§8517 Observing System Simulation Experiments

Summary

The Assistant Administrator for Oceanic and Atmospheric Research must run computer experiments or other number-based studies to measure how valuable different weather observing systems are. These studies can look at effects on global weather forecasting, hurricane track and strength forecasts, tornado warning time and accuracy, mid-latitude severe storm outbreaks, and storms that can cause heavy rain and flooding lasting 6 hours to 1 week. The work must be done with other NOAA offices, federal agencies, private weather companies, and universities. The studies must measure how proposed space, suborbital, and in-place sensors affect forecasts (including extreme weather nationwide), compare design options, and weigh capabilities and costs for protecting life and property. Such studies must be done before buying major government-owned or leased systems or major new commercial data that have a lifecycle cost over $500,000,000. By 30 days after April 18, 2017, an experiment on Global Navigation Satellite System Radio Occultation data must be finished, and by 120 days after April 18, 2017, an experiment on a geostationary hyperspectral sounder global constellation must be finished. When done, the results and a public assessment of public and private data options (including availability, affordability, and cost-effectiveness) must be published under the procedures in section 50503 of title 51.