Improving the Software Development Life Cycle for NWS AWIPS

The National Weather Service (NWS) Advanced Weather Interactive Processing System (AWIPS) Program, and the prime contractor Raytheon, have been working to enhance the processes for development and deployment of this mission-critical system. This presentation will explain the transition to more efficient procedures and best practices that support higher quality software and provide opportunities for more user engagement during development. It will outline the improvements that are in progress by Raytheon and the NWS/Office of Central Processing that includes: adding automation tools for developers; modifying the code repository layout; enhancing the nightly build processes; and coordinating the use of Agile methods between the various development teams.