NOAA (National Oceanic And Atmospheric Administration)

What is NOAA (National Oceanic And Atmospheric Administration)?

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is a scientific agency within the United States Department of Commerce. For government contractors, NOAA represents a significant source of opportunities related to environmental monitoring, weather forecasting, fisheries management, and ocean exploration. Understanding NOAA's mission and requirements is crucial for contractors seeking to provide relevant services and products.

Definition

NOAA focuses on the condition of the oceans and the atmosphere. Its activities range from daily weather forecasts to severe storm warnings, fisheries management, coastal restoration, and supporting marine commerce. NOAA's work is authorized under various statutes, including the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, and the Clean Air Act. As a significant federal agency, NOAA procures a wide range of services and products. These include: environmental consulting, IT solutions, research and development, construction for facilities like research labs and weather stations, equipment for ocean and atmospheric monitoring, data analysis services, and vessels for oceanographic research. Contractors must comply with the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and NOAA-specific regulations.

Key Points

• Mission Focus: NOAA’s core mission impacts contracting needs. Solicitations typically align with weather, oceans, climate, and coastal ecosystem health.
• Funding & Budget: NOAA's budget dictates the volume and nature of contracts available. Contractors should track budget appropriations and spending trends.
• Environmental Compliance: Contractors supporting NOAA operations must adhere to stringent environmental regulations, including NEPA and other relevant statutes.
• Data Management: Many NOAA contracts involve collecting, processing, and analyzing environmental data. Understanding NOAA's data standards and security requirements is paramount.

Practical Examples

1. Environmental Monitoring Services: A small business provides water quality testing and analysis services for NOAA's coastal restoration projects. The contractor must adhere to EPA-approved testing methods and data reporting standards.
2. Development of Weather Forecasting Models: A large defense contractor develops and maintains complex weather forecasting models used by the National Weather Service. The project requires expertise in advanced computing, atmospheric science, and data visualization.
3. Construction of a Research Vessel: A shipbuilding company wins a contract to build a new research vessel for NOAA's ocean exploration program. The vessel must meet specific scientific requirements and adhere to maritime safety regulations.