[Congressional Bills 115th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 353 Introduced in House (IH)]
<DOC>
115th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. R. 353
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.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
January 6, 2017
Mr. Lucas introduced the following bill; which was referred to the
Committee on Science, Space, and Technology
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
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.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 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.
SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS.
In this Act:
(1) Seasonal.--The term ``seasonal'' means the time range
between 3 months and 2 years.
(2) State.--The term ``State'' means a State, a territory,
or possession of the United States, including a Commonwealth,
or the District of Columbia.
(3) Subseasonal.--The term ``subseasonal'' means the time
range between 2 weeks and 3 months.
(4) Under secretary.--The term ``Under Secretary'' means
the Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere.
(5) Weather industry and weather enterprise.--The terms
``weather industry'' and ``weather enterprise'' are
interchangeable in this Act, and include individuals and
organizations from public, private, and academic sectors that
contribute to the research, development, and production of
weather forecast products, and primary consumers of these
weather forecast products.
TITLE I--UNITED STATES WEATHER RESEARCH AND FORECASTING IMPROVEMENT
SEC. 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.
SEC. 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.
SEC. 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
one 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.
SEC. 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).
SEC. 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.
SEC. 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).
SEC. 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.
SEC. 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.
SEC. 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 note) is
amended--
(1) in subsection (a)--
(A) in paragraph (3), by striking ``; and'' and
inserting a semicolon;
(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 5 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'' and inserting ``The''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following new subsection:
``(c) Subseasonal Defined.--In this section, the term `subseasonal'
means the time range between 2 weeks and 3 months.''.
SEC. 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.
TITLE II--SUBSEASONAL AND SEASONAL FORECASTING INNOVATION
SEC. 201. IMPROVING SUBSEASONAL AND SEASONAL FORECASTS.
Section 1762 of the Food Security Act of 1985 (Public Law 99-198;
15 U.S.C. 313 note) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a), by striking ``(a)'' and inserting
``(a) Findings.--'';
(2) in subsection (b), by striking ``(b)'' and inserting
``(b) Policy.--''; and
(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, 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, including--
``(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' means basic weather observation and forecast data,
largely in raw form, before further processing is applied.
``(2) National weather service core partners.--The term
`National Weather Service core partners' means government and
nongovernment entities which are directly involved in the
preparation or dissemination of, or discussions involving,
hazardous weather or other emergency information put out by the
National Weather Service.
``(3) Seasonal.--The term `seasonal' means the time range
between 3 months and 2 years.
``(4) State.--The term `State' means a State, a territory,
or possession of the United States, including a Commonwealth,
or the District of Columbia.
``(5) Subseasonal.--The term `subseasonal' means the time
range between 2 weeks and 3 months.
``(6) Under secretary.--The term `Under Secretary' means
the Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere.
``(7) Weather industry and weather enterprise.--The terms
`weather industry' and `weather enterprise' are interchangeable
in this section and include individuals and organizations from
public, private, and academic sectors that contribute to the
research, development, and production of weather forecast
products, and primary consumers of these weather forecast
products.
``(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.''.
TITLE III--WEATHER SATELLITE AND DATA INNOVATION
SEC. 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.
SEC. 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.
SEC. 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.
TITLE IV--FEDERAL WEATHER COORDINATION
SEC. 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.
SEC. 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.
SEC. 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.
SEC. 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.
SEC. 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 1 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).
SEC. 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'' and ``warning'', with respect
to a hazardous weather and water event, mean products issued by
the Administration, intended for consumption by the general
public, to alert the general public to the potential for or
presence of the event and to inform action to prevent loss of
life and property.
(2) Exception.--ln this section, the terms ``watch'' and
``warning'' do not include technical or specialized
meteorological and hydrological forecasts, outlooks, or model
guidance products.
SEC. 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.
SEC. 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.
SEC. 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.
SEC. 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 5 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.
SEC. 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.
SEC. 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)) and Native Hawaiians (as defined in section 6207 of the
Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (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.
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