[Congressional Bills 114th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. 1331 Reported in Senate (RS)]
<DOC>
Calendar No. 455
114th CONGRESS
2d Session
S. 1331
[Report No. 114-248]
To help enhance commerce through improved seasonal forecasts, and for
other purposes.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
May 13, 2015
Mr. Thune (for himself and Mr. Schatz) introduced the following bill;
which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce,
Science, and Transportation
May 9, 2016
Reported by Mr. Thune, with an amendment
[Strike out all after the enacting clause and insert the part printed
in italic]
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To help enhance commerce through improved seasonal forecasts, and for
other purposes.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,
<DELETED>SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.</DELETED>
<DELETED> This Act may be cited as the ``Seasonal Forecasting
Improvement Act''.</DELETED>
<DELETED>SEC. 2. IMPROVING SEASONAL FORECASTS FOR AGRICULTURE AND
COMMERCE.</DELETED>
<DELETED> Section 1762 of title XVII of Public Law 99-198 (15 U.S.C.
313 note) is amended--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (1) in subsection (a), by striking ``(a)'' and
inserting ``(a) Findings.--'';</DELETED>
<DELETED> (2) in subsection (b), by striking ``(b)'' and
inserting ``(b) Policy.--''; and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (3) by adding at the end the following:</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(c) Functions.--The Under Secretary, through the
National Weather Service and other appropriate programs in the National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, shall--</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(1) collect and utilize information in order to
make usable, reliable, and timely forecasts of seasonal
temperature and precipitation;</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(2) leverage existing research and models from
the academic sector to improve the forecasts under paragraph
(1);</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(3) determine and provide information on how the
forecasted conditions under paragraph (1) may impact--
</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(A) the number and severity of droughts,
tornadoes, hurricanes, floods, heatwaves, or other
relevant natural disasters;</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(B) snowpack; and</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(C) sea ice conditions;</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(4) provide the forecasts under paragraph (1)
and the information under paragraphs (1) and (3) on both
national and regional levels; and</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(5) develop an Internet clearinghouse with the
forecasts of seasonal temperature and precipitation and other
relevant seasonal forecasts and products produced by the
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, other Federal
and State departments and agencies, and the academic
sector.</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(d) Communication.--The Under Secretary shall provide
the forecasts and the information on their impacts under subsection (c)
to the public, including public and private entities engaged in
planning and preparedness, including--</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(1) decisionmakers at the Federal, regional,
State, tribal, and local levels of government;</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(2) the private sector; and</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(3) the public.</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(e) Cooperation.--The Under Secretary shall build upon
existing forecasting and assessment programs and partnerships,
including--</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(1) by designating research and monitoring
activities related to seasonal forecasts as a priority in 1 or
more Cooperative Institute solicitations;</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(2) by contributing to the interagency Earth
System Prediction Capability; and</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(3) by consulting with the Secretary of Defense
and the Secretary of Homeland Security to determine the highest
priority seasonal forecast needs to enhance national
security.</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(f) Forecast Communication Coordinators.--</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(1) In general.--The Under Secretary shall
provide grants to States, including territories, for each State
to have a forecast communication coordinator to receive and
disseminate the forecasts and information under subsection (c).
Applications for grants under this subsection shall be
submitted in such form and manner, and contain such
information, as the Under Secretary prescribes.</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(2) Requirements.--For each State that requests
assistance under this subsection, the Under Secretary shall--
</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(A) provide funds to support an
individual in that State to--</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(i) serve as a liaison among the
National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration, other Federal departments and
agencies, the academic sector, the State, and
relevant interests within that State;
and</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(ii) receive the forecasts and
information under subsection (c) and
disseminate the forecasts and information
throughout the State, including county and
tribal governments;</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(B) provide 1 grant for the purpose
described in paragraph (1); and</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(C) require matching funds from the
State, a university, a non-governmental organization,
trade association, or the private sector.</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(3) Limitation.--Each grant under this
subsection shall not exceed $100,000.</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(g) Cooperation From Other Federal Agencies.--Each
Federal department and agency shall cooperate as appropriate with the
Under Secretary in carrying out this section.</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(h) Reports.--</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(1) In general.--Not later than 18 months after
the date of enactment of the Seasonal Forecasting Improvement
Act, the Under Secretary shall transmit 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--</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(A) an analysis of the how information
from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration on seasonal forecasts, as provided under
subsection (c), is utilized in public planning and
preparedness;</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(B) specific plans and goals for the
continued development of the seasonal forecasts and
related products described in subsection (c);
and</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(C) an identification of research,
monitoring, observing, and forecasting requirements to
meet the goals described in subparagraph (B).</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(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.</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(i) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is
authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $26,500,000 for
each of fiscal years 2015 through 2020.</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(j) Definitions.--In this section:</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(1) Seasonal.--The term `seasonal' means the
time range between 2 weeks and 2 years.</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(2) Under secretary.--The term `Under Secretary'
means the Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and
Atmosphere.''.</DELETED>
<DELETED>SEC. 3. UNITED STATES WEATHER RESEARCH PROGRAM.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (a) In General.--Section 108 of the Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration Authorization Act of 1992 (15 U.S.C. 313
note) is amended--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (1) in subsection (a)--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (A) in paragraph (3), by striking ``;
and'' and inserting a semicolon;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (B) in paragraph (4), by striking the
period at the end and inserting a semicolon;
and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (C) by inserting after paragraph (4) the
following:</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(5) provide to the Committee on Commerce,
Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on
Science, Space, and Technology of the House of Representatives
an annual report, including--</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(A) a list of on-going research
projects, including project goals and a point of
contact for each project; and</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(B) the 5 projects related to
observations, weather, or seasonal-scale forecasts
within the Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research
that are closest to operationalization, including for
each project--</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(i) the potential
benefit;</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(ii) any barrier to
operationalization; and</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(iii) the plan for
operationalization, including which line office
will financially support the project and how
much the line office intends to
spend;</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(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
within the National Weather Service;</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(7) develop mechanisms for the Office of Oceanic
and Atmospheric Research's research priorities to be informed
by both the relevant line offices within the National Oceanic
and Atmospheric Administration, the relevant user community,
and the weather enterprise, including by exchanging detailees
between the Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research and the
line offices;</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(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;</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(9) for extramural research funded, the Office
of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research shall develop and implement
a system to track whether the grant's goals were
accomplished;</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(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</DELETED>
<DELETED> ``(11) encourage academic collaboration with the
Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research and the National
Weather Service by facilitating visiting scholars.'';
and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (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''.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (b) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized
to be appropriated to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration to carry out section 108 of the Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration Authorization Act of 1992 (15 U.S.C. 313 note), as
amended by subsection (a) of this section, $10,000,000 for each of
fiscal years 2015 through 2020.</DELETED>
<DELETED>SEC. 4. NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION
SATELLITE DESIGN AND MANAGEMENT.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (a) Short-Term Management of Environmental Observations.--
</DELETED>
<DELETED> (1) In general.--The Administrator of the National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration shall take immediate
action to manage the expense of environmental observations--
</DELETED>
<DELETED> (A) by improving the procurement practices
of the Administration with respect to polar and
geostationary satellites; and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (B) by assessing the operational viability
of alternate observation platforms, such as
microsatellite constellations and ocean observing
systems.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (2) Procurement and acquisition of polar and
geostationary satellites.--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (A) Use of established competitive
processes.--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (i) In general.--Except as
provided in clause (ii) and notwithstanding any
other provision of law, the Administrator of
the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration and the Administrator of the
National Aeronautics and Space Administration
shall use the process established under section
3306 of title 41, United States Code, to
acquire all the polar and geostationary weather
satellites for use by the National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration in a program phase
via a single procurement action.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (ii) Applicability.--Clause (i)
shall apply to procurement and acquisition
occurring in program phases beginning after the
date of enactment of this Act.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (iii) Definition of program
phase.--In this subparagraph, the term
``program phase'' means the planned acquisition
of a series of satellites sharing a common
architecture.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (B) Assessment of procurement and
acquisition opportunities.--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (i) In general.--The Administrator
of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration shall ensure that in procuring
or acquiring polar and geostationary weather
satellites that the Administrator only procures
or acquires such satellites in a manner that
secures the best value for each polar and
geostationary program of the
Administration.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (ii) Best value.--In determining
whether a procurement or acquisition secures
the best value for a program, the Administrator
shall consider--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (I) integration with
current ground systems for receiving,
processing, and disseminating
data;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (II) integration of
spacecraft and sensing
instruments;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (III) capacity to respond
to changes in requirements and
credibility of risk management;
and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (IV) continuity and
consistency of capability.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (3) Microsatellite constellations.--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (A) In general.--The Administrator shall
complete and operationalize the radio occultation
program of record in effect on the day before the date
of the enactment of this Act--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (i) by deploying constellations of
microsatellites in both the equatorial and
polar orbits;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (ii) by integrating the resulting
data and research into all national operational
weather forecast models; and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (iii) by ensuring that the
resulting data is free and open to all
communities.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (B) Annual reports.--Not less frequently
than once each year until the Administrator has
completed and operationalized the program described in
subparagraph (A) pursuant to such subparagraph, the
Administrator shall submit to Congress a report on the
status of the efforts of the Administrator to carry out
such subparagraph.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (4) Integration of data and research from
integrated ocean observing system into operational forecast
models.--As soon as practicable, the Administrator shall
integrate data and research from the Integrated Ocean Observing
System (IOOS) of the Administration into such operational
forecast models as the Administrator considers
appropriate.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (5) Limitation on procurement of additional polar
orbiting satellites.--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (A) In general.--The Administrator may not
procure any future program phase of the Joint Polar
Satellite System program of record if the aggregate
cost for such future program phase that would be
incurred by the Administration exceeds the aggregate
cost that was incurred by the Administration in
procuring the Joint Polar Satellite System 1 and
2.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (B) Adjustment for inflation.--In
determining aggregate costs under subparagraph (A), the
Administrator may adjust the aggregate costs for
inflation.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (6) Specifications for new satellite systems
determined by operational needs.--In developing specifications
for any satellite systems of the Administration to follow after
the Joint Polar Satellite System, Geostationary Operational
Environmental Satellites, and any other satellites of the
Administration in effect on the day before the date of
enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall ensure the
specifications are determined to the extent practicable by the
recommendations of the reports under subsection (b) of this
section and section 6(d).</DELETED>
<DELETED> (b) Independent Study on Future of National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration Satellite Systems.--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (1) Agreement.--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (A) In general.--The Administrator shall
enter into an agreement with the National Academy of
Sciences to perform the services covered by this
subsection.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (B) Timing.--The Administrator shall enter
into the agreement described in subparagraph (A) before
September 30, 2018.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (2) Study.--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (A) In general.--Under an agreement
between the Administrator and the National Academy of
Sciences under this subsection, the National Academy of
Sciences shall conduct a study on matters concerning
the future of the satellite systems of the
Administration.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (B) Elements.--In conducting the study
under subparagraph (A), the National Academy of
Sciences shall--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (i) review the report of the
Weather Commission described in section 6(d),
and the 2017 update to the 2007 report by the
National Research Council entitled ``Earth
Science and Applications From
Space'';</DELETED>
<DELETED> (ii) develop recommendations on
how to make the satellite portfolio of the
Administration more robust and cost-
effective;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (iii) 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;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (iv) 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;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (v) identify environmental
observations that improve the quality of
weather forecasts, but are not essential for
the generation of weather models in effect on
the day before the date of enactment of this
Act; and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (vi) develop recommendations on a
portfolio of environmental observations that
balances essential and quality-improving data,
private and nonprivate sources, and space- and
Earth-based instruments.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (C) Deadline and report.--In carrying out
the study under subparagraph (A), the National Academy
of Sciences shall complete and transmit to the
Administrator 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).</DELETED>
<DELETED> (D) Coordination of efforts.--In order to
avoid duplication, the National Academy of Sciences may
coordinate its efforts to draft the report under
subparagraph (C) with the preparation of the 2017 study
entitled ``Earth Science and Applications from
Space''.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (3) Alternate contract organization.--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (A) In general.--If the Administrator is
unable before the date prescribed in paragraph (1)(B)
to enter into an agreement described in paragraph
(1)(A) with the National Academy of Sciences on terms
acceptable to the Administrator, the Administrator
shall seek to enter into such an agreement with another
appropriate organization that--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (i) is not part of the
Government;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (ii) operates as a not-for-profit
entity; and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (iii) has expertise and
objectivity comparable to that of the National
Academy of Sciences.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (B) Treatment.--If the Administrator
enters into an agreement with another organization as
described in subparagraph (A), any reference in this
section to the National Academy of Sciences shall be
treated as a reference to the other
organization.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (4) Authorization of appropriations.--There is
authorized to be appropriated to the National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration to carry out this subsection
$1,000,000 for the period of fiscal years 2017 through
2019.</DELETED>
<DELETED>SEC. 5. DESIGNATION OF FEDERAL COORDINATOR FOR
METEOROLOGY.</DELETED>
<DELETED> The Director of the Office of Science and Technology
Policy shall designate a Federal Coordinator for Meteorology.</DELETED>
<DELETED>SEC. 6. ESTABLISHMENT OF WEATHER COMMISSION.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (a) Establishment.--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (1) In general.--The Federal Coordinator for
Meteorology, designated under section 5, shall establish, and
the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration acting through the United States Weather
Research Program of the Administration shall support, a
commission--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (A) to assess the weather forecasts and
forecast products provided by the National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration; and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (B) to provide advice to Congress on
matters relating to the highest priority weather
forecast needs of the community of users of the
forecasts and products described in subparagraph
(A).</DELETED>
<DELETED> (2) Designation.--The commission established under
paragraph (1) shall be known as the ``Weather Commission'' (in
this section referred to as the ``Commission'').</DELETED>
<DELETED> (b) Membership.--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (1) Composition.--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (A) In general.--The Commission shall be
composed of individuals selected by the Federal
Coordinator from among leading experts and innovators
from each relevant stakeholder group described in
clauses (i) through (vii) of subparagraph
(B).</DELETED>
<DELETED> (B) Number.--The Commission shall be
composed of no fewer than 14 members, including--
</DELETED>
<DELETED> (i) 2 representatives from State
emergency management agencies;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (ii) 2 representatives from State
agriculture agencies;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (iii) 1 representative from the
Native American, Alaskan Native, or Native
Hawaiian community;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (iv) 2 representatives from the
private aerospace industry;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (v) 2 representatives from the
operational forecasting community;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (vi) 2 representatives from the
academic community;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (vii) 1 representative from a
professional society that focuses on
meteorology;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (viii) the chair of the Science
Advisory Board of the National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (ix) the chair of the National
Science Board;</DELETED>
<DELETED> (x) the Director of the Office of
Science and Technology Policy, ex officio;
and</DELETED>
<DELETED> (xi) the Administrator of the
National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration, ex officio.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (2) Co-chair.--The Director of the Office of
Science and Technology Policy and the Administrator of the
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration shall serve as
co-chairs of the Commission.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (c) Duties.--The duties of the Commission are as
follows:</DELETED>
<DELETED> (1) To assess the weather forecasts and forecast
products of the Administration as described in subsection
(a).</DELETED>
<DELETED> (2) To provide advice to Congress as described in
subsection (a).</DELETED>
<DELETED> (3) To obtain public comment on the weather
forecasts and products of the Administration that the
Administrator determines are the highest priority for users of
such forecasts and products.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (d) Report.--</DELETED>
<DELETED> (1) In general.--Not later than 2 years after the
date of enactment of this Act, the Commission shall submit to
Congress and make available to the public on an Internet
website a report on matters relating to the activities of the
Commission.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (2) Contents.--The report submitted under
paragraph (1) shall include the following:</DELETED>
<DELETED> (A) The findings of the Commission with
respect to the review conducted under paragraph (3) of
subsection (c).</DELETED>
<DELETED> (B) The findings of the Commission with
respect to the public comments obtained under paragraph
(4) of such subsection.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (C) The recommendations developed under
paragraph (5) of such subsection.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (e) Exemption From FACA.--The Commission shall not be
subject to the requirements of the Federal Advisory Committee Act (5
U.S.C. App.).</DELETED>
<DELETED> (f) Termination.--The Commission shall terminate on the
date that is 4 years after the date of enactment of this Act.</DELETED>
<DELETED> (g) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized
to be appropriated to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration to carry out this section $1,000,000 for the period of
fiscal years 2015 through 2019.</DELETED>
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Seasonal Forecasting Improvement
Act''.
SEC. 2. IMPROVING SEASONAL FORECASTS FOR AGRICULTURE AND COMMERCE.
Section 1762 of title XVII of 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, through the National Weather
Service and other appropriate programs in the National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration, shall--
``(1) collect and utilize information in order to make
usable, reliable, and timely forecasts of seasonal temperature
and precipitation;
``(2) leverage existing research and models from the
academic sector 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, heatwaves, coastal
inundation, winter storms, high impact weather, or
other relevant natural disasters;
``(B) snowpack; and
``(C) sea ice conditions;
``(4) provide the forecasts under paragraph (1) and the
information under paragraphs (1) and (3) on both national and
regional levels; and
``(5) develop an Internet clearinghouse with the forecasts
of seasonal temperature and precipitation and other relevant
seasonal forecasts and products produced by the National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, other Federal and State
departments and agencies, and the academic sector.
``(d) Communication.--The Under Secretary shall provide the
forecasts and the information on their impacts under subsection (c) to
the public, including public and private entities engaged in planning
and preparedness, including--
``(1) decisionmakers at the Federal, regional, State,
tribal, and local levels of government;
``(2) the private sector; and
``(3) the public.
``(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 seasonal forecasts as a priority in 1 or more
Cooperative Institute solicitations;
``(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 seasonal forecast needs to enhance national security.
``(f) Forecast Communication Coordinators.--
``(1) In general.--The Under Secretary shall provide grants
to States, including territories, for each State to have a
forecast communication coordinator to receive and disseminate
the forecasts and information under subsection (c).
Applications for grants under this subsection shall be
submitted in such form and manner, and contain such
information, as the Under Secretary prescribes.
``(2) Requirements.--For each State that requests
assistance under this subsection, the Under Secretary shall--
``(A) provide funds to support an individual in
that State to--
``(i) serve as a liaison among the National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, other
Federal departments and agencies, the academic
sector, the State, and relevant interests
within that State; and
``(ii) receive the forecasts and
information under subsection (c) and
disseminate the forecasts and information
throughout the State, including county and
tribal governments;
``(B) provide 1 grant for the purpose described in
paragraph (1); and
``(C) require matching funds from the State, a
university, a non-governmental organization, trade
association, or the private sector.
``(3) Limitation.--Each grant under this subsection shall
not exceed $100,000.
``(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 enactment of the Seasonal Forecasting Improvement Act, the
Under Secretary shall transmit 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
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 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) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be
appropriated to carry out this section $26,500,000 for each of fiscal
years 2015 through 2020.
``(j) Definitions.--In this section:
``(1) Seasonal.--The term `seasonal' means the time range
between 2 weeks and 2 years.
``(2) Under secretary.--The term `Under Secretary' means
the Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere.''.
SEC. 3. UNITED STATES WEATHER RESEARCH PROGRAM.
(a) In General.--Section 108 of the Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration Authorization Act of 1992 (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) provide to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Science,
Space, and Technology of the House of Representatives an annual
report, including--
``(A) a list of on-going research projects,
including project goals and a point of contact for each
project; and
``(B) the 5 projects related to observations,
weather, or seasonal-scale forecasts within the Office
of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research that are closest to
operationalization, including for each project--
``(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 within the
National Weather Service;
``(7) develop mechanisms for the Office of Oceanic and
Atmospheric Research's research priorities to be informed by
both the relevant line offices within the National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration, the relevant user community, and
the weather enterprise, including by exchanging detailees
between the Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research and the
line offices;
``(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) for extramural research funded, the Office of Oceanic
and Atmospheric Research shall develop and implement a system
to track whether the grant's 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.''; and
(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''.
(b) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be
appropriated to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to
carry out section 108 of the Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Authorization Act of 1992 (15 U.S.C. 313 note), as amended by
subsection (a) of this section, $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years
2015 through 2020.
SEC. 4. NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION SATELLITE
DESIGN AND MANAGEMENT.
(a) Short-Term Management of Environmental Observations.--
(1) In general.--The Administrator of the National Oceanic
and Atmospheric Administration shall take immediate action to
manage the expense of environmental observations--
(A) by improving the procurement practices of the
Administration with respect to polar and geostationary
satellites; and
(B) by assessing the operational viability of
alternate observation platforms, such as microsatellite
constellations and ocean observing systems.
(2) Procurement and acquisition of polar and geostationary
satellites.--
(A) Use of established competitive processes.--
(i) In general.--Except as provided in
clause (ii) and notwithstanding any other
provision of law, the Administrator of the
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
and the Administrator of the National
Aeronautics and Space Administration may--
(I) acquire all the polar weather
satellites for use by the National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
in a program phase via a single
procurement action; and
(II) acquire all the geostationary
weather satellites for use by the
National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration in a program phase via a
single procurement action.
(ii) Applicability.--Clause (i) shall apply
to procurement and acquisition occurring in
program phases beginning after the date of
enactment of this Act.
(iii) Definition of program phase.--In this
subparagraph, the term ``program phase'' means
the planned acquisition of a series of
satellites sharing a common architecture.
(B) Assessment of procurement and acquisition
opportunities.--
(i) In general.--The Administrator of the
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
shall ensure that in procuring or acquiring
polar and geostationary weather satellites that
the Administrator only procures or acquires
such satellites in a manner that secures the
best value for each polar and geostationary
program of the Administration.
(ii) Best value.--In determining whether a
procurement or acquisition secures the best
value for a program, the Administrator shall
consider--
(I) integration with current ground
systems for receiving, processing, and
disseminating data;
(II) integration of spacecraft and
sensing instruments;
(III) capacity to respond to
changes in requirements and credibility
of risk management; and
(IV) continuity and consistency of
capability.
(3) Microsatellite constellations.--
(A) In general.--The Administrator shall complete
and operationalize the radio occultation program of
record 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 weather
forecast models; and
(iii) by ensuring that the resulting data
is free and open to all communities.
(B) Annual reports.--Not less frequently than once
each year until the Administrator has completed and
operationalized the program described in subparagraph
(A) pursuant to such subparagraph, the Administrator
shall submit to Congress a report on the status of the
efforts of the Administrator to carry out such
subparagraph.
(4) Integration of ocean and coastal data from the
integrated ocean observing system.--In the National Weather
Service Regions where the Administrator determines that ocean
and coastal data would improve forecasts, the Administrator, in
consultation with the National Weather Service and Office of
Oceanic and Atmospheric Research, shall--
(A) integrate additional coastal and ocean
observations, and other data and research, from the
Integrated Ocean Observing System of the Administration
(referred to in this section as ``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 IOOS regional associations, including
contributions from the private sector, academia, and
research institutions to ensure timely and accurate use
of ocean and coastal data in regional forecasts.
(5) Existing monitoring and observation infrastructure.--
The Administrator shall identify degradation of existing
monitoring and observation infrastructure that could lead to a
reduction in forecast quality.
(6) Specifications for new satellite systems determined by
operational needs.--In developing specifications for any
satellite systems of the Administration to follow after the
Joint Polar Satellite System, Geostationary Operational
Environmental Satellites, and any other satellites of the
Administration in effect on the day before the date of
enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall ensure the
specifications are determined to the extent practicable by the
recommendations of the reports under subsection (b) of this
section and section 6(d).
(b) Independent Study on Future of National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration Satellite Systems.--
(1) Agreement.--
(A) In general.--The Administrator shall enter into
an agreement with the National Academy of Sciences to
perform the services covered by this subsection.
(B) Timing.--The Administrator shall enter into the
agreement described in subparagraph (A) before
September 30, 2018.
(2) Study.--
(A) In general.--Under an agreement between the
Administrator and the National Academy of Sciences
under this subsection, the National Academy of Sciences
shall conduct a study on matters concerning the future
of the satellite systems of the Administration.
(B) Elements.--In conducting the study under
subparagraph (A), the National Academy of Sciences
shall--
(i) review the report of the Weather
Commission described in section 6(d), and the
2017 update to the 2007 report by the National
Research Council entitled ``Earth Science and
Applications From Space'';
(ii) develop recommendations on how to make
the satellite portfolio of the Administration
more robust and cost-effective;
(iii) 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;
(iv) 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;
(v) identify environmental observations
that improve the quality of weather forecasts,
but are not essential for the generation of
weather models in effect on the day before the
date of enactment of this Act; and
(vi) develop recommendations on a portfolio
of environmental observations that balances
essential and quality-improving data, private
and nonprivate sources, and space- and Earth-
based instruments.
(C) Deadline and report.--In carrying out the study
under subparagraph (A), the National Academy of
Sciences shall complete and transmit to the
Administrator 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).
(D) Coordination of efforts.--In order to avoid
duplication, the National Academy of Sciences may
coordinate its efforts to draft the report under
subparagraph (C) with the preparation of the 2017 study
entitled ``Earth Science and Applications from Space''.
(3) Alternate contract organization.--
(A) In general.--If the Administrator is unable
before the date prescribed in paragraph (1)(B) to enter
into an agreement described in paragraph (1)(A) with
the National Academy of Sciences on terms acceptable to
the Administrator, the Administrator shall seek to
enter into such an agreement with another appropriate
organization that--
(i) is not part of the 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 Administrator enters into an
agreement with another organization as described in
subparagraph (A), any reference in this section to the
National Academy of Sciences shall be treated as a
reference to the other organization.
(4) Authorization of appropriations.--There is authorized
to be appropriated to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration to carry out this subsection $1,000,000 for the
period of fiscal years 2017 through 2019.
SEC. 5. DESIGNATION OF FEDERAL COORDINATOR FOR METEOROLOGY.
The Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy shall
designate a Federal Coordinator for Meteorology.
SEC. 6. ESTABLISHMENT OF THE WEATHER COMMISSION.
(a) Establishment.--
(1) In general.--The Administrator of the National Oceanic
and Atmospheric Administration shall establish and support a
commission--
(A) to assess the weather forecasts and forecast
products provided by the National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration; and
(B) to provide advice to the Federal Government,
including Congress, on matters relating to the highest
priority weather forecast needs of the community of
users of the forecasts and products described in
subparagraph (A).
(2) Designation.--The commission established under
paragraph (1) shall be known as the ``Weather Commission''.
(3) Interaction with federal agencies and departments.--
(A) Securing information.--In carrying out its
functions under this section, the Weather Commission
may secure directly from any Federal agency or
department any information it considers necessary to
carry out its functions under this Act.
(B) Cooperation.--Each such agency or department is
authorized to cooperate with the Weather Commission
and, to the extent otherwise permitted by law, to
furnish such information (other than information
described in section 552(b)(1)(A) of title 5, United
States Code) to the Weather Commission, upon the
request of the Weather Commission.
(b) Membership.--
(1) Composition.--
(A) In general.--The Weather Commission shall be
composed of individuals appointed by the Administrator
of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
from among leading experts and innovators from each
relevant stakeholder group described in clauses (i)
through (vii) of subparagraph (B).
(B) Number.--The Weather Commission shall be
composed of no fewer than 14 members, including--
(i) 2 representatives from State or local
emergency management agencies;
(ii) 2 representatives from State
agriculture agencies;
(iii) 1 representative of Native Americans,
including Indians, as the term is defined in
section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and
Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 450b)
(including Alaska Natives within the meaning of
that term), and Native Hawaiians (as defined in
section 7207 of the Elementary and Secondary
Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7517));
(iv) 2 representatives from the private
aerospace industry;
(v) 2 representatives from the operational
forecasting community;
(vi) 2 representatives from the academic
community; and
(vii) 1 representative from a professional
society that focuses on meteorology.
(2) Chair.--The Weather Commission shall select a
chairperson from among its members.
(c) Duties.--The duties of the Weather Commission are as follows:
(1) To assess the weather forecasts and forecast products
of the Administration as described in subsection (a)(1).
(2) To provide advice to the Federal government, including
Congress, as described in subsection (a)(1).
(3) To obtain public comment on the weather forecasts and
products of the Administration that the Administrator
determines are the highest priority for users of such forecasts
and products.
(d) Report.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 2 years after the date of
the enactment of this Act, the Weather Commission shall submit
to Congress and make available to the public on an Internet
website a report on matters relating to the activities of the
Weather Commission.
(2) Contents.--The report submitted under paragraph (1)
shall include the following:
(A) The findings of the Weather Commission with
respect to the assessment conducted under paragraph (1)
of subsection (c).
(B) The findings of the Weather Commission with
respect to the public comments obtained under paragraph
(3) of such subsection
(C) Such recommendations as the Weather Commission
may have for legislative or administrative action.
(e) Exemption From FACA.--The Weather Commission shall not be
subject to the requirements of the Federal Advisory Committee Act (5
U.S.C. App.).
(f) Termination.--The Weather Commission shall terminate on the
date that is 4 years after the date of enactment of this Act.
(g) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be
appropriated to the Administrator to carry out this section $1,000,000
for the period of fiscal years 2015 through 2019.
SEC. 7. WEATHER IMPACTS TO COMMUNITIES AND INFRASTRUCTURE.
(a) Review.--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. The review should include research, products,
and services with the potential to improve modeling and forecasting
capabilities, by taking into account factors including varying building
heights, impermeable surfaces, such as paved roads and parking lots,
lack of tree canopy, traffic pollution, and inter-building wind
effects.
(b) Report.--Upon completion of the review under subsection (a),
the Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere shall submit
to Congress a report, based on the review, public comment, and recent
publications by the National Academy of Sciences, with a plan for how
any unmet research, modeling, and forecasting needs can be addressed
and improved for high density populations center end users.
SEC. 8. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE WEATHER FORECASTING ACTIVITIES.
Not later than 60 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the
Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
shall submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation
of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure 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--
(a) the impact on--
(1) the United States weather forecasting capabilities;
(2) the accuracy of civilian regional forecasts;
(3) the civilian readiness for traditional weather and
extreme weather events in the United States; and
(4) the research necessary to develop the United States
Weather Research and Forecasting Model; and
(b) such other analysis relating to the divestiture as the
Administrator considers appropriate.
SEC. 9. NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE; OPERATIONS AND WORKFORCE ANALYSIS.
The Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration shall contract or continue to partner with an external
organization to conduct a baseline analysis of the National Weather
Service operations and workforce.
SEC. 10. WATER RESOURCES.
(a) National Water Center.--
(1) Establishment.--The Administrator of the National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration shall maintain a
National Water Center.
(2) Functions.--The National Water Center may--
(A) facilitate collaboration across Federal and
State departments and agencies, academia, and the
private sector to improve understanding of water
resources;
(B) make recommendations to water resource
managers;
(C) make recommendations to improve water resource
forecasts; and
(D) facilitate the transition of water research
into applications.
(b) Total Water Prediction.--The Under Secretary of Commerce for
Oceans and Atmosphere, through the National Water Center, shall--
(1) initiate research and development activities to develop
operational water resource prediction products;
(2) collaborate with, and provide decision-support
regarding total water prediction to, other relevant Federal and
State agencies, including--
(A) Army Corps of Engineers;
(B) United States Geological Survey;
(C) Federal Emergency Management Agency;
(D) National Science Foundation;
(E) Environmental Protection Agency;
(F) State water resource agencies; and
(G) State emergency management agencies; and
(3) in carrying out the responsibilities described in
paragraphs (1) and (2), develop capabilities necessary for
total water predictive capacity, including observations,
modeling, data management, supercomputing, social science, and
communications.
(c) Report.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 3 years after the date of
enactment of this Act, the National Water Center shall submit
to the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works a report
on total water predictive capabilities and products.
(2) Contents.--The report may include recommendations to
improve engineering, design, operations, and management of
civil works projects, including the Central and Southern
Florida Project and any project in the Apalachicola-
Chattahoochee-Flint River System, to optimize water management,
including the implications of total water predictive products
for--
(A) environmental protection and restoration,
including restoration of water quality, water flows,
fish and other aquatic species;
(B) reduced flood risk; and
(C) improved recreation.
SEC. 11. HURRICANE FORECAST IMPROVEMENT PROJECT.
(a) In General.--The Administrator of the National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration, in collaboration with the American 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
enactment of this Act, the Administrator, acting through the Director
of the National Weather Service and in consultation with the Assistant
Administrator for Oceanic and Atmospheric Research and the Assistant
Administrator for the National Ocean 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).
Calendar No. 455
114th CONGRESS
2d Session
S. 1331
[Report No. 114-248]
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To help enhance commerce through improved seasonal forecasts, and for
other purposes.
_______________________________________________________________________
May 9, 2016
Reported with an amendment