Developing a Next-Generation 3D Oil Spill Model to Better Serve MMA's Mission

The Department of the Interior is seeking to develop a next-generation 3D oil spill model to improve risk assessment and decision-making regarding oil and gas lease sales in the Outer Continental Shelf. The project aims to replace the current Oil Spill Risk Analysis model, which is hindered by slow implementation times and a lack of comprehensive oil spill dynamics and public visualization tools. By adapting the open-source OpenDrift model, the agency intends to create a more transparent, efficient, and legally defensible system for calculating oil spill metrics used in environmental assessments. A primary objective of this initiative is the creation of a public-facing interface to enhance the understanding and visualization of model results. This forecast, categorized under NAICS code 541715, identifies the place of performance in Sterling and is managed by the Department of the Interior. The project represents a shift toward utilizing state-of-the-art, community-based modeling to better serve the mission of the MMA.