Safety Recommendation A-14-020

We note that you are in the process of implementing NWSChat 2.0, which will replace NWSChat with enhanced functionality, improved access using mobile devices, and higher reliability. We also note that, later this year, NWSChat 2.0 will replace NWSChat and that your existing policies will apply to the new system. In addition, you are developing a detailed communications strategy to ensure that employees and external partners receive the necessary training on the new system.

It is our understanding that NWS Instruction 10-1722 will designate NWSChat 2.0 as the primary means of collaboration among NWS employees responsible for aviation weather products, and that the AWC will require all meteorological watch forecasters to use NWSChat 2.0. However, you did not discuss NWS Instruction 10-803, which includes useful information that should improve collaboration efforts between the CWSUs, AWC, Alaska Aviation Weather Unit, and WFOs. During our August 19, 2019, meeting, we expressed concern that the guidance contained in NWS Instruction 10-803 is limited to CWSUs.

To address this, your staff indicated that it would consider sending an internal notification to WFOs informing them of the changes to NWSChat and highlighting the importance of improved WFO-to-CWSU communications. We would like to know if this internal notification will be included as part of the transition to the new system. Pending our receipt of this information and completion of the recommended action, Safety Recommendation A-14-20 remains classified OPEN-- ACCEPTABLE RESPONSE.

-From John D. Murphy, Chief Operating Officer, NOAA National Weather Service: In July 2022, the NWS signed a contract to acquire the use of the Slack collaboration application as a follow-on to the current legacy NWChat system. The new system, called NWSChat 2.0, meets all of the requirements of the old system and will provide enhanced functionality, improved access using mobile devices, and higher reliability. Policies regarding the use of NWSChat 2.0 will remain the same as the previous system and will continue to be designated as the primary collaboration software for all NWS forecasters, per NWS Instruction 10-1722.

The NWS is building and testing the new system now and plans to start training NWS staff and partners on the system starting in early 2023. A transition to NWSChat 2.0 is planned to be completed by late summer 2023. The NWS is planning a detailed communications strategy for employees and external partners as part of the transition, including information on how to access the new system and get trained. We will provide an update once the transition is complete.

We note that the “NWSChat” protocol has improved collaboration between CWSUs, the AWC, and other facilities. We also note that NWS Instruction 10-1722 has been updated to designate NWSChat software as the primary means of collaboration among NWS employees responsible for aviation weather products, and that the AWC now requires all meteorological watch forecasters to use NWSChat. In addition, we are aware of a June 20, 2019, update to NWS Instruction 10-803, which was not mentioned in your letter, but includes useful information that should improve collaboration efforts between the CWSUs, AWC, Alaska Aviation Weather Unit, and WFOs.

During our August 19, 2019, meeting, we expressed concern that the guidance contained in NWS Instruction 10-803 is limited to CWSUs. To address this, your staff indicated that it would consider sending an internal notification to WFOs informing them of the changes to NWSChat and highlighting the importance of improved WFO-to-CWSU communications. Pending issuance of that internal notification, Safety Recommendation A-14-20 remains classified OPEN--ACCEPTABLE RESPONSE.

-From John D. Murphy, Chief Operating Officer, NOAA National Weather Service: Collaboration using internet chat capabilities between CWSUs, AWC, and other facilities has improved with the use of the NWSChat protocol. NWS Instruction 10-1722, the policy directive on instant messaging communication, was updated in November 2017 to include stipulation that NWSChat software is the primary means of collaboration among NWS employees responsible for aviation weather products. In 2018, AWC implemented a policy of mandatory NWSChat usage for all meteorological watch forecasters. NWS recommends Safety Recommendation A-14-20 be closed.

You previously said that you were promoting the use of an Internet chat capability that was recently implemented, and that you would reassess and modify NWS instructions as necessary to ensure effective communication; however, in the nearly 5 years since this recommendation was issued, we have not received any additional information from you regarding actions that you have completed or planned to address this recommendation. Pending our receipt of an update, Safety Recommendation A-14-20 remains classified OPEN--ACCEPTABLE RESPONSE.

We understand that you have implemented an internet chat capability, will continue to promote its use in addition to the use of telephones, and will reassess and modify NWS instructions (NWSI) as necessary to ensure effective communication. Pending completion of the recommended actions, including appropriate revisions to the relevant NWSIs, Safety Recommendation A-14-20 is classified OPEN—ACCEPTABLE RESPONSE.

-From Louis W. Uccellini, Director, National Weather Service: NWS has implemented an internet chat capability and will continue to promote its use in addition to telephones for enhanced communication and shared situational awareness among the facilities. NWS will emphasize the critical importance of timely communication between facilities to collaborate on products alerting the aviation community to aviation hazards. We will also reassess NWS instructions to strengthen the guidance to ensure proper communication occurs.