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DOT Audit Finds FAA Gaps in Security Controls for High-Impact Airspace Systems
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Federal Aviation Administration seal. A DOT audit found the FAA has not fully implemented baseline security controls for NAS.

A Department of Transportation audit has found the Federal Aviation Administration has not fully selected or implemented required baseline security controls for high-impact systems supporting the National Airspace System, leaving potential vulnerabilities unaddressed.

DOT Audit Finds FAA Gaps in Security Controls for High-Impact Airspace Systems

Be part of the Potomac Officers Club’s 2026 Cyber Summit on May 21. Register to explore critical cybersecurity challenges and build strategic partnerships with key public- and private-sector stakeholders.

What Did the DOT Audit Examine?

The DOT’s Office of Inspector General said Wednesday the review assessed whether FAA selected and applied mandated high-baseline security controls and whether it is addressing vulnerabilities tied to 45 high-impact systems. These systems play a central role in managing U.S. air traffic operations.

The audit follows earlier findings that the agency had reclassified dozens of systems as high-impact but did not consistently hold system owners accountable for correcting security weaknesses.

What Security Control Deficiencies Were Identified?

The audit revealed that 15 of the 45 high-impact systems reviewed are still using outdated National Institute of Standards and Technology, or NIST, Revision 4 standards rather than the current Revision 5 framework. Beyond outdated standards, the FAA has not fully implemented 1,836 required security controls across the identified systems. This figure represents approximately 11.3 percent of the 16,245 controls necessary to protect the high-impact baseline. Some systems also lacked baseline security measures, which the FAA attributed in part to technical challenges.

What Are the OIG’s Recommendations for Remediation?

The inspector general provided four specific recommendations to help the FAA address the risks stemming from incomplete implementation of required high-baseline security controls and unmitigated vulnerabilities across FAA’s 45 high-impact NAS systems. The recommendations, FedScoop said, include identifying and implementing updated security controls standards, strengthening system and control documentation, and enhancing vulnerability tracking.

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ODNI Transparency Report Reveals Increased FISA Activity in 2025
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Office of the Director of National Intelligence logo. ODNI issued the 13th Annual Intelligence Community Transparency Report

The Office of the Director of National Intelligence has released its 13th Annual Statistical Transparency Report detailing the intelligence community’s use of national security surveillance authorities in 2025.

The report, published April 1, provides statistics and context on the use of Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, National Security Letters and other authorities and outlines oversight measures designed to protect privacy and civil liberties.

ODNI Transparency Report Reveals Increased FISA Activity in 2025

Gain a better understanding of the challenges that the intelligence community is facing and how industry can support its mission at the Potomac Officers Club’s 2026 Intel Summit on Sept. 24. Leaders from intelligence agencies, including the CIA, will speak about modernization, the integration of advanced technologies into operations and other critical topics. Get your tickets today.

What Does the Report Reveal About FISA Section 702 Activity?

The report shows an increase in the number of FISA Section 702 targets, continuing trends observed in prior reports.

Meanwhile, the number of U.S. person query terms used by the National Security Agency, CIA and National Counterterrorism Center remained relatively stable. The FBI also recorded a slight increase in U.S. person queries compared with the prior year, though levels remained below historical figures due to strengthened policy controls and reforms.

ODNI noted that the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court issued three Section 702 orders during the reporting period, including approvals for renewal certifications and a new counternarcotics certification.

Why Did ODNI Release the Transparency Report?

The report is in compliance with the requirements of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978, which established judicial and congressional oversight of foreign intelligence surveillance while preserving the secrecy required to monitor national security threats.

Tulsi Gabbard, director of national intelligence and a 2026 Wash100 Award winner, also declassified the report to improve transparency and accountability and help the public better understand intelligence operations.

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A Comprehensive Guide to Federal CIOs (Part 2)
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Federal CIOs. In part two of our ongoing series, explore the backgrounds of top federal CIOs from agencies including FDA, HHS
  • Dive into part two of our ongoing series on federal CIOs and how they’re championing technology modernization in the federal government
  • Explore the backgrounds and accomplishments of top CIOs including Dawn Zimmer, a 2026 Wash100 awardee from the Department of Energy and Pavan Pidugu, another Wash100 winner from the Department of Transportation
  • Get actionable business intelligence at Potomac Officers Club’s 2026 Digital Transformation Summit on April 22, a CIO-focused conference featuring keynotes from major CIOs Dawn Zimmer and Pavan Pidugu!

Federal chief information officers play a pivotal role in shaping how the government serves the public in the digital age. From safeguarding sensitive data to modernizing outdated systems, their decisions directly impact national security and economic efficiency.

Federal CIOs set technology priorities, control IT budgets and influence procurement decisions. They shape where opportunities emerge by defining modernization strategies, cybersecurity standards and digital transformation goals. Better understanding CIO priorities can determine whether GovCons win contracts, stay competitive and deliver solutions that agencies need.

Why Are Federal CIOs Important?

Federal CIOs are important because their leadership and vision determine whether innovation in technology to better deliver services succeeds or fails. Understanding their influence is essential not just for policymakers and industry leaders, but for anyone who depends on secure and reliable government systems.

In part two of our series, we dig into the backgrounds of federal CIOs and learn how they’re embracing critical emerging technologies to help their agencies deliver services faster, cheaper and better.

Hear new IT business opportunities directly from top federal CIOs like these at the Potomac Officers Club’s 2026 Digital Transformation Summit on April 22! Hear directly from Kirsten Davies, Pentagon CIO and a 2026 Wash100 Award winner, on topics like zero trust expansion and software-centric warfare during her illuminating keynote address. Secure your seat today!

 

Who Are Leading Federal CIOs?

A Comprehensive Guide to Federal CIOs (Part 2)

Pavan Pidugu

Department of Transportation

Pavan Pidugu, a 2026 Wash100 Award winner, is radically transforming how technology is developed and delivered at the Department of Transportation. He’s leading an enterprise-wide IT modernization effort, prioritizing the creation of a OneDOT model for enterprise services including cloud, cybersecurity and data.

With Pidugu’s guidance, the Department of Transportation is adopting the Salesforce artificial intelligence agent Agentforce. It will provide 24/7 support to the public, deliver alerts and mitigation strategies for traffic incidents, and should help the department provide services more efficiently.

Pidugu will deliver a keynote address at the 2026 Digital Transformation Summit. Get your ticket now!

 

A Comprehensive Guide to Federal CIOs (Part 2)

Dawn Zimmer

Department of Energy

Dawn Zimmer, another 2026 Wash100 awardee, was named permanent DOE CIO in November of last year. She’s a 25-year technology professional with vast expertise in business partnerships, service delivery and strategic planning.

Zimmer spent much of her federal career at the Federal Aviation Administration, including as director of business partnership services in the first Trump administration. There she provided IT access to more than 50,000 users across the world, including the conversion of more than 60,000 email boxes to Microsoft Office 365 in under a month.

Zimmer spent five years at Virginia Tech as its executive director for IT experience and engagement from 2019 to 2024 before joining DOE. She’ll also deliver a fascinating keynote at the 2026 Digital Transformation Summit. Sign up today!

 

A Comprehensive Guide to Federal CIOs (Part 2)

Sridhar Mantha

Food and Drug Administration

Sridhar Mantha is championing expanded but responsible use of AI in the federal government. He’s encouraging the Office of Personnel Management to scale an FDA program called Champions where a team of 30 to 40 people evangelize AI to their respective departments to strengthen collaboration across federal agencies.

Mantha is also helping coordinate an FDA-wide rollout of AI capabilities that focus on improving usability, broadening document integration and curating outputs to center-specific requirements. He is relatively new to federal service, having spent most of his career in the pharmaceutical industry. Mantha was previously global head for quality information systems and group quality at Novartis from 2016 to 2020 before joining the FDA.

Are you a GovCon technology professional? Then you cannot miss the Potomac Officers Club’s 2026 Digital Transformation Summit on April 22. It’s curated just for you! Learn about modernizing infrastructure to support enterprise and workforce readiness for data-driven government at the Driving Digital Transformation and Responsible AI Across the Federal Enterprise panel discussion. Sign up now!

 

A Comprehensive Guide to Federal CIOs (Part 2)

Sam Corcos

Department of Treasury

Sam Corcos has an extensive background in technology startups. Before becoming the Department of Treasury’s CIO in May of last year, he spent nearly six years as co-founder and CEO of Levels. This is a health tech company that uses biosensors like continuous glucose monitors to provide users with real-time feedback of how diet and lifestyle choices impact metabolic health.

Corcos was also founder and chief technology officer at Sightline Maps, which built a system primarily marketed to the Pentagon to additively manufacture topographical maps. The firm worked with U.S. Special Operations Command under a cooperative research and development agreement to develop mapping technology.

 

A Comprehensive Guide to Federal CIOs (Part 2)

Paul McInerny

Department of the Interior

Paul McInerny is a former SpaceX official who spent nearly seven years with the company in two stints. He ended his first term there as director of avionics flight software from 2009 to 2011. McInerny returned to SpaceX in 2018 as principal software engineer before becoming senior manager for software automation tools from 2019 to 2020.

 

Clark Minor

Health and Human Services

Clark Minor has been at HHS since 2025, having spent his first seven months as its CTO. He is now the chief AI officer and CIO.

Minor spent nearly 13 years at Palantir, including a year as a software engineer from 2011 to 2012. Here he worked on the backend of the company’s Gotham platform, which features a targeting offering that supports soldiers with an AI-powered kill chain as part of an operating system for global decision-making.

Minor is leading an initiative to streamline the HHS CIO’s office around three core functions: strategic technology leadership and innovation, responsible and trustworthy AI, and enterprise governance and analytics. The goal is to work as a unified squad under Minor to deliver secure and scalable programs, and common services.

A Comprehensive Guide to Federal CIOs (Part 2)
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Chandra Donelson to Step Down as Space Force CDAO
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Chandra Donelson. The Space Force chief data and artificial intelligence officer announced plans to step down.

Chandra Donelson announced she will step down from her role as chief data and artificial intelligence officer at the U.S. Space Force after about two years overseeing data and AI initiatives for the service.

Chandra Donelson to Step Down as Space Force CDAO

As the Space Force navigates leadership changes, the broader defense community continues to convene around evolving priorities and mission needs. Sign up now for the 2026 Air and Space Summit to join experts for timely discussions on advancing capabilities across the air and space domains.

In a LinkedIn post published Friday, Donelson reflected on her selection for the role and her tenure supporting Space Force missions.

“To the CDAO community, I am confident you will continue to answer our Nation’s call and remain relentlessly obsessed with the warfighter,” she noted in her post. “Thank you for the opportunity of a lifetime.”

What Did Donelson Say About Space Force AI & Tech Efforts?

In her post, Donelson said her team has remained focused on supporting the warfighter, modernizing legacy systems, advancing AI-enabled capabilities and enhancing space domain awareness to enable decision advantage, adding that the mission remains critical.

Who Is Chandra Donelson?

Chandra Donelson is a data and AI leader who has contributed to initiatives across the defense sector.

In addition to her role as USSF CDAO, she also serves as director of data AI and software at the Space Force.

In 2024, she was named acting CDAO at the Department of the Air Force. In this capacity, she oversaw the development and implementation of departmentwide strategies for ethical and responsible AI, enterprise data management, digital transformation and analytics to drive innovation in support of DAF’s missions and operations.

She previously served as deputy chief data officer and open source intelligence data manager within the Department of the Army and data and analytics officer within U.S. Central Command. Earlier in her career, she served as an analyst at Air Combat Command, according to her LinkedIn profile.

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Commerce Dept Solicits Proposals for AI Exports Program
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Department of Commerce seal. The department is seeking proposals from U.S. companies under the American AI Exports Program.

The Department of Commerce has issued a call for proposals under the American AI Exports Program, inviting U.S. companies to form industry-led consortia and submit offers to deliver full-stack, U.S.-built artificial intelligence technologies to international partners.

Commerce Dept Solicits Proposals for AI Exports Program

The latest development in the American AI Exports Program comes as government and industry leaders prepare to discuss the future of emerging technologies at upcoming forums. Register now for the 2026 Digital Transformation Summit and join experts as they explore AI adoption in mission-critical environments, enterprise IT modernization, cyber and other federal technology priorities. 

Commerce said Wednesday proposals for full-stack AI export packages are due June 30.

The department first announced the call for proposals in mid-March.

What Is the American AI Exports Program?

The American AI Exports Program aims to expand the global reach of U.S. AI technologies. Launched in October, the program aligns with the White House’s AI Action Plan, which outlines more than 90 federal policy actions focused on accelerating innovation, expanding AI infrastructure and strengthening U.S. leadership in international AI diplomacy and security.

What Are the Required AI Stack Components?

Commerce said proposals must include integrated AI packages that cover multiple layers of the technology stack: AI-optimized hardware; data pipelines and labeling systems; AI models and systems; security and cybersecurity measures for AI systems; and sector-specific or functional AI applications.

Applicants must also provide a consortium overview, target markets, package description, business and operational model, requested federal support and a statement describing how the proposal advances U.S. national interests.

The department will review proposals on a rolling basis. After an initial completeness review, submissions will undergo interagency evaluation in consultation with the departments of War, State and Energy, as well as the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy.

Selected consortia will receive formal designation and guidance on next steps. Designated offerings may receive federal support such as government-to-government advocacy, promotion through official activities, export control engagement and access to financing tools.

What Did Federal Officials Say About the American AI Exports Program?

Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick said the program supports the deployment of American AI systems built on trusted hardware, secure data and U.S. innovation at global scale.

“By fueling this next phase of the AI Exports Program, we will unlock global markets and opportunities for U.S. companies and workers while cementing America’s position as the indispensable engine of secure, cutting-edge AI with our partners and allies,” said Michael Kratsios, assistant to the president, director of OSTP and a two-time Wash100 awardee.

Under Secretary of Commerce for International Trade William Kimmitt said the program invites industry to lead the delivery of secure, scalable AI systems abroad and reflects a coordinated effort to expand exports of the American AI technology stack and support U.S. jobs.

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War Department’s DIB Cybersecurity Program Seeking New Industry Partners to Strengthen Defense Supply Chain Security
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Department of War logo. DOW has announced that the Cyber Crime Center's Cybersecurity Program is open to new members

The Department of War’s Cyber Crime Center, or DC3, is expanding its Defense Industrial Base Cybersecurity Program to enhance protection of critical supply chains.

DC3 said the program is welcoming new partners as part of efforts to enhance collaboration between government and industry in response to increasingly sophisticated cyber threats.

War Department's DIB Cybersecurity Program Seeking New Industry Partners to Strengthen Defense Supply Chain Security

Join defense leaders, including DOW cyber policy leader Katherine Sutton, at the Potomac Officers Club’s 2026 Cyber Summit on May 21 to discuss growing cyberthreats targeting American systems and data. The event will also feature insightful panel discussions on some of the nation’s most pressing cybersecurity challenges and networking opportunities with industry innovators. Tickets are available here.

How Does the DIB Cybersecurity Program Support Industry Partners?

Founded in 2008, the DIB Cybersecurity Program operates through the Defense Industrial Base Collaborative Information Sharing Environment. Members get access to cyberthreat intelligence reporting, malware analysis and cybersecurity-as-a-service capabilities.

The program also provides specialized analytics, 24/7 incident reporting and analysis support, and opportunities to collaborate with a network of more than 1,200 industry partners.

“We are thrilled to open our doors to new partners and expand this critical shield for our nation’s defense. This is about building a stronger, more resilient defense ecosystem,” stated Terrance Kalka, director of the DC3 DCISE. “We join forces with industry to defend sensitive information and actively counter the adversaries threatening our national security. We are eager to welcome new members to the team.”

Participation is open to active contractors and subcontractors that handle controlled unclassified information.

What Is DC3?

DOW’s Cyber Crimes Center, or DC3, provides digital forensics, cyber analytics, technology development and cyber training services to support national security missions. In addition to managing the DIB Cybersecurity Program, the center oversees the Defense Industrial Base Vulnerability Disclosure Program, or DIB-VDP.

Launched in 2024, DIB-VDP allows participating companies to voluntarily subject their systems to vulnerability assessments and ethical researcher analysis. The program aims to improve the security of internet-facing systems and identify vulnerabilities across the DIB.

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FTC to Modernize IT Capabilities Through AI/ML, Predictive Analytics Under New Strategic Plan
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Federal Trade Commission logo. The FTC detailed its plan to modernize IT systems

The Federal Trade Commission has unveiled plans to modernize its IT capabilities in a new strategic plan.

Issued Friday, the 23-page document sets the agency’s mission, vision, goals and performance metrics over the next five years.

FTC to Modernize IT Capabilities Through AI/ML, Predictive Analytics Under New Strategic Plan

FTC is not the only agency implementing artificial intelligence and automation tools to enhance operational efficiency and accelerate mission delivery. At the Potomac Officers Club’s 2026 Digital Transformation Summit on April 22, hear from Pentagon, CBP and Transportation Department officials as they discuss how their respective agencies are modernizing legacy systems and business processes. Industry experts will also be present to share plans about next-generation evolutions in AI, cyber, user experience and enterprise IT. Tickets are still available here. 

How Does the Strategic Plan Address FTC Modernization?

Modernization is a key component of the agency’s goal to achieve operational excellence and efficiency. According to the plan, mission success relies on the agency’s ability to manage the growing volume of information staff receive and generate.

To improve the agency’s handling of critical information, the FTC will adopt artificial intelligence, machine learning and predictive analytics to transform its business processes. The agency also said it intends to eliminate outdated systems and utilize cloud-based capabilities “to the maximum extent feasible” to meet modern technology requirements.

The FTC already secured a $14.6 million grant from the Technology Modernization Fund in 2025 to enhance its data processing and investigative capabilities. The grant supports the development of an AI-powered, cloud-based platform designed to rapidly analyze data and detect fraud.  

Additionally, the FTC said in its strategic plan that it will implement secure authentication practices, a zero-trust security architecture, and continuous monitoring of systems, services and user behavior to protect critical information and systems from cyberattacks and data loss.

What Other Priorities Are Included in the FTC Strategic Plan?

Beyond modernization, the plan identifies actions that the agency must take to enhance consumer protection and competition enforcement.

The FTC said it will continue identifying, investigating and taking action against unfair or deceptive business practices. The agency will also expand efforts to provide consumers and businesses with guidance, tools and resources to mitigate fraud, identity theft and unlawful telemarketing.

The plan also highlights the FTC’s role in promoting fair competition by enforcing antitrust laws, challenging anticompetitive mergers, and conducting research and advocacy to support open markets. The agency said it will work with domestic and international partners to address competition issues and strengthen enforcement efforts.

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GDLS, Textron Awarded Second Marine Corps ARV Prototyping Contracts
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US Marine Corps seal. Marine Corps advanced the ARV program with new prototyping awards to GDLS and Textron.

The U.S. Marine Corps has awarded General Dynamics Land Systems and Textron Systems other transaction agreements for the second rapid prototyping phase of the Advanced Reconnaissance Vehicle program, moving the program into pre-production development as the service works to field a next-generation replacement for its aging light armored fleet.

GDLS, Textron Awarded Second Marine Corps ARV Prototyping Contracts

Navy leaders, defense officials and industry executives will discuss emerging technologies, modernization priorities and the future of naval operations at the Potomac Officers Club’s 2026 Navy Summit on Aug. 27. Register now.

The new awards require the companies to design and deliver multiple ARV variants, including command and control configurations for unmanned aerial systems integration, a 30 mm autocannon platform, and a logistics vehicle, the Marine Corps said Thursday.

What Does the Next Phase of ARV Prototyping Involve?

Under the second rapid prototyping phase, GDLS and Textron will build pre-production vehicles to support further testing and evaluation of the Marine Corps’ requirements for mobility, lethality and networked operations.

The effort builds on earlier prototyping work, including recent swim tests conducted at Camp Pendleton that assessed amphibious performance and informed design refinements ahead of this next stage.

The Marine Corps expects the companies to produce multiple prototypes over a multi-year period, with vehicle deliveries anticipated in fiscal year 2028 and a production decision planned for FY 2031.

How Does the ARV Fit Into Marine Corps Modernization Plans?

The ARV is intended to replace the decades-old Light Armored Vehicle and serve as a core platform for mobile reconnaissance under the service’s Force Design initiative.

Unlike legacy systems, the ARV is being developed as a multi-domain platform capable of integrating sensors, communications systems and lethal capabilities to support manned-unmanned teaming operations.

Col. Chris Stephenson, program manager for Light Armored Vehicles, said future Marine units will need systems that could outpace adversaries in the information domain to shape the battlespace and enable precision fires in contested environments.

What Capabilities Are Being Evaluated Across ARV Variants?

The ARV family is designed to be lighter and more deployable than the Amphibious Combat Vehicle-30. The ARV-30 variant, which was the subject of the swim tests at Camp Pendleton, is expected to provide enhanced firepower compared to LAV-25, featuring a 30mm medium-caliber cannon, anti-armor capabilities, and modern command and control systems.

Textron’s Cottonmouth prototype and GDLS’ ARV-30 design both incorporate modular architectures to support future technology integration, including autonomy and advanced sensor packages.

According to Textron, its ARV-C4UAS configuration is being designed to function as a central node on the battlefield, integrating intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance systems with unmanned platforms to support distributed operations. Its 30mm variant provides dedicated direct-fire support and anti-armor lethality, while its LOG variant is engineered for frontline resupply and logistical sustainment.

How Is the Marine Corps Accelerating Acquisition?

The ARV program is the first major Marine Corps effort to leverage new acquisition reform authorities that emphasize speed and flexibility. Program officials are using stand-alone OTAs alongside traditional acquisition protections to maintain competition while accelerating development timelines, said Maryann Lawson, the ARV program’s product lead.

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DOL, NSF Partner on AI-Ready Workforce Initiative
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Department of Labor seal. DOL and NSF signed an agreement to advance AI workforce development.

The Department of Labor and the National Science Foundation have formalized a partnership to advance artificial intelligence workforce development, aligning federal efforts behind a new national initiative aimed at expanding AI skills, training access and economic readiness.

DOL, NSF Partner on AI-Ready Workforce Initiative

Register now for the Potomac Officers Club’s 2026 Digital Transformation Summit on April 22, where federal and industry leaders will discuss developments in AI, cybersecurity, enterprise IT and user experience, with a focus on collaboration and strategies to support evolving mission needs.

What Does the DOL-NSF Partnership Aim to Achieve?

The Labor Department said Thursday it signed a memorandum of understanding with NSF to collaborate on AI literacy programs, workforce training pathways and research to assess how AI is reshaping labor markets, job requirements and economic outcomes.

Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer noted that the initiative aims to equip workers with the necessary skills for an AI-driven economy, while Deputy Secretary Keith Sonderling stressed the importance of aligning regional AI strategies with existing workforce and education systems

How Does TechAccess Fit Into the Federal AI Workforce Strategy?

The partnership supports the TechAccess: AI-Ready America initiative, a national program led by NSF to accelerate AI adoption and readiness across states, industries and communities.

The initiative is designed to expand access to AI knowledge, tools and hands-on training not only for students, but also for businesses, public sector organizations and workers. It emphasizes practical implementation through workforce upskilling, apprenticeships and project-based learning to drive real-world adoption.

Brian Stone, performing the duties of NSF director, said the collaboration reflects a government-wide effort to prepare workers and businesses for opportunities created by AI.

What Role Will State Coordination Hubs Play?

A central component of TechAccess is the planned creation of up to 56 state and territory coordination hubs, backed by up to $224 million in funding to drive localized AI readiness efforts.

These hubs will serve as convening centers to connect education systems, workforce programs, industry and government partners, helping scale AI adoption strategies and align training with regional economic needs. They are expected to support AI training pathways, facilitate deployment assistance for businesses and public organizations, and coordinate sector-specific initiatives in areas such as manufacturing, agriculture and healthcare.

The Labor Department will link these hubs to existing workforce infrastructure, including American Job Centers and registered apprenticeship programs.

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NOAA Seeks Proposals for Commercial Microwave Sounder Data Under CDP Program
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NOAA logo. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration issued an RFP for a commercial microwave sounder data buy.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has released a request for proposals for a commercial microwave sounder data buy under its Commercial Data Purchase program.

What Is NOAA Requesting From Industry?

NOAA said Wednesday it is seeking commercially available passive microwave sounder products to support the generation of atmospheric temperature and moisture profiles. The data will be used to enhance land, hydrology and precipitation products for operational weather models and applications. Interested vendors can submit their proposals until April 22.

This latest solicitation follows previous MWS data contracts awarded to Tomorrow.io and Orbital Micro Systems for the agency’s latest Commercial Weather Data Pilot studies.

How Will NOAA Use the Data?

NOAA plans to assess the quality and operational impact of microwave sounder data on its forecasting systems, including models used for tropical cyclone prediction. The agency said successful demonstrations may lead to ongoing procurement of similar datasets to complement government-owned observation systems.

What Is the Role of the CDP Program?

The Commercial Data Purchase program, managed by NOAA’s National Environmental Satellite, Data and Information Services, focuses on acquiring space-based observational data to enhance weather forecasts. It includes pilot projects to test data utility and procurement activities that support operational forecasting.

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