Thunderstorm Sensors are part of the sensor array that provides critical cloud-to-cloud, cloud-to-ground, and intra-cloud lightning discharge measurements to the National Weather Service (NWS) via the Automated Surface Observing Systems (ASOS). This requirement is for Thunderstorm Sensors compatible with the existing ASOS infrastructure.

The NWS Office of Observations (OBS) is responsible for the operations and maintenance of automated fielded systems that sense the atmosphere in support of surface-based aviation operations. The ASOS program is an essential, joint mission in support of the National Weather Service (NWS), the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and the Department of Defense (DOD). The ASOS is the nation's primary system for collecting and reporting surface-weather observations, primarily at airports in support of aviation operations, as well as weather forecasting and the timely issuance of warnings.