Under the contract, WeatherPredict Consulting, Inc. will provide the IPAD/Office of Global Analysis/FAS/USDA with weekly updates of surface wetness, surface temperature and snow cover for various global crop regions. WeatherPredict uses a proprietary technology to monitor ambient conditions for growing crops. The technology utilizes Special Sensor Microwave Imager (SSM/I) information, which is available in most weather conditions and is based upon a 20-year history of global data collection.
Robert Tetrault, IPAD/office of Global Analysis/FAS/USDA, Satellite Imagery Archive Manager, states, “The use of WeatherPredict’s unique products allows the crop analysts to receive important meteorological information across numerous growing regions which is critical in our operational global food security analysis.”
Craig Tillman, President of WeatherPredict Consulting Inc., said: "WeatherPredict's research and advisory efforts include cutting-edge capabilities with respect to predictive climatology and soil saturation data and analysis. We are delighted to have been selected to support the very important work of IPAD and the USDA."
The IPAD/Office of Global Analysis/FAS/USDA is responsible for global crop condition assessments and estimates of area, yield, and production for grains, oilseeds, and cotton. The primary mission of OGA is to target, collect, analyze, and disseminate timely, objective, useful, and cost-effective global crop condition and agricultural market intelligence information. One of OGA’s key missions is to provide unbiased commodity estimates and forecasts to create a marketing edge for U.S. producers in world markets. (Source: USDA and NASA) The Prime Vendor Contract vehicle allows them to obtain agriculture analysis solutions using satellite imagery and ancillary information quickly and cost effectively.
Derrick Williams, III, Division Director, IPAD, stated, “The purpose of this contract is to promote efficiency. We are making the best use of every taxpayer dollar. The Prime Vendor Contract helps the USDA achieve our goal, which is to have a contract in place that allows us to access products provided by the commercial industry and get the best price and performance possible. The Prime Vendor Contract provides the IPAD/Office of Global Analysis/ FAS/USDA with the best possible imagery based global agriculture analysis solutions at the best possible prices and meets our stringent delivery specifications and our client needs which range from Global Food Security to Climate Change.”