Procurement Overview

BACKGROUND: The National Weather Service (NWS) provides weather, hydrologic, and climate forecasts and warnings for the United States, its territories, adjacent waters and ocean areas, for the protection of life and property and the enhancement of the national economy. NWS data and products form a national information database and infrastructure which can be used by other governmental agencies, the private sector, the public, and the global community. NWS manages the execution of development programs, provides science and scientific research enabling technology options, prepares solutions and develops plans to meet service requirements. NWS makes observations and measurements of atmospheric phenomena as required for climatological, hydrologic, meteorological, and oceanographic services. NWS develops and distributes forecasts of weather conditions and warnings of severe storms and other adverse weather conditions. It collects and disseminates weather and climatic information and maintains watch over river stages and those weather conditions which produce floods; provides warnings of impeding floods; furnishes regular forecasts of overflow and stage as well as seasonal water supply; and participates with other Federal agencies in hydro-meteorological investigations for overall planning and development for water resources. NWS makes observations and measurements of ocean conditions required by marine interests, and develops and distributes forecasts and warnings of waves, tsunamis, sea ice, and other ocean conditions. It develops, disseminates, and improves procedures and techniques for the national meteorological, climatological, hydrologic, and oceanographic service systems measurements and forecasts.

In support of this mission, the NWS operates a network of Weather Forecast Offices (WFO), River Forecast Centers and the National Center for Environmental Prediction. The NWS supports these offices with National and Regional Headquarters organizations.

Within the NWS Headquarters, the Office of Operational Systems (OOS) manages mission-critical operational systems, facilities and programs. OOS has five divisions to support and manage major field activities. The first division in the office is a headquarters division. The remaining divisions are field level operational centers. OOS manages operational systems and provides engineering and acquisition, maintenance management, configuration and change management, logistics management, facilities management, equipment reconditioning and repair, national supply center operation, field systems operations, telecommunications operations, weather radar operations, and data buoy operations. It develops policy for implementation, operations, support, and evaluation of operational weather systems; formulates and executes office operating budget; and administers office operations.

The OOS is comprised of the following divisions:

• Operations Division – (OPS1)
• Field Systems Operations Center – (OPS2)
• Telecommunications Operations Center – (OPS3)
• Radar Operations Center – OPS4
• National Data Buoy Center – OPS5

To manage operational systems in support of NWS mission, the OOS also relies upon corporate services for support, interacts with other NOAA Line Offices and NWS Offices, and works together various organizations within the NWS and NOAA to meet mission objectives and pursue the strategic goals of the agency.

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