MMT UpdateSeptember 7, 2006

NOAA/NWS Activities

Dave Helms

Office of Science and Technology

Outline

• Role/Responsibilities

• How MDCRS data are used

• WVVS RFP

NOAA Roles and Responsibilities within AMDAR

• Receive data collectives from ARINC• Real-time distribution to operational users:

– Numerical Models: RUC, WRF, and GFS – International: GTS Circuit, a/k/a AMDAR Community– NOAAPORT: NWS AWIPS and Field Operations

• Monitor and Report Data Quality• U.S. Representative to WMO AMDAR Panel• Collaborate with FAA on AMDAR development

– NOAA: Wind, Temperature, and Water Vapor– FAA: Turbulence and Icing

• Support FAA in ARINC contract monitoring (e.g. cost sharing and ground processing), especially concerning operational data availability issues

How are MDCRS data used by NOAA and FAA???

• R-T Weather Prediction:– Numerical Models

• Significant contribution to analysis accuracy over CONUS– Nowcasting: TAFs, AIRMETs, SIGMETs, ConvSIGMETS, Warnings and

Watches• Precip type (snow/rain/mix), aloft and at sfc, and amount• Icing type and rate of accumulation (indirect)• Surface Visibility (Fog)• Thunderstorm coverage and intensity• Cloud amount, base, top, including marine stratus• Surfacetemperature prediction• Stability layers (e.g. temperature lapse rate), turbulence assessment• Wind shear, turbulence assessment• Model, radiosonde, and satellite validation• U/L short and long waves, jet streams/max’s, convergence and divergence, vertical

wind veering or backing – FAA: Input to ITWS and CWIS approach and routing guidance

• More info on Data Impact Studies on NOAA AMDAR Page:– http://amdar.noaa.gov/

Water Vapor Sensor System (WVSS) RFP Status

• Solicitation number : DG133W-06-RP-0209WaterVapor • Posted on Aug 14, 2006• Closes on Sep 13, 2006 at 2PM (local) (amended Aug 30th)• “NOAA has a requirement for water vapor data services from sensors aboard

commercial aircraft which will include integration of the sensors with aircraft platforms, avionics, and/or other mechanisms enabling near real-time collection and reporting of water vapor and potentially other atmospheric elements.     The Contractor shall be responsible for acquiring and maintaining aircraft certifications for the integration of the water vapor sensors on the aircraft.     For a period of three years after the installation of each water vapor sensor, the Contractor shall be responsible for the continuous operation and maintenance of the sensor. ”

• Contract asks for the operation of 10+30 (40) sensors, available within 1 year of contract award, and warranted after installation/operational started for 3 years

• Full RFP instructions are included within Solicitation on FedBizOps:http://www.fbo.gov/spg/DOC/NOAA/AGAMD/DG133W%2D06%2DRP

%2D0209WaterVapor/listing.html • NOAA Contracting POC: LaMar Carlson, Contract Specialist, Phone 301-713-

3405x196, Fax (301) 713-1024, Email lamar.carlson@noaa.gov

Questions?

David Helms

Email: david.helms@noaa.gov

Phone: 301-713-3557 x193