NOAA kicks off process to improve satellite ground systems
Gettyimages.com/Yuichiro Chino
By
Nick Wakeman
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration says its ground systems can't keep up with the large increases in data it expects by 2030 and beyond.
The National Oceanography and Atmospheric Administration is looking for ways to improve the ground operations that support the collection and processing of data from satellites.
In new broad agency announcement, NOAA says it needs to “reimagine” its approach to its ground operations. The current architecture cannot scale economically and is becoming a drain on NOAA’s budget.
NOAA’s ground operations will come under more stress moving forward because the agency is bringing more satellites online and is increasing the data streams of environmental observations. The agency expects that increased workload starting in 2030 and beyond.
The agency is using the BAA to collect white papers to look for new concepts and technologies to explore through studies and demonstrations.
NOAA has three focus areas for the BAA: constellation mission operations, next-generation ground infrastructure and data processing and dissemination. The BAA breaks down each focus area and areas of interest under each.
The BAA is open to industry, academia and other government agencies that can share new technologies and novel concepts.
NOAA doesn’t have a specific contract in mind yet, but the information it gathers will lay the groundwork for future acquisitions.
Responses are due May 22.
NOAA also is planning what it calls a virtual “community day” for April 27 as well as one-on-one meetings.
Signup information is available in an attachment with the Sam.gov posting.