government-leased operational observing systems, including polar-orbiting and geostationary satellite systems, with a lifecycle cost of more than $500,000,000; and (2) shall be conducted prior to the purchase of any major new commercially provided data with a lifecycle cost of more than $500,000,000. (d) Priority Observing System Simulation Experiments (1) Global navigation satellite system radio occultation Not later than 30 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Assistant Administrator for Oceanic and Atmospheric Research shall complete an Observing System Simulation Experiment to assess the value of data from Global Navigation Satellite System Radio Occultation. (2) Geostationary hyperspectral sounder global constellation Not later than 120 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Assistant Administrator for Oceanic and Atmospheric Research shall complete an Observing System Simulation Experiment to assess the value of data from a geostationary hyperspectral sounder global constellation. (e) Results Upon completion of all Observing System Simulation Experiments, the Assistant Administrator shall make available to the public the results an assessment of related private and public sector weather data sourcing options, including their availability, affordability, and cost-effectiveness. Such assessments shall be developed in accordance with section 50503 of title 51, United States Code. 108. Annual report on computing resources prioritization Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act and not less frequently than once each year thereafter, the Under Secretary, acting through the Chief Information Officer of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and in coordination with the Assistant Administrator for Oceanic and Atmospheric Research and the Director of the National Weather Service, shall produce and make publicly available a report that explains how the Under Secretary intends— (1) to continually support upgrades to pursue the fastest, most powerful, and cost-effective high performance computing technologies in support of its weather prediction mission; (2) to ensure a balance between the research to operations requirements to develop the next generation of regional and global models as well as highly reliable operational models; (3) to take advantage of advanced development concepts to, as appropriate, make next generation weather prediction models available in beta-test mode to operational forecasters, the United States weather industry, and partners in academic and Government research; and (4) to use existing computing resources to improve advanced research and operational weather prediction. 109. United States Weather Research program Section 108 of the Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Authorization Act of 1992 ( Public Law 102–567 15 U.S.C. 313 (1) in subsection (a)— (A) in paragraph (3), by striking ; and (B) in paragraph (4), by striking the period at the end and inserting a semicolon; and (C) by inserting after paragraph (4) the following: (5) submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the House of Representatives, not less frequently than once each year, a report, including— (A) a list of ongoing research projects; (B) project goals and a point of contact for each project; (C) the five projects related to weather observations, short-term weather, or subseasonal forecasts within Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research that are closest to op­er­a­tion­al­i­za­tion; (D) for each project referred to in subparagraph (C)— (i) the potential benefit; (ii) any barrier to operationalization; and (iii) the plan for operationalization, including which line office will financially support the project and how much the line office intends to spend; (6) establish teams with staff from the Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research and the National Weather Service to oversee the op­er­a­tion­al­i­za­tion of research products developed by the Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research; (7) develop mechanisms for research priorities of the Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research to be informed by the relevant line offices within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the relevant user community, and the weather enterprise; (8) develop an internal mechanism to track the progress of each research project within the Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research and mechanisms to terminate a project that is not adequately progressing; (9) develop and implement a system to track whether extramural research grant goals were accomplished; (10) provide facilities for products developed by the Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research to be tested in operational simulations, such as test beds; and (11) encourage academic collaboration with the Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research and the National Weather Service by facilitating visiting scholars. ; (2) in subsection (b), in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the The (3) by adding at the end the following new subsection: (c) Subseasonal defined In this section, the term subseasonal . 110. Authorization of appropriations (a) Fiscal years 2017 and 2018 For each of fiscal years 2017 and 2018, there are authorized to be appropriated to Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research— (1) $111,516,000 to carry out this title, of which— (A) $85,758,000 is authorized for weather laboratories and cooperative institutes; and (B) $25,758,000 is authorized for weather and air chemistry research programs; and (2) an additional amount of $20,000,000 for the joint technology transfer initiative described in section 102(b)(4). (b) Limitation No additional funds are authorized to carry out this title and the amendments made by this title. II Subseasonal and Seasonal Forecasting Innovation 201. Improving subseasonal and seasonal forecasts Section 1762 of the Food Security Act of 1985 ( Public Law 99–198 15 U.S.C. 313 (1) in subsection (a), by striking (a) (a) Findings.— (2) in subsection (b), by striking (b) (b) Policy.— (3) by adding at the end the following: (c) Functions The Under Secretary, acting through the Director of the National Weather Service and the heads of such other programs of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration as the Under Secretary considers appropriate, shall— (1) collect and utilize information in order to make usable, reliable, and timely foundational forecasts of subseasonal and seasonal temperature and precipitation; (2) leverage existing research and models from the weather enterprise to improve the forecasts under paragraph (1); (3) determine and provide information on how the forecasted conditions under paragraph (1) may impact— (A) the number and severity of droughts, fires, tornadoes, hurricanes, floods, heat waves, coastal inundation, winter storms, high impact weather, or other relevant natural disasters; (B) snowpack; and (C) sea ice conditions; and (4) develop an Internet clearinghouse to provide the forecasts under paragraph (1) and the information under paragraphs (1) and (3) on both national and regional levels. (d) Communication The Director of the National Weather Service shall provide the forecasts under paragraph (1) of subsection (c) and the information on their impacts under paragraph (3) of such subsection to the public, including public and private entities engaged in planning and preparedness, such as National Weather Service Core partners at the Federal, regional, State, tribal, and local levels of government. (e) Cooperation The Under Secretary shall build upon existing forecasting and assessment programs and partnerships, including— (1) by designating research and monitoring activities related to subseasonal and seasonal forecasts as a priority in one or more solicitations of the Cooperative Institutes of the Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research; (2) by contributing to the interagency Earth System Prediction Capability; and (3) by consulting with the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Homeland Security to determine the highest priority subseasonal and seasonal forecast needs to enhance national security. (f) Forecast communication coordinators (1) In general The Under Secretary shall foster effective communication, understanding, and use of the forecasts by the intended users of the information described in subsection (d). This may include assistance to States for forecast communication coordinators to enable local interpretation and planning based on the information. (2) Requirements For each State that requests assistance under this subsection, the Under Secretary may— (A) provide funds to support an individual in that State— (i) to serve as a liaison among the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, other Federal departments and agencies, the weather enterprise, the State, and relevant interests within that State; and (ii) to receive the forecasts and information under subsection (c) and disseminate the forecasts and information throughout the State, including to county and tribal governments; and (B) require matching funds of at least 50 percent, from the State, a university, a nongovernmental organization, a trade association, or the private sector. (3) Limitation Assistance to an individual State under this subsection shall not exceed $100,000 in a fiscal year. (g) Cooperation from other Federal agencies Each Federal department and agency shall cooperate as appropriate with the Under Secretary in carrying out this section. (h) Reports (1) In general Not later than 18 months after the date of the enactment of the Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation Act of 2017 (A) an analysis of the how information from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration on subseasonal and seasonal forecasts, as provided under subsection (c), is utilized in public planning and preparedness; (B) specific plans and goals for the continued development of the subseasonal and seasonal forecasts and related products described in subsection (c); and (C) an identification of research, monitoring, observing, and forecasting requirements to meet the goals described in subparagraph (B). (2) Consultation In developing the report under paragraph (1), the Under Secretary shall consult with relevant Federal, regional, State, tribal, and local government agencies, research institutions, and the private sector. (i) Definitions In this section: (1) Foundational forecast The term foundational forecast (2) National Weather Service core partners The term National Weather Service core partners (3) Seasonal The term seasonal (4) State The term State (5) Subseasonal The term subseasonal (6) Under Secretary The term Under Secretary (7) Weather industry and weather enterprise The terms weather industry weather enterprise (j) Authorization of appropriations For each of fiscal years 2017 and 2018, there are authorized out of funds appropriated to the National Weather Service, $26,500,000 to carry out the activities of this section. . III Weather Satellite and Data Innovation 301. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration satellite and data management (a) Short-Term management of environmental observations (1) Microsatellite constellations (A) In general The Under Secretary shall complete and operationalize the Constellation Observing System for Meteorology, Ionosphere, and Climate–1 and Climate–2 (COSMIC) in effect on the day before the date of the enactment of this Act— (i) by deploying constellations of microsatellites in both the equatorial and polar orbits; (ii) by integrating the resulting data and research into all national operational and research weather forecast models; and (iii) by ensuring that the resulting data of National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s COSMIC–1 and COSMIC–2 programs are free and open to all communities. (B) Annual reports Not less frequently than once each year until the Under Secretary has completed and operationalized the program described in subparagraph (A) pursuant to such subparagraph, the Under Secretary shall submit to Congress a report on the status of the efforts of the Under Secretary to carry out such subparagraph. (2) Integration of ocean and coastal data from the integrated ocean observing system In National Weather Service Regions where the Director of the National Weather Service determines that ocean and coastal data would improve forecasts, the Director, in consultation with the Assistant Administrator for Oceanic and Atmospheric Research and the Assistant Administrator of the National Ocean Service, shall— (A) integrate additional coastal and ocean observations, and other data and research, from the Integrated Ocean Observing System (IOOS) into regional weather forecasts to improve weather forecasts and forecasting decision support systems; and (B) support the development of real-time data sharing products and forecast products in collaboration with the regional associations of such system, including contributions from the private sector, academia, and research institutions to ensure timely and accurate use of ocean and coastal data in regional forecasts. (3) Existing monitoring and observation-capability The Under Secretary shall identify degradation of existing monitoring and observation capabilities that could lead to a reduction in forecast quality. (4) Specifications for new satellite systems or data determined by operational needs In developing specifications for any satellite systems or data to follow the Joint Polar Satellite System, Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellites, and any other satellites, in effect on the day before the date of enactment of this Act, the Under Secretary shall ensure the specifications are determined to the extent practicable by the recommendations of the reports under subsection (b) of this section. (b) Independent study on future of National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration satellite systems and data (1) Agreement (A) In general The Under Secretary shall seek to enter into an agreement with the National Academy of Sciences to perform the services covered by this subsection. (B) Timing The Under Secretary shall seek to enter into the agreement described in subparagraph (A) before September 30, 2018. (2) Study (A) In general Under an agreement between the Under Secretary and the National Academy of Sciences under this subsection, the National Academy of Sciences shall conduct a study on matters concerning future satellite data needs. (B) Elements In conducting the study under subparagraph (A), the National Academy of Sciences shall— (i) develop recommendations on how to make the data portfolio of the Administration more robust and cost-effective; (ii) assess the costs and benefits of moving toward a constellation of many small satellites, standardizing satellite bus design, relying more on the purchasing of data, or acquiring data from other sources or methods; (iii) identify the environmental observations that are essential to the performance of weather models, based on an assessment of Federal, academic, and private sector weather research, and the cost of obtaining the environmental data; (iv) identify environmental observations that improve the quality of operational and research weather models in effect on the day before the date of enactment of this Act; (v) identify and prioritize new environmental observations that could contribute to existing and future weather models; and (vi) develop recommendations on a portfolio of environmental observations that balances essential, quality-improving, and new data, private and nonprivate sources, and space-based and Earth-based sources. (C) Deadline and report In carrying out the study under subparagraph (A), the National Academy of Sciences shall complete and transmit to the Under Secretary a report containing the findings of the National Academy of Sciences with respect to the study not later than 2 years after the date on which the Administrator enters into an agreement with the National Academy of Sciences under paragraph (1)(A). (3) Alternate organization (A) In general If the Under Secretary is unable within the period prescribed in subparagraph (B) of paragraph (1) to enter into an agreement described in subparagraph (A) of such paragraph with the National Academy of Sciences on terms acceptable to the Under Secretary, the Under Secretary shall seek to enter into such an agreement with another appropriate organization that— (i) is not part of the Federal Government; (ii) operates as a not-for-profit entity; and (iii) has expertise and objectivity comparable to that of the National Academy of Sciences. (B) Treatment If the Under Secretary enters into an agreement with another organization as described in subparagraph (A), any reference in this subsection to the National Academy of Sciences shall be treated as a reference to the other organization. (4) Authorization of appropriations There are authorized to be appropriated, out of funds appropriated to National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service, to carry out this subsection $1,000,000 for the period encompassing fiscal years 2018 through 2019. 302. Commercial weather data (a) Data and hosted satellite payloads Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Secretary of Commerce may enter into agreements for— (1) the purchase of weather data through contracts with commercial providers; and (2) the placement of weather satellite instruments on cohosted government or private payloads. (b) Strategy (1) In general Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Commerce, in consultation with the Under Secretary, shall submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the House of Representatives a strategy to enable the procurement of quality commercial weather data. The strategy shall assess the range of commercial opportunities, including public-private partnerships, for obtaining surface-based, aviation-based, and space-based weather observations. The strategy shall include the expected cost-effectiveness of these opportunities as well as provide a plan for procuring data, including an expected implementation timeline, from these nongovernmental sources, as appropriate. (2) Requirements The strategy shall include— (A) an analysis of financial or other benefits to, and risks associated with, acquiring commercial weather data or services, including through multiyear acquisition approaches; (B) an identification of methods to address planning, programming, budgeting, and execution challenges to such approaches, including— (i) how standards will be set to ensure that data is reliable and effective; (ii) how data may be acquired through commercial experimental or innovative techniques and then evaluated for integration into operational use; (iii) how to guarantee public access to all forecast-critical data to ensure that the United States weather industry and the public continue to have access to information critical to their work; and (iv) in accordance with section 50503 of title 51, United States Code, methods to address potential termination liability or cancellation costs associated with weather data or service contracts; and (C) an identification of any changes needed in the requirements development and approval processes of the Department of Commerce to facilitate effective and efficient implementation of such strategy. (3) Authority for agreements The Assistant Administrator for National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service may enter into multiyear agreements necessary to carry out the strategy developed under this subsection. (c) Pilot program (1) Criteria Not later than 30 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Under Secretary shall publish data and metadata standards and specifications for space-based commercial weather data, including radio occultation data, and, as soon as possible, geostationary hyperspectral sounder data. (2) Pilot contracts (A) Contracts Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Under Secretary shall, through an open competition, enter into at least one pilot contract with one or more private sector entities capable of providing data that meet the standards and specifications set by the Under Secretary for providing commercial weather data in a manner that allows the Under Secretary to calibrate and evaluate the data for its use in National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration meteorological models. (B) Assessment of data viability Not later than the date that is 3 years after the date on which the Under Secretary enters into a contract under subparagraph (A), the Under Secretary shall assess and submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the House of Representatives the results of a determination of the extent to which data provided under the contract entered into under subparagraph (A) meet the criteria published under paragraph (1) and the extent to which the pilot program has demonstrated— (i) the viability of assimilating the commercially provided data into National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration meteorological models; (ii) whether, and by how much, the data add value to weather forecasts; and (iii) the accuracy, quality, timeliness, validity, reliability, usability, information technology security, and cost-effectiveness of obtaining commercial weather data from private sector providers. (3) Authorization of appropriations For each of fiscal years 2017 through 2020, there are authorized to be appropriated for procurement, acquisition, and construction at National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service, $6,000,000 to carry out this subsection. (d) Obtaining future data If an assessment under subsection (c)(2)(B) demonstrates the ability of commercial weather data to meet data and metadata standards and specifications published under subsection (c)(1), the Under Secretary shall— (1) where appropriate, cost-effective, and feasible, obtain commercial weather data from private sector providers; (2) as early as possible in the acquisition process for any future National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration meteorological space system, consider whether there is a suitable, cost-effective, commercial capability available or that will be available to meet any or all of the observational requirements by the planned operational date of the system; (3) if a suitable, cost-effective, commercial capability is or will be available as described in paragraph (2), determine whether it is in the national interest to develop a governmental meteorological space system; and (4) submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the House of Representatives a report detailing any determination made under paragraphs (2) and (3). (e) Data sharing practices The Under Secretary shall continue to meet the international meteorological agreements into which the Under Secretary has entered, including practices set forth through World Meteorological Organization Resolution 40. 303. Unnecessary duplication In meeting the requirements under this title, the Under Secretary shall avoid unnecessary duplication between public and private sources of data and the corresponding expenditure of funds and employment of personnel. IV Federal Weather Coordination 401. Environmental Information Services Working Group (a) Establishment The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Science Advisory Board shall continue to maintain a standing working group named the Environmental Information Services Working Group (in this section referred to as the Working Group (1) to provide advice for prioritizing weather research initiatives at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to produce real improvement in weather forecasting; (2) to provide advice on existing or emerging technologies or techniques that can be found in private industry or the research community that could be incorporated into forecasting at the National Weather Service to improve forecasting skill; (3) to identify opportunities to improve— (A) communications between weather forecasters, Federal, State, local, tribal, and other emergency management personnel, and the public; and (B) communications and partnerships among the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the private and academic sectors; and (4) to address such other matters as the Science Advisory Board requests of the Working Group. (b) Composition (1) In general The Working Group shall be composed of leading experts and innovators from all relevant fields of science and engineering including atmospheric chemistry, atmospheric physics, meteorology, hydrology, social science, risk communications, electrical engineering, and computer sciences. In carrying out this section, the Working Group may organize into subpanels. (2) Number The Working Group shall be composed of no fewer than 15 members. Nominees for the Working Group may be forwarded by the Working Group for approval by the Science Advisory Board. Members of the Working Group may choose a chair (or co-chairs) from among their number with approval by the Science Advisory Board. (c) Annual report Not less frequently than once each year, the Working Group shall transmit to the Science Advisory Board for submission to the Under Secretary a report on progress made by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration in adopting the Working Group’s recommendations. The Science Advisory Board shall transmit this report to the Under Secretary. Within 30 days of receipt of such report, the Under Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the House of Representatives a copy of such report. 402. Interagency weather research and forecast innovation coordination (a) Establishment The Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy shall establish an Interagency Committee for Advancing Weather Services to improve coordination of relevant weather research and forecast innovation activities across the Federal Government. The Interagency Committee shall— (1) include participation by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the Federal Aviation Administration, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and its constituent elements, the National Science Foundation, and such other agencies involved in weather forecasting research as the President determines are appropriate; (2) identify and prioritize top forecast needs and coordinate those needs against budget requests and program initiatives across participating offices and agencies; and (3) share information regarding operational needs and forecasting improvements across relevant agencies. (b) Co-Chair The Federal Coordinator for Meteorology shall serve as a co-chair of this panel. (c) Further coordination The Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy shall take such other steps as are necessary to coordinate the activities of the Federal Government with those of the United States weather industry, State governments, emergency managers, and academic researchers. 403. Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research and National Weather Service exchange program (a) In general The Assistant Administrator for Oceanic and Atmospheric Research and the Director of National Weather Service may establish a program to detail Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research personnel to the National Weather Service and National Weather Service personnel to the Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research. (b) Goal The goal of this program is to enhance forecasting innovation through regular, direct interaction between the Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research’s world-class scientists and the National Weather Service’s operational staff. (c) Elements The program shall allow up to 10 Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research staff and National Weather Service staff to spend up to 1 year on detail. Candidates shall be jointly selected by the Assistant Administrator for Oceanic and Atmospheric Research and the Director of the National Weather Service. (d) Annual report Not less frequently than once each year, the Under Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the House of Representatives a report on participation in such program and shall highlight any innovations that come from this interaction. 404. Visiting fellows at National Weather Service (a) In general The Director of the National Weather Service may establish a program to host postdoctoral fellows and academic researchers at any of the National Centers for Environmental Prediction. (b) Goal This program shall be designed to provide direct interaction between forecasters and talented academic and private sector researchers in an effort to bring innovation to forecasting tools and techniques to the National Weather Service. (c) Selection and appointment Such fellows shall be competitively selected and appointed for a term not to exceed 1 year. 405. Warning coordination meteorologists at weather forecast offices of National Weather Service (a) Designation of warning coordination meteorologists (1) In general The Director of the National Weather Service shall designate at least one warning coordination meteorologist at each weather forecast office of the National Weather Service. (2) No additional employees authorized Nothing in this section shall be construed to authorize or require a change in the authorized number of full time equivalent employees in the National Weather Service or otherwise result in the employment of any additional employees. (3) Performance by other employees Performance of the responsibilities outlined in this section is not limited to the warning coordination meteorologist position. (b) Primary role of warning coordination meteorologists The primary role of the warning coordination meteorologist shall be to carry out the responsibilities required by this section. (c) Responsibilities (1) In general Subject to paragraph (2), consistent with the analysis described in section 409, and in order to increase impact-based decision support services, each warning coordination meteorologist designated under subsection (a) shall— (A) be responsible for providing service to the geographic area of responsibility covered by the weather forecast office at which the warning coordination meteorologist is employed to help ensure that users of products of the National Weather Service can respond effectively to improve outcomes from weather events; (B) liaise with users of products and services of the National Weather Service, such as the public, media outlets, users in the aviation, marine, and agricultural communities, and forestry, land, and water management interests, to evaluate the adequacy and usefulness of the products and services of the National Weather Service; (C) collaborate with such weather forecast offices and State, local, and tribal government agencies as the Director considers appropriate in developing, proposing, and implementing plans to develop, modify, or tailor products and services of the National Weather Service to improve the usefulness of such products and services; (D) ensure the maintenance and accuracy of severe weather call lists, appropriate office severe weather policy or procedures, and other severe weather or dissemination methodologies or strategies; and (E) work closely with State, local, and tribal emergency management agencies, and other agencies related to disaster management, to ensure a planned, coordinated, and effective preparedness and response effort. (2) Other staff The Director may assign a responsibility set forth in paragraph (1) to such other staff as the Director considers appropriate to carry out such responsibility. (d) Additional responsibilities (1) In general Subject to paragraph (2), a warning coordination meteorologist designated under subsection (a) may— (A) work with a State agency to develop plans for promoting more effective use of products and services of the National Weather Service throughout the State; (B) identify priority community preparedness objectives; (C) develop plans to meet the objectives identified under paragraph (2); and (D) conduct severe weather event preparedness planning and citizen education efforts with and through various State, local, and tribal government agencies and other disaster management-related organizations. (2) Other staff The Director may assign a responsibility set forth in paragraph (1) to such other staff as the Director considers appropriate to carry out such responsibility. (e) Placement with State and local emergency managers (1) In general In carrying out this section, the Director of the National Weather Service may place a warning coordination meteorologist designated under subsection (a) with a State or local emergency manager if the Director considers doing so is necessary or convenient to carry out this section. (2) Treatment If the Director determines that the placement of a warning coordination meteorologist placed with a State or local emergency manager under paragraph (1) is near a weather forecast office of the National Weather Service, such placement shall be treated as designation of the warning coordination meteorologist at such weather forecast office for purposes of subsection (a). 406. Improving National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration communication of hazardous weather and water events (a) Purpose of system For purposes of the assessment required by subsection (b)(1)(A), the purpose of National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration system for issuing watches and warnings regarding hazardous weather and water events shall be risk communication to the general public that informs action to prevent loss of life and property. (b) Assessment of system (1) In general Not later than 2 years after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Under Secretary shall— (A) assess the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration system for issuing watches and warnings regarding hazardous weather and water events; and (B) submit to Congress a report on the findings of the Under Secretary with respect to the assessment conducted under subparagraph (A). (2) Elements The assessment required by paragraph (1)(A) shall include the following: (A) An evaluation of whether the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration system for issuing watches and warnings regarding hazardous weather and water events meets the purpose described in subsection (a). (B) Development of recommendations for— (i) legislative and administrative action to improve the system described in paragraph (1)(A); and (ii) such research as the Under Secretary considers necessary to address the focus areas described in paragraph (3). (3) Focus areas The assessment required by paragraph (1)(A) shall focus on the following: (A) Ways to communicate the risks posed by hazardous weather or water events to the public that are most likely to result in action to mitigate the risk. (B) Ways to communicate the risks posed by hazardous weather or water events to the public as broadly and rapidly as practicable. (C) Ways to preserve the benefits of the existing watches and warnings system. (D) Ways to maintain the utility of the watches and warnings system for Government and commercial users of the system. (4) Consultation In conducting the assessment required by paragraph (1)(A), the Under Secretary shall— (A) consult with such line offices within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration as the Under Secretary considers relevant, including the the National Ocean Service, the National Weather Service, and the Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research; (B) consult with individuals in the academic sector, including individuals in the field of social and behavioral sciences, and other weather services; (C) consult with media outlets that will be distributing the watches and warnings; (D) consult with non-Federal forecasters that produce alternate severe weather risk communication products; (E) consult with emergency planners and responders, including State and local emergency management agencies, and other government users of the watches and warnings system, including the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the Office of Personnel Management, the Coast Guard, and such other Federal agencies as the Under Secretary determines rely on watches and warnings for operational decisions; and (F) make use of the services of the National Academy of Sciences, as the Under Secretary considers necessary and practicable, including contracting with the National Research Council to review the scientific and technical soundness of the assessment required by paragraph (1)(A), including the recommendations developed under paragraph (2)(B). (5) Methodologies In conducting the assessment required by paragraph (1)(A), the Under Secretary shall use such methodologies as the Under Secretary considers are generally accepted by the weather enterprise, including social and behavioral sciences. (c) Improvements to system (1) In general The Under Secretary shall, based on the assessment required by subsection (b)(1)(A), make such recommendations to Congress to improve the system as the Under Secretary considers necessary— (A) to improve the system for issuing watches and warnings regarding hazardous weather and water events; and (B) to support efforts to satisfy research needs to enable future improvements to such system. (2) Requirements regarding recommendations In carrying out paragraph (1)(A), the Under Secretary shall ensure that any recommendation that the Under Secretary considers a major change— (A) is validated by social and behavioral science using a generalizable sample; (B) accounts for the needs of various demographics, vulnerable populations, and geographic regions; (C) accounts for the differences between types of weather and water hazards; (D) responds to the needs of Federal, State, and local government partners and media partners; and (E) accounts for necessary changes to Federally operated watch and warning propagation and dissemination infrastructure and protocols. (d) Watches and warnings defined (1) In general Except as provided in paragraph (2), in this section, the terms watch warning (2) Exception ln this section, the terms watch warning 407. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Weather Ready All Hazards Award Program (a) Program The Director of the National Weather Service is authorized to establish the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Weather Ready All Hazards Award Program. This award program shall provide annual awards to honor individuals or organizations that use or provide National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Weather Radio All Hazards receivers or transmitters to save lives and protect property. Individuals or organizations that utilize other early warning tools or applications also qualify for this award. (b) Goal This award program draws attention to the life-saving work of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Weather Ready All Hazards Program, as well as emerging tools and applications, that provide real-time warning to individuals and communities of severe weather or other hazardous conditions. (c) Program elements (1) Nominations Nominations for this award shall be made annually by the Weather Field Offices to the Director of the National Weather Service. Broadcast meteorologists, weather radio manufacturers and weather warning tool and application developers, emergency managers, and public safety officials may nominate individuals or organizations to their local Weather Field Offices, but the final list of award nominees must come from the Weather Field Offices. (2) Selection of awardees Annually, the Director of the National Weather Service shall choose winners of this award whose timely actions, based on National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Weather Radio All Hazards receivers or transmitters or other early warning tools and applications, saved lives or property, or demonstrated public service in support of weather or all hazard warnings. (3) Award ceremony The Director of the National Weather Service shall establish a means of making these awards to provide maximum public awareness of the importance of National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Weather Radio, and such other warning tools and applications as are represented in the awards. 408. Department of Defense weather forecasting activities Not later than 60 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Under Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the House of Representatives a report analyzing the impacts of the proposed Air Force divestiture in the United States Weather Research and Forecasting Model, including— (1) the impact on— (A) the United States weather forecasting capabilities; (B) the accuracy of civilian regional forecasts; (C) the civilian readiness for traditional weather and extreme weather events in the United States; and (D) the research necessary to develop the United States Weather Research and Forecasting Model; and (2) such other analysis relating to the divestiture as the Under Secretary considers appropriate. 409. National Weather Service; operations and workforce analysis The Under Secretary shall contract or continue to partner with an external organization to conduct a baseline analysis of National Weather Service operations and workforce. 410. Report on contract positions at National Weather Service (a) Report required Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Under Secretary shall submit to Congress a report on the use of contractors at the National Weather Service for the most recently completed fiscal year. (b) Contents The report required by subsection (a) shall include, with respect to the most recently completed fiscal year, the following: (1) The total number of full-time equivalent employees at the National Weather Service, disaggregated by each equivalent level of the General Schedule. (2) The total number of full-time equivalent contractors at the National Weather Service, disaggregated by each equivalent level of the General Schedule that most closely approximates their duties. (3) The total number of vacant positions at the National Weather Service on the day before the date of enactment of this Act, disaggregated by each equivalent level of the General Schedule. (4) The five most common positions filled by full-time equivalent contractors at the National Weather Service and the equivalent level of the General Schedule that most closely approximates the duties of such positions. (5) Of the positions identified under paragraph (4), the percentage of full-time equivalent contractors in those positions that have held a prior position at the National Weather Service or another entity in National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. (6) The average full-time equivalent salary for Federal employees at the National Weather Service for each equivalent level of the General Schedule. (7) The average salary for full-time equivalent contractors performing at each equivalent level of the General Schedule at the National Weather Service. (8) A description of any actions taken by the Under Secretary to respond to the issues raised by the Inspector General of the Department of Commerce regarding the hiring of former National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration employees as contractors at the National Weather Service such as the issues raised in the Investigative Report dated June 2, 2015 (OIG–12–0447). (c) Annual publication For each fiscal year after the fiscal year covered by the report required by subsection (a), the Under Secretary shall, not later than 180 days after the completion of the fiscal year, publish on a publicly accessible Internet website the information described in paragraphs (1) through (8) of subsection (b) for such fiscal year. 411. Weather impacts to communities and infrastructure (a) Review (1) In general The Director of the National Weather Service shall review existing research, products, and services that meet the specific needs of the urban environment, given its unique physical characteristics and forecasting challenges. (2) Elements The review required by paragraph (1) shall include research, products, and services with the potential to improve modeling and forecasting capabilities, taking into account factors including varying building heights, impermeable surfaces, lack of tree canopy, traffic, pollution, and inter-building wind effects. (b) Report and assessment Upon completion of the review required by subsection (a), the Under Secretary shall submit to Congress a report on the research, products, and services of the National Weather Service, including an assessment of such research, products, and services that is based on the review, public comment, and recent publications by the National Academy of Sciences. 412. Weather enterprise outreach (a) In general The Under Secretary may establish mechanisms for outreach to the weather enterprise— (1) to assess the weather forecasts and forecast products provided by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration; and (2) to determine the highest priority weather forecast needs of the community described in subsection (b). (b) Outreach community In conducting outreach under subsection (a), the Under Secretary shall contact leading experts and innovators from relevant stakeholders, including the representatives from the following: (1) State or local emergency management agencies. (2) State agriculture agencies. (3) Indian tribes (as defined in section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act ( 25 U.S.C. 5304 20 U.S.C. 7517 (4) The private aerospace industry. (5) The private earth observing industry. (6) The operational forecasting community. (7) The academic community. (8) Professional societies that focus on meteorology. (9) Such other stakeholder groups as the Under Secretary considers appropriate.

Summary: Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation Act of 2017 This bill authorizes a number of programs to enhance weather forecasting and alerts at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). NOAA's Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research must conduct a program to improve forecasting of weather events and their effects, with a special focus on high impact weather events. The National Weather Service must collect and utilize information to make reliable and timely foundational forecasts of subseasonal and seasonal temperature and precipitation. Subseasonal forecasting is forecasting weather between two weeks and three months and seasonal forecasting is between three months and two years. The bill provides for technology transfers between the National Weather Service and private sector weather companies and universities to improve forecasting. NOAA must complete and operationalize the Constellation Observing System for Meteorology, Ionosphere, and Climate (a weather satellite program which develops observational techniques using global navigation systems). Additionally, NOAA may contract with the private sector to obtain data for weather forecasting. NOAA must continue its Environmental Information Services Working Group, which advises NOAA on weather research and opportunities to improve communications between weather stakeholders.