NOAA_NESDIS Fire Request for Information (RFI) - Govt Response Letter.pdf

Government Response: NOAA Fire Weather Request for Information October 31, 2024

On behalf of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service (NESDIS), I want to extend our sincere thanks for your submission to the Fire Request for Information (RFI). Your insights are crucial as we work to formulate NOAA’s fire program, leveraging a range of advanced data and systems to better detect, monitor, and respond to wildfires.

Through the RFI process, we have received a diverse array of innovative industry concepts and support models, underscoring the dynamic nature of this operational space. These proposals reflect creative approaches to enhancing fire monitoring and response, offering valuable insights as we explore the alternatives for the potential implementation. While some of these concepts are forward-looking, they are already helping NOAA clarify concepts of operations (ConOps) and inform the potential of our evolving fire program.

As NOAA/NESDIS continues to plan and design next-generation systems and architectures, including satellite-based tools and complementary technologies, the input provided by industry is instrumental. Your contributions are guiding us in determining the capabilities essential for addressing wildfire threats while also refining our operational frameworks. This collaboration ensures that we remain adaptable and prepared as we develop more effective tools for all phases of the wildfire lifecycle.

Looking ahead, we recognize that sustained funding and dedicated program resources will be essential to the long-term success of this initiative and decisive in how the program evolves. It’s important to note that the pace of progress and the form this program takes will depend on various factors, including resource availability, evolving user needs, and the broader policy environment, both within and beyond NOAA. We are also working to align protocols across NESDIS, the Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research (OAR), and the National Weather Service (NWS) for fire detection, modeling, dissemination, and program prioritization, ensuring that our fire-related products and services are fully optimized for operational use.

We are committed to working closely with industry throughout this process, and the innovative concepts shared through the RFI signal a collaborative future. Together, we can address critical public needs in wildfire detection, response, and environmental monitoring. Your contributions and feedback will continue to play a key role in this progress as we shape a fire program that is adaptable, innovative, and resilient.

We deeply value your engagement through this RFI process and look forward to further opportunities for collaboration as NOAA fire weather mission services advance.