---
kind: "section"
citation: "15 U.S.C. § 8517"
title: "15"
title_heading: "Commerce and Trade"
number: "8517"
heading: "Observing System Simulation Experiments"
release: "119-102"
date: "2026-07-12"
url: "https://uscodex.org/usc/15/8517"
units:
  - "Chapter 111 — Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation"
  - "Subchapter I — United States Weather Research and Forecasting Improvement"
---

# §8517. Observing System Simulation Experiments

- (a) **In general—** In support of the requirements of [section 8516 of this title](/usc/15/8516.md), the Assistant [Administrator](/usc/15/636e.md?p=1) for Oceanic and Atmospheric Research shall undertake Observing System Simulation Experiments, or such other quantitative assessments as the Assistant [Administrator](/usc/15/636e.md?p=1) considers appropriate, to quantitatively assess the relative value and benefits of observing capabilities and systems. Technical and scientific Observing System Simulation Experiment evaluations—
  - (1) may include assessments of the impact of observing capabilities on—
    - (A) global weather prediction;
    - (B) hurricane track and intensity forecasting;
    - (C) tornado warning lead times and accuracy;
    - (D) prediction of mid-latitude severe local storm outbreaks; and
    - (E) prediction of storms that have the potential to cause extreme precipitation and flooding lasting from 6 hours to 1 week; and
  - (2) shall be conducted in cooperation with other appropriate entities within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric [Administration](/usc/15/636e.md?p=1), other Federal agencies, the United States [weather industry](/usc/15/8501.md?p=5), and academic partners to ensure the technical and scientific merit of results from Observing System Simulation Experiments or other appropriate quantitative assessment methodologies.
- (b) **Requirements—** Observing System Simulation Experiments shall quantitatively—
  - (1) determine the potential impact of proposed space-based, suborbital, and in situ observing systems on analyses and forecasts, including potential impacts on extreme weather events across all parts of the Nation;
  - (2) evaluate and compare observing system design options; and
  - (3) assess the relative capabilities and costs of various observing systems and combinations of observing systems in providing data necessary to protect life and property.
- (c) **Implementation—** Observing System Simulation Experiments—
  - (1) shall be conducted prior to the acquisition of major Government-owned or Government-leased operational observing systems, including polar-orbiting and geostationary satellite systems, with a lifecycle cost of more than $500,000,000; and
  - (2) shall be conducted prior to the purchase of any major new commercially provided data with a lifecycle cost of more than $500,000,000.
- (d) **Priority Observing System Simulation Experiments—**
  - (1) **Global Navigation Satellite System Radio Occultation—** Not later than 30 days after April 18, 2017, the Assistant [Administrator](/usc/15/636e.md?p=1) for Oceanic and Atmospheric Research shall complete an Observing System Simulation Experiment to assess the value of data from Global Navigation Satellite System Radio Occultation.
  - (2) **Geostationary hyperspectral sounder global constellation—** Not later than 120 days after April 18, 2017, the Assistant [Administrator](/usc/15/636e.md?p=1) for Oceanic and Atmospheric Research shall complete an Observing System Simulation Experiment to assess the value of data from a geostationary hyperspectral sounder global constellation.
- (e) **Results—** Upon completion of all Observing System Simulation Experiments, the Assistant [Administrator](/usc/15/636e.md?p=1) shall make available to the public the results an assessment[^1] of related private and public sector weather data sourcing options, including their availability, affordability, and cost-effectiveness. Such assessments shall be developed in accordance with [section 50503 of title 51](/usc/51/50503.md).

## Footnotes

[^1]: So in original.

## Source credit

(Pub. L. 115–25, title I, § 107, Apr. 18, 2017, 131 Stat. 96.)