The FY2025 Weather Program Office (WPO) Research Programs NOFO, issued by NOAA's Oceanic and Atmospheric Research division, supports advancements in U.S. weather, water, and earth system observations through research and technology development. This funding opportunity, with approximately $2.1 million available annually, targets the development and testing of new observation technologies and techniques to improve weather forecasting capabilities. Key program priorities include mitigating weather buoy outages, improving rainfall estimation, enhancing tropical cyclone reconnaissance, and advancing surface wind and rainfall measurements. The application process includes an encouraged Letter of Intent (LOI) due by October 2, 2024, with full applications due by December 2, 2024. Awards are expected to begin on August 1, 2025, and will span up to two years.

The WPO’s funding objectives align with NOAA’s mission to improve predictive capabilities for high-impact weather events. Projects should support NOAA’s observational needs, particularly through innovations that improve the reliability, spatial reach, and cost-effectiveness of weather observations, especially at the surface and in the planetary boundary layer. The NOFO encourages applications targeting Readiness Levels 4-7, indicating projects at various stages from prototype testing to deployment readiness. Collaborative projects involving NOAA and non-NOAA entities are welcomed, and applicants are encouraged to engage with operational weather stakeholders, including the private sector, to ensure that outcomes have direct operational applications.

Eligible applicants include public and private institutions, state and local governments, Tribal entities, and educational organizations. NOAA’s requirements preclude federal agencies from receiving funding directly, but they may collaborate as unpaid partners. Notably, NOAA federal collaborators may receive limited project-related travel support and testbed access, though direct salary support is excluded. Applicants must be registered in SAM.gov, Grants.gov, and eRA Commons before submitting an application. Federal institutions are permitted to participate in a supportive role but must adhere to eligibility restrictions.

A successful proposal will address one or more WPO Observations Program priorities, clearly demonstrating how the project will benefit operational weather forecasting. Proposals should contain detailed project plans, budget justifications, and outlines of expected impacts. WPO places strong emphasis on community engagement, diversity, and the involvement of underserved communities, encouraging projects that incorporate diverse perspectives in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields. Additionally, all funded projects must include a Data Management Plan, and if software development is part of the project, a Software Management Plan.

The proposal evaluation process includes independent peer reviews assessing relevance, technical merit, team qualifications, project costs, and commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. Successful applications will be selected based on scoring and alignment with program goals. Final selections are subject to NOAA’s funding availability and policy priorities.

NOAA anticipates notifying applicants of award recommendations in June 2025, with project start dates as early as August 1, 2025. Awardees will submit semi-annual technical and financial reports through NOAA’s eRA system, and public visibility for project results is encouraged. The Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act also mandates that recipients report on subawards over $25,000 through FSRS.gov.