On June 18, 2026, NOAA awarded two Commercial Data Program (CDP) contracts to procure passive Microwave Sounder (MWS) data, complete the transition to operations, as well as assess the quality and impact of commercial MWS data on NOAA forecast models and tropical cyclone forecasting.
The two contracts awarded under this Microwave Sounder Data Buy include:
- $7,299,000 to The Tomorrow Companies Inc. (Tomorrow.io) of Boston, MA, with a period of performance of July 1, 2026 to March 1, 2027.
- $2,700,000 to Orbital Micro Systems Inc. DBA Weather Stream of Boulder, CO, with a period of performance of Oct 1, 2026 to Sept 30, 2027.
This data buy incorporates lessons learned from the previous CDP Microwave Sounder Data Pilot and focuses on forecasting impact assessments, operational readiness, and preparation for potential transition-to-operations. Successful studies are intended to lead to sustained commercial data purchases to enhance the government backbone supporting NOAA’s operational forecasts.
NESDIS’s authority to manage CDP is pursuant to the Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation Act of 2017, and the Promoting Research and Observations of Space Weather to Improve the Forecasting of Tomorrow Act. These statutes direct NOAA to assess, utilize, and where appropriate, procure commercial weather and space weather data to enhance forecasting capabilities. Appropriated funds specified for the Commercial Data Program were used to undertake this work.
The Commercial Data Program (CDP) assesses and acquires space-based observational weather data from the private sector to improve NOAA’s weather forecasts and explore ways to meet mission requirements more efficiently.