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Synoptic Data Secured NOAA Subcontractor Role

The company will support the National Mesonet Program under a five-year, $1.1 billion federal contract.

Updated on Oct. 5, 2026 in Forecasts

Isometric editorial illustration of a marine weather buoy and a coastal observation tower, representing national weather monitoring infrastructure.
Synoptic Data has been selected as the lead subcontractor for a $1.1 billion federal contract to support NOAA’s National Mesonet Program, integrating critical non-federal environmental data. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Synoptic Data has been named the lead subcontractor to KBR, Inc. for the NOAA National Mesonet Program. This five-year agreement integrates non-federal environmental data into National Weather Service systems.

Why it matters

The program provides essential environmental observations that support national weather forecasts, public warnings, and critical decision-making for the economy and public safety.

The National Mesonet Program contract has a total ceiling value of $1.1 billion over a five-year period. More than 55 industry and academic partners currently contribute environmental observations to the initiative.

The players

Synoptic Data

Based in Fairfax, Virginia, this organization operates an environmental data platform that connects disparate weather networks.

KBR, Inc.

This global company provides professional services and technologies across various industries and serves as the prime contractor for this project.

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

This federal agency manages the National Mesonet Program to monitor and forecast environmental conditions across the United States.

The details

Synoptic Data uses its environmental data platform to integrate non-federal networks with operational systems. The program encompasses diverse sources including surface observations, weather balloons, aircraft data, marine buoys, commercial radar, and drones.

Timeline

  1. The National Mesonet Program began operations in 2009.

  2. The five-year contract term commenced in September 2026.

  3. Synoptic Data announced its role on October 5, 2026.

  4. The contract period concludes in August 2031.

Seasonal Patterns

The contract for the NOAA National Mesonet Program expands the integration of non-federal weather observations into national forecasting infrastructure. This move represents a continuation of the program's growth since its inception in 2009.

The integration of these expanded data sources aims to enhance the accuracy of weather warnings that protect local communities and property. Residents can continue to rely on National Weather Service alerts powered by these combined environmental observations.

The takeaway

Private sector partnerships play an increasingly vital role in maintaining the infrastructure required for reliable national weather forecasting. Integrating non-federal data ensures that meteorological agencies have access to a broader, more responsive network of sensors.

Further reading

Learn more about the latest developments in weather monitoring on our Forecasts page.

More information

For more information on the company's platform, visit the Synoptic Data official website.

Source note: This article includes information reported by The Manila times.

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Do you trust private companies to handle essential environmental data for government weather forecasting?