Accenture Federal Services (AFS), a subsidiary of Accenture (NYSE: ACN), has recently announced its selection by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to assist in the modernization of the National Weather Service's (NWS) forecasting operations. This significant contract will see the replacement of the Advanced Weather Interactive Processing System (AWIPS) with a new system known as NWS HIVE (Hydrometeorological Interactive Virtual Environment).

1. Enhancing Forecasting Capabilities

Under this new contract, Accenture Federal Services is tasked with modernizing and operating NWS HIVE, which is a mission-critical system utilized by NOAA forecasters across the nation. The ultimate goal is to enhance the generation and dissemination of weather, water, and climate forecasts and warnings—essential services that play a crucial role in protecting lives, property, and the broader U.S. economy.

Ron Ash, CEO of Accenture Federal Services, emphasized the importance of NOAA’s mission in safeguarding communities throughout the country. "NWS HIVE will sit at the heart of this mission,” he stated. Ash expressed pride in partnering with the National Weather Service to equip forecasters with reliable and high-performing tools necessary for making rapid and accurate decisions.

2. A Comprehensive Ecosystem for Meteorological Insights

NWS HIVE is designed to support a complex ecosystem of applications, data feeds, and visualization tools. These enhancements will enable NWS meteorologists and hydrologists to effectively monitor real-time conditions, thereby facilitating timely forecasts and warnings. Accenture Federal Services intends to leverage its expertise in artificial intelligence (AI), cloud technology, DevSecOps, platform engineering, and operational resilience to ensure the new system boasts improved performance, scalability, and security.

Rasha Nahas, Accenture’s U.S. Department of Commerce Client Lead, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership with NWS leadership, highlighting the innovation and technical expertise that Accenture brings to the table. “NWS HIVE will be foundational to the National Weather Service’s ability to deliver timely, trusted forecasts,” Nahas remarked, underscoring the commitment to modernizing NWS operations in a way that bolsters reliability while paving the way for future innovations.

3. Supporting Broader Technology Modernization Goals

The contract aligns with NOAA’s comprehensive technology modernization objectives, as well as the National Weather Service’s ongoing evolution towards more agile, data-driven, and resilient forecasting capabilities. This initiative is critical not only for improving the efficiency of weather forecasting but also for enhancing the overall safety and resilience of communities across the United States.

4. About Accenture Federal Services

Accenture Federal Services is recognized for its commitment to driving impactful change within government agencies. With a workforce of 15,000 dedicated professionals, AFS applies the latest commercial technology and competitive strategies to ensure federal enterprises operate with modern efficiency. For more information about Accenture Federal Services, visit www.accenturefederal.com.

5. About Accenture

As a leading solutions and services company, Accenture focuses on helping enterprises reinvent their operations by building digital cores and harnessing AI to create value swiftly. With around 786,000 employees, Accenture is dedicated to being the partner of choice for clients seeking reinvention. The company’s comprehensive range of services, including strategy, consulting, technology, and operations, is aimed at delivering 360° value for all stakeholders involved. For further details about Accenture, visit accenture.com.

As Accenture Federal Services embarks on this critical project, the partnership with NOAA signifies a significant advancement in weather forecasting technology, potentially transforming the landscape of meteorological operations in the United States.

Original press release