Cooperative Observer Program (COOP) Network Modernization & Management Paradigm Analysis

Summary (Newest Update)

Background The Department of Commerce (DOC), through the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the National Weather Service (NWS), is conducting market research to assess the capabilities and commercial landscape for the modernization and operational support of the Cooperative Observer Program (COOP). This initiative aims to evaluate the feasibility, cost-effectiveness, and data continuity risks associated with integrating three management paradigms across approximately 6,700 surface observation sites. The COOP network has been operational since 1890 and relies on volunteer observers across various regions in the United States. Work Details The NWS is exploring solutions for modernizing its legacy observation sites with automated, low-power, commercially available All-in-One (AIO) weather stations and optional automated snow measurement sensors. The specific focus areas include: 1. **Government-Owned, Government-Operated (GO-GO)**: Hardware is federally procured and maintained by NWS personnel. 2. **Government-Owned, Contractor-Operated (GO-CO)**: Hardware is federally procured, but installation and maintenance are outsourced. 3. **Contractor-Owned, Contractor-Operated (CO-CO) / Data-as-a-Service (DaaS)**: NWS subscribes to data streams from commercial or state-level operators. Interested parties are requested to provide capability packages that address hardware solutions, DaaS capabilities, pricing structures, and contract structuring recommendations. Period of Performance The geographic location(s) the product will be delivered to or performed at. Place of Performance The services will be performed across approximately 6,700 distributed surface observation sites throughout all 50 states, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Pacific territories. Bidder Requirements Bidders must demonstrate compliance with NWS operational requirements for AIO weather stations and snow sensors. They should provide evidence of technical specifications that meet World Meteorological Organization (WMO) standards for observational accuracy. Additionally, bidders should indicate any active designations such as Small Business or Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business.