NOAA (Access National Oceanic And Atmospheric Administration Applied Computing And Community Engagement Support Services)

What is NOAA (Access National Oceanic And Atmospheric Administration Applied Computing And Community Engagement Support Services)?

NOAA ACCESS is a program and set of requirements reflecting the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's needs for applied computing and community engagement. It represents a broad range of contracted services supporting NOAA's mission to understand and predict changes in climate, weather, ocean, and coasts; to share that knowledge and information with others; and to conserve and manage coastal and marine ecosystems and resources.

Definition

NOAA ACCESS encompasses a portfolio of contracts, task orders, and agreements designed to provide NOAA with the necessary support services to fulfill its mandate. These services can range from high-performance computing and data management to public education and community outreach programs. It's critical for government contractors to understand the specific requirements of each individual solicitation issued under the broader NOAA ACCESS umbrella. These requirements are detailed in the solicitation documents, outlining technical specifications, performance standards, and reporting obligations.

NOAA's reliance on contractors through programs such as ACCESS reflects the agency's need for specialized skills and resources not always available in-house. By outsourcing these functions, NOAA can leverage the expertise of the private sector to advance its scientific research, operational capabilities, and public service mission. Government contractors seeking to work with NOAA should closely monitor opportunities advertised through SAM.gov and other government procurement channels.

Key Points

• Computing Support: This encompasses a wide array of IT services, including software development, database management, and high-performance computing infrastructure.
• Community Engagement: Contractors assist NOAA in engaging with the public, stakeholders, and communities through outreach programs, educational initiatives, and citizen science projects.
• Data Management: NOAA generates vast amounts of data, and contractors play a key role in data collection, analysis, storage, and dissemination.
• Compliance: NOAA contractors must adhere to strict compliance standards regarding data security, privacy, and environmental regulations.

Practical Examples

1. Weather Modeling Support: A contractor provides high-performance computing resources and expertise to support NOAA's weather forecasting models. They ensure the models run efficiently and accurately, enabling timely warnings and predictions.
2. Coastal Resilience Planning: A consulting firm assists a coastal community in developing a resilience plan to mitigate the impacts of climate change and sea-level rise. This involves conducting risk assessments, identifying adaptation strategies, and engaging with local stakeholders.
3. Fisheries Data Analysis: A contractor analyzes fisheries data to assess fish populations, monitor fishing activities, and inform management decisions. This data helps NOAA manage fisheries sustainably and protect marine ecosystems.