Geostationary operational environmental satellites
Subtitle: improvements needed in continuity planning and involvement of key users : report to congressional committees
Contributors: Powner, David A.
Publisher: U.S. Govt. Accountability Office
Published: 2010
Place of publication: Washington, D.C.]
Language: eng
Format: [electronic resource] :
Number of pages: 39
Subjects: Procurement; Evaluation; Geostationary satellites; Management; American Artificial satellites; Meteorological satellites; United States. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration; United States; United States. National Aeronautics and Space Administration; GOES (Meteorological satellite)
Other titles: Improvements needed in continuity planning and involvement of key users
Description: The Department of Commerce's National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), with the aid of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), is to procure the next generation of geostationary operational environmental satellites, called Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite-R (GOES-R) series. The GOES-R series is to replace the current series of satellites, which will likely begin to reach the end of their useful lives in approximately 2015. This new series is considered critical to the United States' ability to maintain the continuity of data required for weather forecasting through the year 2028. GAO was asked to (1) determine the status of the GOES-R acquisition; (2) evaluate whether NOAA has established adequate contingency plans in the event of delays; and (3) assess NOAA's efforts to identify GOES data users, prioritize their data needs, and communicate with them about the program's status. To do so, GAO analyzed contractor and program data and interviewed officials from NOAA, NASA, and other federal agencies that rely on GOES data. GAO is recommending that NOAA address weaknesses in its continuity plans and improve its processes for involving other federal agencies. In commenting on a draft of this report, the Secretary of Commerce agreed with GAO's recommendations and identified plans for implementing them.
Notes: Title from cover screen (GAO, viewed on Oct. 3, 2010).

"September 2010."

"GAO-10-799."

Includes bibliographical references.

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