Weather Service Modernization: Despite Progress, Significant Problems and Risks Remain

GAO discussed the National Weather Service's (NWS) modernization program, focusing on NWS plans to: (1) streamline and improve operations; and (2) downsize its organization. GAO noted that: (1) NWS is modernizing its operations through advanced computer technologies; (2) this plan involves the modernization of several different systems; (3) NWS modernization has been delayed due to the lack of an overall blueprint; (4) the NWS modernization program includes four new major systems development programs for the Next Generation Weather Radar, Next Generation Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite, Automated Surface Observing System, and Advanced Weather Interactive Processing System; (5) successful modernization is dependant upon the development of a detailed blueprint; and (6) the NWS modernization program could prove to be more costly and time consuming than necessary, and it may fall short of its intended purpose if NWS does not address program risks and uncertainties.