The U.S. Navy’s Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) Marine Meteorology Division is searching for companies capable of using artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning to improve global weather prediction and tracking. The NRL released a sources-sought notification for the Atmospheric Aerosol Prediction and Applications Research and Development project, which focuses on tropical cyclones and their impact on naval operations worldwide.
The goals of the project include developing AI and machine learning systems, enhancing numerical weather prediction, improving fine-scale aerosol and cloud prediction, characterizing aerosol sources, assimilating remote-sensing data, and providing weather support to military personnel. The NRL also aims to study weather effects on aircraft, shipboard communications, sensors, and weapons, as well as atmospheric dispersion of chemical and biological agents.
The NRL intends for the chosen contractor to collaborate with the University of Washington, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the Cooperative Institute for Research in the Atmosphere (CIRA), and the Cooperative Institute for Meteorological Satellite Studies (CIMSS). These partnerships will facilitate the exchange of weather forecasting data and information.
Additionally, the contractor will be responsible for analyzing biomass burning plumes, tropical meteorology, and clouds, as well as developing code, testing models, distributing data, and providing documentation. The NRL also expects support in transitioning developed software and databases to operational customers, creating model routines for practical use, and incorporating radar and unmanned aircraft data into the system.
Companies interested in this project must submit a five-page response to the NRL by August 16, 2023. The NRL contact persons for submissions are Brent Robinson and Heather Dinsmore.
In summary, the U.S. Navy is seeking AI and machine learning solutions to enhance global weather prediction and tracking. Through this initiative, the Navy aims to improve fleet operations and mission planning by understanding and analyzing atmospheric processes. The project will focus on tropical cyclones and their impact on naval operations worldwide. Collaborations with leading research institutions and agencies will enable the exchange of weather data and support the development of advanced forecasting models. Interested companies must submit their proposals to the NRL by the specified deadline.
