83 FR 39428 - Notice of Availability of a Request for Information: Expressions of Interest in Conducting Collaborative Research and Development on Innovative Approaches for Exploiting Environmental Data

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 154 (August 9, 2018)

Page Range		39428-39429
FR Document		2018-17054

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is seeking expression of interest from private firms interested in entering into a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) with NOAA to conduct collaborative research and development (R&D) on new and innovative approaches that could lead to new and better ways of processing, exploiting and disseminating space-based Earth and space weather observations from NOAA developed and deployed satellites, with a wide range of applications, societal and economic benefits.

Federal Register, Volume 83 Issue 154 (Thursday, August 9, 2018)

[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 154 (Thursday, August 9, 2018)]
[Notices]
[Pages 39428-39429]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2018-17054]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

RIN 0648-XG376


Notice of Availability of a Request for Information: Expressions 
of Interest in Conducting Collaborative Research and Development on 
Innovative Approaches for Exploiting Environmental Data

AGENCY: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), 
Commerce.

ACTION: Notice of availability; request for information.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is 
seeking expression of interest from private firms interested in 
entering into a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) 
with NOAA to conduct collaborative research and development (R&D) on 
new and innovative approaches that could lead to new and better ways of 
processing, exploiting and disseminating space-based Earth and space 
weather observations from NOAA developed and deployed satellites, with 
a wide range of applications, societal and economic benefits.

DATES: Comments must be received by 5 p.m. on September 24, 2018. Any 
questions pertaining to this Request for Information must be submitted 
no later than August 24, 2018.

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments on this document by the following 
method:
    Email: [email protected]. Please include the subject heading of 
``Response to Collaborative R&D RFI''. Attachments to electronic 
comments will be accepted in Microsoft Word or Excel, or Adobe PDF 
formats only.
    Instructions: Comments sent by any other method, to any other 
address or individual, or received after the end of the comment period, 
may not be considered by NOAA. Comments containing references, studies, 
research, and other empirical data that are not widely published should 
include copies or electronic links of the referenced materials. 
Comments that contain profanity, vulgarity, threats, or other 
inappropriate language will not be considered.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Derek Parks, Technology Transfer 
Program Manager, Technology Partnerships Office, U.S. Department of 
Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Office of

[[Page 39429]]

Oceanic and Atmospheric Research, Room 2617, 1305 East West Hwy, Bldg. 
SSMC4, Silver Spring, MD 20910-3278. (Phone: 301-628-1010, email: 
[email protected]).

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration (NOAA) is seeking expression of interest from private 
firms interested in entering into a Cooperative Research and 
Development Agreement (CRADA) with NOAA to conduct collaborative 
research and development (R&D) on new and innovative approaches that 
could lead to new and better ways of processing, exploiting and 
disseminating space-based Earth and space weather observations from 
NOAA developed and deployed satellites, with a wide range of 
applications, societal and economic benefits.
    The initial period of performance for this CRADA is expected to be 
from fiscal year 2019 through fiscal year 2021 (three years), with 
extensions possible if all parties agree.
    This notice does not constitute an Invitation for Bid or Request 
for Proposal and is not to be construed as a commitment by the 
Government. No contracts will be awarded as a result of this notice. No 
reimbursement will be made for any costs associated with providing 
information in response to this notice or for any follow-up requests 
for information. NOAA may contact respondents for clarification and 
discussion of the submitted responses.

Synopsis

    NOAA wishes to conduct collaborative R&D with one or more private 
firms or non-government groups on new techniques to be used, new 
products to be generated, enhancement of the use of satellite data in 
existing or new applications, and exploring potential new services that 
will enhance the value and enable wider use of data obtained from 
NOAA's space-based assets. General areas of R&D interest include, but 
are not limited to, exploring creating new products and eliciting new 
information for geophysical applications benefiting citizens, 
communities, local, state and federal governments and the private 
sector, and the use of new numerical approaches such as machine 
learning and artificial intelligence (AI) to maximize the information 
gathered from satellite observations. Some potential R&D topics on 
specific uses of data could include: (1) Atmospheric composition for 
air quality, and visibility applications, (2) atmospheric data for 
measuring instability and therefore severe weather and turbulence 
applications, (3) ocean and coastal data for ecosystems, severe 
weather, inundation, and water quality management, (4) land data for 
multiple applications such as wildfires, agriculture, droughts, 
flooding, urban planning, etc., (5) information delivery systems for 
extreme environmental conditions, (6) satellite-based data of volcanic 
ash for aviation safety and societal applications, (7) day-night band 
for new applications such as detection of fires, population migration, 
etc., (8) satellite data for renewable energy availability, (9) space-
based data for measuring economic vulnerability (to space weather, to 
drought, etc.), (10) compositing multiple geophysical data sets to 
generate user-ready decision-making products for different economic 
sectors (insurance, health, transportation, tourism, education, energy, 
agriculture, etc.), and (11) cloud information for better 
characterizing the state of the atmosphere in all sky situations for 
use as initial conditions in numerical model forecasts.

Documentation of Interest

    Responders may document their interest in entering into a CRADA 
with a comment to Derek Parks, Technology Transfer Program Manager. See 
contact information above in ADDRESSES. Responders must include, in 
writing, detailed information regarding their technical qualifications, 
the company name, address, point of contact, telephone number, and 
business size. Information submitted should be pertinent and specific 
in the technical areas described above under consideration. Any other 
specific and pertinent information as pertains to this particular 
undertaking that would enhance the information submitted will be 
considered by the agency.
    Additional information requested:
     (A) Institution's name, address, point of contact, phone number 
and email address.
     (B) If a business, include the firm's DUNS number and Cage Code as 
provided under the SAM system.
     (C) If a business, then state the firm's SBA certified small 
business concern status or other socioeconomic status. Specifically 
identify if your firm is HUBZone-certified, Service Disabled Veteran 
Owned, Women Owned, or in the SBA's 8(a) program. If your institution 
is not a small business, please state that it is a large business, 
FFRDC, university, UARC, or other.
     (D) Institution's previous work experience that is similar to that 
described above.
     (E) Any other pertinent documentation or information.
     (F) Responses should be no more than 10 pages.
    All information submitted in response to this notice is voluntary; 
the United States Government will not pay for information requested nor 
will it compensate any respondent for any cost incurred in developing 
information provided to the United States Government. No hard copy 
submittals will be accepted or considered. All responses to this 
Request for Information shall be submitted only via email to 
[email protected] (see ADDRESSES).

    Dated: August 2, 2018.
Sid Boukabara,
Senior Scientist for Strategic Initiatives, Center for Satellite 
Applications and Research, NOAA Satellite and Information Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-17054 Filed 8-8-18; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-HR-P

39428 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 154 / Thursday, August 9, 2018 / Notices

Endangered Species Act (ESA) comment on the potential for renewal of DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
Section 7(a)(2) of the Endangered this proposed IHA as described in the
paragraph below. Please include with National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Species Act of 1973 (ESA: 16 U.S.C.
your comments any supporting data or Administration
1531 et seq.) requires that each Federal
agency insure that any action it literature citations to help inform our RIN 0648–XG376
authorizes, funds, or carries out is not final decision on the request for MMPA
likely to jeopardize the continued authorization. Notice of Availability of a Request for
existence of any endangered or On a case-by-case basis, NMFS may Information: Expressions of Interest in
threatened species or result in the Conducting Collaborative Research
issue a second one-year IHA without
destruction or adverse modification of and Development on Innovative
additional notice when (1) another year
designated critical habitat. To ensure Approaches for Exploiting
of identical or nearly identical activities
ESA compliance for the issuance of Environmental Data
as described in the Specified Activities
IHAs, NMFS consults internally section is planned or (2) the activities AGENCY: National Oceanic and
whenever we propose to authorize take would not be completed by the time the Atmospheric Administration (NOAA),
for endangered or threatened species. Commerce.
IHA expires and a second IHA would
In order to comply with the ESA,
allow for completion of the activities ACTION: Notice of availability; request
NMFS Alaska Regional Office (AKR)
beyond that described in the Dates and for information.
Protected Resources Division issued a
Biological Opinion on March 21, 2017 Duration section, provided all of the
SUMMARY: The National Oceanic and
under section 7 of the ESA, on the following conditions are met:
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is
issuance of an IHA to ADOT&PF under • A request for renewal is received no seeking expression of interest from
section 101(a)(5)(D) of the MMPA. This later than 60 days prior to expiration of private firms interested in entering into
consultation concluded that the project the current IHA; a Cooperative Research and
was likely to adversely affect but • The request for renewal must Development Agreement (CRADA) with
unlikely to jeopardize the continued include the following: NOAA to conduct collaborative research
existence of the threatened Mexico DPS and development (R&D) on new and
of humpback whale (Megaptera (1) An explanation that the activities innovative approaches that could lead
novaeangliae) or the endangered to be conducted beyond the initial dates to new and better ways of processing,
western DPS of Steller sea lion either are identical to the previously exploiting and disseminating space-
(Eumatopias jubatus), or adversely analyzed activities or include changes based Earth and space weather
modify designated critical habitat for so minor (e.g., reduction in pile size) observations from NOAA developed and
Steller sea lions. In a memo dated June that the changes do not affect the deployed satellites, with a wide range of
13, 2018, NMFS AKR concluded that re- previous analyses, take estimates, or applications, societal and economic
initiation of section 7 consultation is not mitigation and monitoring benefits.
necessary for the issuance of the requirements; and DATES: Comments must be received by
proposed 2018–2019 IHA. The only (2) A preliminary monitoring report 5 p.m. on September 24, 2018. Any
modification to the project is a time showing the results of the required questions pertaining to this Request for
shift of one year. No additional take has
monitoring to date and an explanation Information must be submitted no later
been requested by ADOT&PF or is
showing that the monitoring results do than August 24, 2018.
proposed for authorization by NMFS.
All mitigation measures described in the not indicate impacts of a scale or nature ADDRESSES: You may submit comments
Biological Opinion would be not previously analyzed or authorized; on this document by the following
implemented to reduce harassment of and method:
marine mammals and document take of • Upon review of the request for Email: Derek.parks@noaa.gov. Please
marine mammals. For these reasons, we renewal, the status of the affected include the subject heading of
anticipate no new or changed effects of ‘‘Response to Collaborative R&D RFI’’.
species or stocks, and any other
the action beyond what was considered Attachments to electronic comments
pertinent information, NMFS
in the 2017 Biological Opinion. will be accepted in Microsoft Word or
determines that there are no more than
Excel, or Adobe PDF formats only.
Proposed Authorization and Request minor changes in the activities, the Instructions: Comments sent by any
for Public Comments mitigation and monitoring measures other method, to any other address or
remain the same and appropriate, and individual, or received after the end of
As a result of these determinations, the original findings remain valid.
NMFS proposes to issue an IHA to the comment period, may not be
ADOT&PF for the Gustavus Ferry Dated: August 3, 2018. considered by NOAA. Comments
Terminal Improvements project in Donna S. Wieting, containing references, studies, research,
Gustavus, AK from December 15, 2018 and other empirical data that are not
Director, Office of Protected Resources,
through December 14, 2019, provided National Marine Fisheries Service.
widely published should include copies
the previously described mitigation, or electronic links of the referenced
[FR Doc. 2018–16993 Filed 8–8–18; 8:45 am]
monitoring, and reporting requirements materials. Comments that contain
BILLING CODE 3510–22–P profanity, vulgarity, threats, or other
from the 2017–2018 IHA are
incorporated. We request comment on inappropriate language will not be
sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with NOTICES

our analyses and the proposed issuance considered.
of the IHA which would be identical to FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
the previous IHA (https:// Derek Parks, Technology Transfer
www.fisheries.noaa.gov/action/ Program Manager, Technology
incidental-take-authorization-alaska- Partnerships Office, U.S. Department of
dot-gustavus-ferry-terminal- Commerce, National Oceanic and
improvement-project). We also request Atmospheric Administration, Office of

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Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 154 / Thursday, August 9, 2018 / Notices 39429

Oceanic and Atmospheric Research, applications, (3) ocean and coastal data (F) Responses should be no more than
Room 2617, 1305 East West Hwy, Bldg. for ecosystems, severe weather, 10 pages.
SSMC4, Silver Spring, MD 20910–3278. inundation, and water quality All information submitted in response
(Phone: 301–628–1010, email: management, (4) land data for multiple to this notice is voluntary; the United
derek.parks@noaa.gov). applications such as wildfires, States Government will not pay for
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The agriculture, droughts, flooding, urban information requested nor will it
National Oceanic and Atmospheric planning, etc., (5) information delivery compensate any respondent for any cost
Administration (NOAA) is seeking systems for extreme environmental incurred in developing information
expression of interest from private firms conditions, (6) satellite-based data of provided to the United States
interested in entering into a Cooperative volcanic ash for aviation safety and Government. No hard copy submittals
Research and Development Agreement societal applications, (7) day-night band will be accepted or considered. All
(CRADA) with NOAA to conduct for new applications such as detection responses to this Request for
collaborative research and development of fires, population migration, etc., (8) Information shall be submitted only via
(R&D) on new and innovative satellite data for renewable energy email to derek.parks@noaa.gov (see
approaches that could lead to new and availability, (9) space-based data for ADDRESSES).
better ways of processing, exploiting measuring economic vulnerability (to Dated: August 2, 2018.
and disseminating space-based Earth space weather, to drought, etc.), (10)
Sid Boukabara,
and space weather observations from compositing multiple geophysical data
sets to generate user-ready decision- Senior Scientist for Strategic Initiatives,
NOAA developed and deployed Center for Satellite Applications and
satellites, with a wide range of making products for different economic Research, NOAA Satellite and Information
applications, societal and economic sectors (insurance, health, Service.
benefits. transportation, tourism, education, [FR Doc. 2018–17054 Filed 8–8–18; 8:45 am]
The initial period of performance for energy, agriculture, etc.), and (11) cloud
BILLING CODE 3510–HR–P
this CRADA is expected to be from information for better characterizing the
fiscal year 2019 through fiscal year 2021 state of the atmosphere in all sky
(three years), with extensions possible if situations for use as initial conditions in DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
all parties agree. numerical model forecasts.
This notice does not constitute an National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Invitation for Bid or Request for Documentation of Interest
Administration
Proposal and is not to be construed as Responders may document their
a commitment by the Government. No interest in entering into a CRADA with Notice of Availability of a
contracts will be awarded as a result of a comment to Derek Parks, Technology Programmatic Environmental
this notice. No reimbursement will be Transfer Program Manager. See contact Assessment and Finding of No
made for any costs associated with information above in ADDRESSES. Significant Impact for the National
providing information in response to Responders must include, in writing, Oceanic and Atmospheric
this notice or for any follow-up requests detailed information regarding their Administration National Data Buoy
for information. NOAA may contact technical qualifications, the company Center
respondents for clarification and name, address, point of contact,
discussion of the submitted responses. telephone number, and business size. AGENCY: National Weather Service
Information submitted should be (NWS), National Oceanic and
Synopsis Atmospheric Administration (NOAA),
pertinent and specific in the technical
NOAA wishes to conduct areas described above under Department of Commerce (DOC).
collaborative R&D with one or more consideration. Any other specific and ACTION: Notice of availability.
private firms or non-government groups pertinent information as pertains to this
on new techniques to be used, new particular undertaking that would DATES: The PEA and Finding of No
products to be generated, enhancement enhance the information submitted will Significant Impact are available for
of the use of satellite data in existing or be considered by the agency. public inspection for 30 days after
new applications, and exploring Additional information requested: posting.
potential new services that will enhance (A) Institution’s name, address, point ADDRESSES: The Final PEA can be
the value and enable wider use of data of contact, phone number and email accessed at:http://www.ndbc.noaa.gov/
obtained from NOAA’s space-based address.
assets. General areas of R&D interest pea/ndbc_final_pea_20180104.pdf.
(B) If a business, include the firm’s The Finding of No Significant Impact
include, but are not limited to, DUNS number and Cage Code as
exploring creating new products and is available for public inspection for 30
provided under the SAM system. days after posting. It can be found
eliciting new information for (C) If a business, then state the firm’s
geophysical applications benefiting at:http://www.ndbc.noaa.gov/pea/ndbc_
SBA certified small business concern
citizens, communities, local, state and fonsi_signed_20180102.pdf.
status or other socioeconomic status.
federal governments and the private Specifically identify if your firm is FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Joe
sector, and the use of new numerical HUBZone-certified, Service Disabled Swaykos, National Data Buoy Center,
approaches such as machine learning Veteran Owned, Women Owned, or in Bldg. 3205, Stennis Space Center, MS
and artificial intelligence (AI) to the SBA’s 8(a) program. If your 39529; phone (228) 688–4766; fax (228)
maximize the information gathered from 688–1364; email joe.swaykos@noaa.gov.
sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with NOTICES

institution is not a small business,
satellite observations. Some potential please state that it is a large business, SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The
R&D topics on specific uses of data FFRDC, university, UARC, or other. National Oceanic and Atmospheric
could include: (1) Atmospheric (D) Institution’s previous work Administration (NOAA) National Data
composition for air quality, and experience that is similar to that Buoy Center (NDBC), a part of the
visibility applications, (2) atmospheric described above. National Weather Service (NWS),
data for measuring instability and (E) Any other pertinent designs, develops, operates, and
therefore severe weather and turbulence documentation or information. maintains a network of moored buoys

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Document Created: 2018-08-09 01:11:06
Document Modified: 2018-08-09 01:11:06

Category		Regulatory Information
Collection		Federal Register
sudoc Class		AE 2.7: GS 4.107: AE 2.106:
Publisher		Office of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
Section		Notices
Action		Notice of availability; request for information.
Dates		Comments must be received by 5 p.m. on September 24, 2018. Any questions pertaining to this Request for Information must be submitted no later than August 24, 2018.
Contact		Derek Parks, Technology Transfer Program Manager, Technology Partnerships Office, U.S. Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research, Room 2617, 1305 East West Hwy, Bldg. SSMC4, Silver Spring, MD 20910-3278. (Phone: 301-628-1010, email: [email protected]).
FR Citation		83 FR 39428
RIN Number		0648-XG37

83 FR 39428 - Notice of Availability of a Request for Information: Expressions of Interest in Conducting Collaborative Research and Development on Innovative Approaches for Exploiting Environmental Data

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCENational Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 154 (August 9, 2018)

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration