The Role of OFCM in Interagency Coordination Presentation for GOES User Conference II October 1, 2002 Samuel P. Williamson Federal Coordinator for Meteorology

The Role of OFCM in Interagency Coordination

Presentation for GOES User Conference IIOctober 1, 2002

Samuel P. WilliamsonFederal Coordinator for Meteorology

OverviewOverview

• Background• Coordinating Infrastructure• Major Earlier Activities • Key Program Areas • Future Activities• Keys To Success• Benefits• Summary

• Background• Coordinating Infrastructure• Major Earlier Activities • Key Program Areas • Future Activities• Keys To Success• Benefits• Summary

Public Law 87-843 (1963)

DOC Administrative Order

OFCM formed in 1964

1963

1964

• Accountable to Congress and OMB

• Coordinate agency budgets

• Report budgets and activities in annual Federal Plan

OFCMOFCM

BackgroundBackground

Historical Perspective

GAO Study Revitalizes OFCM

1979

To ensure the effective use of federal meteorological resources by leading the systematic coordination of operational weather requirements, services, and

supporting research, among the federal agencies

To ensure the effective use of federal meteorological resources by leading the systematic coordination of operational weather requirements, services, and

supporting research, among the federal agencies


Mission


• Aviation Weather• Space Weather• Environmental Services• Observing Capabilities• Climate Analysis,

Monitoring and Services• Cooperative Research

• Aviation Weather• Space Weather• Environmental Services• Observing Capabilities• Climate Analysis,

Monitoring and Services• Cooperative Research

• Modeling and Prediction • Information Technology

and Communications• Weather Information for

Surface Transportation• Homeland Security

• Modeling and Prediction • Information Technology

and Communications• Weather Information for

Surface Transportation• Homeland Security

Key Program Areas--Agency Priorities

Federal Committee for Meteorological Services and Supporting Research (FCMSSR)

Interdepartmental Committee for Meteorological Services and Supporting Research (ICMSSR)

Federal Coordinator for Meteorology

Standing Committees

Program Councils

National Space Weather Program

National Aviation Weather ProgramEnvironmental

Services, Operations, and Research Needs

Operational Processing Centers

Environmental Information Systems and Communications

Integrated Observing Systems

Climate Analysis, Monitoring and

Services

Cooperative Research

Coordinating InfrastructureCoordinating Infrastructure

Working Group for

Environmental Support to Homeland Security

• Federal Committee for Meteorological Services and Supporting Research (FCMSSR)– Sets policy and priorities

• Interdepartmental Committee for Meteorological Services and Supporting Research (ICMSSR) and Program Councils– Implement policy decisions – Make policy recommendations to FCMSSR– Assess adequacy of Federal programs and guide implementation of

new interagency programs

• Standing Committees– Document requirements, programs and activities to provide

framework for participation and collaboration – Perform analysis of agency programs to provide basis for national

leadership to allocate funds to meet requirements

• Federal Committee for Meteorological Services and Supporting Research (FCMSSR)– Sets policy and priorities

• Interdepartmental Committee for Meteorological Services and Supporting Research (ICMSSR) and Program Councils– Implement policy decisions – Make policy recommendations to FCMSSR– Assess adequacy of Federal programs and guide implementation of

new interagency programs

• Standing Committees– Document requirements, programs and activities to provide

framework for participation and collaboration – Perform analysis of agency programs to provide basis for national

leadership to allocate funds to meet requirements

Roles / Responsibilities


Coordinating Infrastructure Coordinating Infrastructure

• Program councils and committees have the capability to form specialized teams to work specific projects--assigned within the existing infrastructure– Working Groups– Joint Action Groups (JAG)

• Groups formed to satisfy specific need• Interact with private sector and academia through

process, as required– Input and feedback critical to process– Forums and workshops hosted to gather user requirements

and ideas

• Program councils and committees have the capability to form specialized teams to work specific projects--assigned within the existing infrastructure– Working Groups– Joint Action Groups (JAG)

• Groups formed to satisfy specific need• Interact with private sector and academia through

process, as required– Input and feedback critical to process– Forums and workshops hosted to gather user requirements

and ideas

Roles / Responsibilities (Cont.)

Departments of:

• Agriculture• Commerce• Defense• Energy• Interior• State• Transportation

• Environmental Protection Agency• Federal Emergency Management

Agency• National Aeronautics and Space

Administration• National Science Foundation• National Transportation Safety Board• Nuclear Regulatory Commission

Independent agencies:

Executive Office of the President:

• Office of Management and Budget• Office of Science and Technology Policy

OFCM Partners


US Weather Research Program (USWRP)

US Global Change Research Program

(USGCRP)

National Science and Technology Council (NSTC)

Committee on the Environment and Natural Resources (CENR)

Subcommittee on Natural Disaster Reduction (SNDR)

National Research Council (NRC)Board on Atmospheric Sciences and Climate (BASC)Climate Research Committee (CRC)

National Center for Atmospheric Research

(NCAR)

University Corp. for Atmospheric Research

(UCAR)

American Meteorological Society (AMS)

OFCM Affiliations


• Improved Weather Reconnaissance System -- 1982

• National Aircraft Icing Program Council -- 1984– FAA, DOD, and NASA agreed to promote greater coordination

on aircraft icing– National Aircraft Icing Technology Plan -- 1986– National Plan to Improve Aircraft Icing Forecasts -- 1986– OFCM funded NCAR to develop research strategy -- FY89– FAA funded 6-year program to achieve plan goals -- FY90

• Improved Weather Reconnaissance System -- 1982

• National Aircraft Icing Program Council -- 1984– FAA, DOD, and NASA agreed to promote greater coordination

on aircraft icing– National Aircraft Icing Technology Plan -- 1986– National Plan to Improve Aircraft Icing Forecasts -- 1986– OFCM funded NCAR to develop research strategy -- FY89– FAA funded 6-year program to achieve plan goals -- FY90

Major Earlier ActivitiesMajor Earlier Activities

– OFCM managed the project for the USAF and NOAA

– Coordination carried out through IWRS Program Council

– In 1990, completed installation of 12 operational systems on the WC-130 “Hurricane Hunter” aircraft

• Satellite Telemetry Interagency Working Group – ICMSSR and Interagency Advisory Committee on Water Data

jointly chartered the Satellite Telemetry Interagency Working Group (STIWG) in 1985 to continue ongoing GOES related work (circa early 1970’s)

– STIWG developed the first National Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite (GOES) Data Collection System (DCS) Operations Plan--1997

• GOES DCS provides communication link for collecting and transmitting environmental data from remote platforms

• The plan addresses such things as DCS architecture, operational procedures, data collected, agency missions, system enhancements, and interagency coordination

– STIWG routinely works DCS communication and operational enhancement issues between NESDIS and GOES DCS users

• Satellite Telemetry Interagency Working Group – ICMSSR and Interagency Advisory Committee on Water Data

jointly chartered the Satellite Telemetry Interagency Working Group (STIWG) in 1985 to continue ongoing GOES related work (circa early 1970’s)

– STIWG developed the first National Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite (GOES) Data Collection System (DCS) Operations Plan--1997

• GOES DCS provides communication link for collecting and transmitting environmental data from remote platforms

• The plan addresses such things as DCS architecture, operational procedures, data collected, agency missions, system enhancements, and interagency coordination

– STIWG routinely works DCS communication and operational enhancement issues between NESDIS and GOES DCS users


Next Generation Radar (NEXRAD) Automated Surface Observing System

1,499

1988


Key Program Areas Key Program Areas

• National Aviation Weather Program Council/ Aviation Weather JAG– Created in response to National Research Council report– Strategic Plan (Tier 1)--April 1997– National Aviation Weather Initiatives (Tier 2) -- produced 86

initiatives -- January 1999– ”Service Design” (Tier 3) -- agencies realigned existing

programs or initiate new programs– ”Budgets and Schedules” (Tier 4) -- Agencies developed

funding profiles and established schedules to support programs to meet requirements

– Tier 3/Tier 4 analysis completed--April 2001-- report available on OFCM web site

– Study on training included in aviation weather support and services R&D programs was completed--report published in April 2002

• National Aviation Weather Program Council/ Aviation Weather JAG– Created in response to National Research Council report– Strategic Plan (Tier 1)--April 1997– National Aviation Weather Initiatives (Tier 2) -- produced 86

initiatives -- January 1999– ”Service Design” (Tier 3) -- agencies realigned existing

programs or initiate new programs– ”Budgets and Schedules” (Tier 4) -- Agencies developed

funding profiles and established schedules to support programs to meet requirements

– Tier 3/Tier 4 analysis completed--April 2001-- report available on OFCM web site

– Study on training included in aviation weather support and services R&D programs was completed--report published in April 2002

Aviation Weather

Implementation Plan,

2nd Edition, July 2000

Strategic Plan, 1995

Implementation Plan, 1997

Space Weather



• Space Weather Program Council/ Committee for Space Weather– Committee co-chaired by NSF, NOAA, Air Force– Latest implementation plan incorporates the National

Security Space Architect Space Weather Architecture Transition Plan

– Currently working NASA’s Living with a Star Defense Initiative

• Offer to Air Force to modify program to provide additional information required for space weather forecasting

• Involves NOAA/SEC for communications aspects and NSF for research aspects

• Space Weather Program Council/ Committee for Space Weather– Committee co-chaired by NSF, NOAA, Air Force– Latest implementation plan incorporates the National

Security Space Architect Space Weather Architecture Transition Plan

– Currently working NASA’s Living with a Star Defense Initiative

• Offer to Air Force to modify program to provide additional information required for space weather forecasting

• Involves NOAA/SEC for communications aspects and NSF for research aspects

Space Weather


• Committee for Environmental Services, Operations, and Research Needs– Annual Interdepartmental Hurricane Conference– Develop annual hurricane and winter storm operations

plans – Post-Storm Data Acquisition (WG)--coordinates Civil Air

Patrol support to survey damage

– 2001--Published new Wind Chill Temperature Index (JAG/Temperature Indices)

• Committee for Environmental Services, Operations, and Research Needs– Annual Interdepartmental Hurricane Conference– Develop annual hurricane and winter storm operations

plans – Post-Storm Data Acquisition (WG)--coordinates Civil Air

Patrol support to survey damage

– 2001--Published new Wind Chill Temperature Index (JAG/Temperature Indices)

Environmental Services


• Committee for Integrated Observing Systems– Cooperative Observing (COOP) Network

• working multi-year program to refurbish existing network followed by a total modernization to improve the network density (JAG)

• OFCM participated in NWS led COOP forum to gather and understand user requirements - Sept 2002

– Lightning Detection Systems--developing federal requirements for lightning data for 2003 contract (JAG with NWS lead)

– Develop nationally coordinated system to meet requirements for road-weather observations (FHWA)

• Committee for Integrated Observing Systems– Cooperative Observing (COOP) Network

• working multi-year program to refurbish existing network followed by a total modernization to improve the network density (JAG)

• OFCM participated in NWS led COOP forum to gather and understand user requirements - Sept 2002

– Lightning Detection Systems--developing federal requirements for lightning data for 2003 contract (JAG with NWS lead)

– Develop nationally coordinated system to meet requirements for road-weather observations (FHWA)

Observing Capabilities


• Committee for Climate Analysis, Monitoring and Services– Coordinated federal efforts to develop and field the

Climate Reference Network to meet climate monitoring requirements

– Developed Government Climate Resources home page/portal

• Provides links to agencies’ climate resources• Listed on FirstGov.com under “Environment and

Energy” and hosted on OFCM homepage• Working to move to www.climate.gov

• Committee for Climate Analysis, Monitoring and Services– Coordinated federal efforts to develop and field the

Climate Reference Network to meet climate monitoring requirements

– Developed Government Climate Resources home page/portal

• Provides links to agencies’ climate resources• Listed on FirstGov.com under “Environment and

Energy” and hosted on OFCM homepage• Working to move to www.climate.gov

Climate Analysis, Monitoring and Services


• Committee for Cooperative Research– Principal focus: Transitioning research to operations

• Need to develop a sustainable, formalized approach to transition successful hurricane research results into the operations (55th IHC)

• Described a proposed framework in the 2002 Federal Plan special article

• Joint Hurricane Testbed is a step in the right direction

• Provided $200,000 in seed money to support the development of the next-generation Stepped Frequency Microwave Radiometer (SFMR)

• Committee for Cooperative Research– Principal focus: Transitioning research to operations

• Need to develop a sustainable, formalized approach to transition successful hurricane research results into the operations (55th IHC)

• Described a proposed framework in the 2002 Federal Plan special article

• Joint Hurricane Testbed is a step in the right direction

• Provided $200,000 in seed money to support the development of the next-generation Stepped Frequency Microwave Radiometer (SFMR)



• Committee for Operational Processing Centers (COPC)– Sets the standard by which we base the success of the

other committees– Directors/Commanding Officers (NOAA, Navy, and Air

Force) of the OPCs meet semiannually– Have developed a strategic vision and implementing

objectives– Collaborating to establish requirements and develop a

next-generation “community” weather research and forecast model for mesoscale applications




objectives– Collaborating to establish requirements and develop a

next-generation “community” weather research and forecast model for mesoscale applications

Modeling and Prediction


Modeling and PredictionModeling and Prediction

• Federal Plan for Cooperative Support and Backup Among Operational Processing Centers– Backup procedures worked flawlessly during

NCEP Cray 90 supercomputer outage

– Rear Admiral Richard D. West, Oceanographer of the Navy:

• This outage “vividly illustrated the value of a national backup numerical weather prediction capability.”

– Currently evaluating catastrophic backup procedures--single points of failure







• Committee for Environmental Information Systems and Communications– Develop and coordinate next-generation information

management systems, including data visualization capabilities– Address issues of communications interfaces and data

exchange, data formats, meteorological codes, geographic information systems, and meteorological information management

– Advocate federal agency interests for the free and open exchange of data

– Address next-generation Internet requirements– Work to protect frequency allocation/bandwidth requirements

• Committee for Environmental Information Systems and Communications– Develop and coordinate next-generation information

management systems, including data visualization capabilities– Address issues of communications interfaces and data

exchange, data formats, meteorological codes, geographic information systems, and meteorological information management

– Advocate federal agency interests for the free and open exchange of data

– Address next-generation Internet requirements– Work to protect frequency allocation/bandwidth requirements

Information Technology and Communications

Proceedings of Workshop

Proceedings of Workshop

Strategy

December 3-5, 2001

Planning to Exploit our National Investment in Weather Technology Plan of

Actions and Milestones

Plan of Actions and Milestones

Continued Strong

Partnerships & Alliances

Follow-on Working

Level Sessions+

Strategy forProvidingAtmospheric Information


Strategy for Providing Atmospheric InformationOverarching goal: Provide framework for developing strategy leading to optimal 21st century national atmospheric information system (BASC 21st Century Report Action Item)

Next Steps

Information Technology and Communications


• ICMSSR formed WIST Joint Action Group to address meteorological requirements for surface transportation

• First WIST Symposium: OFCM Co-sponsored with DOT-FHWA– Build clear understanding of weather needs / requirements to

establishment national needs / requirements document

• Results of symposium used to validate requirements– Refined and validated requirements templates for six core

modes of surface transportation

• National needs assessment report will be ready for publication in Fall 2002

• ICMSSR formed WIST Joint Action Group to address meteorological requirements for surface transportation

• First WIST Symposium: OFCM Co-sponsored with DOT-FHWA– Build clear understanding of weather needs / requirements to

establishment national needs / requirements document

• Results of symposium used to validate requirements– Refined and validated requirements templates for six core

modes of surface transportation

• National needs assessment report will be ready for publication in Fall 2002

Weather Information for Surface Transportation (WIST)

• Workshop on Effective Emergency Response: Selecting a Suitable Dispersion Model for a Given Application, December 5-6, 2001– The overarching goal of the workshop was to define a

framework for supporting the objective determination of the most appropriate dispersion model to be used in a given situation.

– To accomplish this work, the Joint Action Group for Selection and Evaluation of Atmospheric Transport and Diffusion Models (JAG/SEATD) was established.

– In order to understand the needs of the end-users, the JAG/SEATD members coordinated with modelers, emergency managers, and first-responders.

• Workshop on Effective Emergency Response: Selecting a Suitable Dispersion Model for a Given Application, December 5-6, 2001– The overarching goal of the workshop was to define a

framework for supporting the objective determination of the most appropriate dispersion model to be used in a given situation.

– To accomplish this work, the Joint Action Group for Selection and Evaluation of Atmospheric Transport and Diffusion Models (JAG/SEATD) was established.

– In order to understand the needs of the end-users, the JAG/SEATD members coordinated with modelers, emergency managers, and first-responders.

Homeland Security


– While there are over 140 documented Atmospheric Transport and Diffusion modeling systems that are used for regulatory purposes, research and development, and emergency operations, the JAG/SEATD narrowed the list to 29 non-proprietary modeling systems that are used operationally either by first‑responders and/or at the Federal operational modeling centers.

– These 29 modeling systems were the focus of the JAG/SEATD’s evaluation and the group’s published report in September 2002.

• Future Goal: Develop interagency approved National concept of operations for support to Homeland Security operations

– While there are over 140 documented Atmospheric Transport and Diffusion modeling systems that are used for regulatory purposes, research and development, and emergency operations, the JAG/SEATD narrowed the list to 29 non-proprietary modeling systems that are used operationally either by first‑responders and/or at the Federal operational modeling centers.

– These 29 modeling systems were the focus of the JAG/SEATD’s evaluation and the group’s published report in September 2002.

• Future Goal: Develop interagency approved National concept of operations for support to Homeland Security operations

Homeland Security (Cont.)


• Homeland Security– Interagency policy and procedures on the use of atmospheric

transport and diffusion models– Develop interagency approved National concept of operations

for support to Homeland Security operations

• Urban Meteorology– Urban modeling--homeland security issue

• Aviation Weather User Forums Follow-up• Marine Transportation Systems• Risk Management & Assessment Follow-on

• Homeland Security– Interagency policy and procedures on the use of atmospheric

transport and diffusion models– Develop interagency approved National concept of operations

for support to Homeland Security operations

• Urban Meteorology– Urban modeling--homeland security issue

• Aviation Weather User Forums Follow-up• Marine Transportation Systems• Risk Management & Assessment Follow-on

Year 2002-2003 Priorities

Future ActivitiesFuture Activities

Keys To SuccessKeys To Success

• Be responsive to agency/user needs and requirements

• Do not compete with NOAA Line Offices or the other Federal agencies

• Strive to build consensus– Plan of action– Resources

• Resolve conflicts / issues and mitigate challenges before they become problems

• Respond to crises in a timely manner

• Facilitate steering of future direction and policy

• Be responsive to agency/user needs and requirements

• Do not compete with NOAA Line Offices or the other Federal agencies

• Strive to build consensus– Plan of action– Resources

• Resolve conflicts / issues and mitigate challenges before they become problems

• Respond to crises in a timely manner

• Facilitate steering of future direction and policy

Coordination, Cooperation, and Integration-- Hallmarks for successfully achieving end goals

Benefits of OFCM Interagency Coordination

Benefits of OFCM Interagency Coordination

• Thoroughly develop interagency/user needs and requirements

• Save/marshal resources by focusing agency programs on validated requirements/priorities

• Find opportunities for leveraging existing programs by broad interagency participation

• Develop ways to accelerate obtaining required capabilities through interagency cooperation

• Document concepts of operation covering all interagency requirements and using all their capabilities

• Thoroughly develop interagency/user needs and requirements

• Save/marshal resources by focusing agency programs on validated requirements/priorities

• Find opportunities for leveraging existing programs by broad interagency participation

• Develop ways to accelerate obtaining required capabilities through interagency cooperation

• Document concepts of operation covering all interagency requirements and using all their capabilities

SummarySummary

• OFCM has over 35 years of experience

– Use a proven interagency coordinating infrastructure and a continually evolving and responsive collaboration process

– The OFCM continues to play a critical role in the overall Federal weather program

• OFCM has over 35 years of experience

– Use a proven interagency coordinating infrastructure and a continually evolving and responsive collaboration process

– The OFCM continues to play a critical role in the overall Federal weather program

OFCM Web Site

Panel/Conference/Forum/ Workshop summaries and presentations are available on OFCM Web Site

Click on “Special Projects” and navigate to the desired location

For Publications: Click on “Publications”

http://www.ofcm.gov/

BACKUPSBACKUPS

• Annual Federal Plan for Meteorological Services and Supporting Research

• National Hurricane Operations Plan• National Winter Storms Operations Plan• National Severe Local Storms Operations Plan• Federal Meteorological Handbooks• Directory of Atmospheric Transport and Diffusion

Consequence Assessment Models• Federal Plan for Cooperative Support and Backup Among

the Operational Processing Centers• Proceedings of workshops, symposia, and forums

...To name a few...

• Annual Federal Plan for Meteorological Services and Supporting Research

• National Hurricane Operations Plan• National Winter Storms Operations Plan• National Severe Local Storms Operations Plan• Federal Meteorological Handbooks• Directory of Atmospheric Transport and Diffusion

Consequence Assessment Models• Federal Plan for Cooperative Support and Backup Among

the Operational Processing Centers• Proceedings of workshops, symposia, and forums

...To name a few...

PublicationsPublications

BACKGROUNDBACKGROUND

• VADM Conrad C. Lautenbacher, Jr., Under Secretary for Oceans and Atmosphere (DOC/NOAA/ Chairperson)

• Vacant, Associate Director for Environment (OSTP)• Mr. Randolph Lyon, Chief, Commerce Branch (OMB)• CAPT Frank Garcia (USN), Military Assistant for

Environmental Sciences (DOD)• Mr. Monte Belger, Acting Deputy Administrator

(DOT/FAA)• Mr. John J. Kelly, Jr., Assistant Administrator for

Weather Services (DOC/NOAA/NWS)

• VADM Conrad C. Lautenbacher, Jr., Under Secretary for Oceans and Atmosphere (DOC/NOAA/ Chairperson)

• Vacant, Associate Director for Environment (OSTP)• Mr. Randolph Lyon, Chief, Commerce Branch (OMB)• CAPT Frank Garcia (USN), Military Assistant for

Environmental Sciences (DOD)• Mr. Monte Belger, Acting Deputy Administrator

(DOT/FAA)• Mr. John J. Kelly, Jr., Assistant Administrator for

Weather Services (DOC/NOAA/NWS)

FCMSSR MembersFCMSSR Members


• Dr. Aristides Patrinos, Associate Director, Office of Biological and Environmental Research (DOE)

• Dr. Robert M. Hirsch, Chief Hydrologist (DOI/USGS)• Mr. Roy P. Zimmerman, Deputy Director, Office of

Nuclear Regulatory Research (NRC)• Dr. Ghassem R. Asrar, Associate Administrator for Earth

Science (NASA)• Dr. Margaret Leinen, Assistant Director, Directorate for

Geosciences (NSF)• Dr. Ray Motha, Chief Meteorologist, World Agricultural

Outlook Board (USDA)

• Dr. Aristides Patrinos, Associate Director, Office of Biological and Environmental Research (DOE)

• Dr. Robert M. Hirsch, Chief Hydrologist (DOI/USGS)• Mr. Roy P. Zimmerman, Deputy Director, Office of

Nuclear Regulatory Research (NRC)• Dr. Ghassem R. Asrar, Associate Administrator for Earth

Science (NASA)• Dr. Margaret Leinen, Assistant Director, Directorate for

Geosciences (NSF)• Dr. Ray Motha, Chief Meteorologist, World Agricultural

Outlook Board (USDA)

FCMSSR Members (2)FCMSSR Members (2)


• Mr. Henry L. Longest, Acting Assistant Administrator for Research & Development (EPA)

• Mr. Paul Misencik , Chief, Operational Factors Division, Office of Aviation Safety (NTSB)

• Mr. Robert F. Shea, Acting Administrator Federal Insurance and Mitigation Administration (FEMA)

• Mr. Ralph Braibanti, Director, Staff for Space and Advanced Technology (DOS)

• Mr. Samuel P. Williamson, Federal Coordinator (DOC/NOAA/OFCM)

• Mr. Henry L. Longest, Acting Assistant Administrator for Research & Development (EPA)

• Mr. Paul Misencik , Chief, Operational Factors Division, Office of Aviation Safety (NTSB)

• Mr. Robert F. Shea, Acting Administrator Federal Insurance and Mitigation Administration (FEMA)

• Mr. Ralph Braibanti, Director, Staff for Space and Advanced Technology (DOS)

• Mr. Samuel P. Williamson, Federal Coordinator (DOC/NOAA/OFCM)

FCMSSR Members (3)FCMSSR Members (3)


• Williamson-OFCM• Motha-USDA• Garcia-DOD• Scheraga-EPA• Moore-DOI• Brown-NRC• Eick-NTSB• Jones-DOC/NWS

• Williamson-OFCM• Motha-USDA• Garcia-DOD• Scheraga-EPA• Moore-DOI• Brown-NRC• Eick-NTSB• Jones-DOC/NWS

• Berkson-DOT/USCG• Petty-DOE• Gambel-FEMA• Kakar-NASA• Moyers-NSF• Wuchte-OMB• Maclure-DOS• Whatley-DOT/FAA

• Berkson-DOT/USCG• Petty-DOE• Gambel-FEMA• Kakar-NASA• Moyers-NSF• Wuchte-OMB• Maclure-DOS• Whatley-DOT/FAA

Chairman

ICMSSR MembersICMSSR Members


• In 1971, the Interdepartmental Board for Cooperation (IBC) of NOAA and DOD was established as a joint military contingency planning and crisis support group– Provides for use of NOAA assets

and capabilities for national defense purposes

• In 1971, the Interdepartmental Board for Cooperation (IBC) of NOAA and DOD was established as a joint military contingency planning and crisis support group– Provides for use of NOAA assets

and capabilities for national defense purposes


• At request of DOC, DOE, and FEMA, provided logistical support to the Three-Mile Island nuclear accident in March 1979

• Last met in 1990 and 1991 to coordinate NOAA’s support to DOD during Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm

• At request of DOC, DOE, and FEMA, provided logistical support to the Three-Mile Island nuclear accident in March 1979

• Last met in 1990 and 1991 to coordinate NOAA’s support to DOD during Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm

Aviation Weather -- Next Steps• Develop comprehensive National Aviation Weather

Training Program– Action driven by the common and unique training

requirements from a broad spectrum of people who operate in the aviation system

– Initial Aviation Weather Training Report is near completion

• Transitioning research to operations– The FAA’s Aviation Weather Technology Transfer approach is

currently focused on the FAA’s users

– Committee for Aviation Services and Research to address the integration and coordination of user needs on an interagency basis

• Develop comprehensive National Aviation Weather Training Program– Action driven by the common and unique training

requirements from a broad spectrum of people who operate in the aviation system

– Initial Aviation Weather Training Report is near completion

• Transitioning research to operations– The FAA’s Aviation Weather Technology Transfer approach is

currently focused on the FAA’s users

– Committee for Aviation Services and Research to address the integration and coordination of user needs on an interagency basis

Key Program AreasKey Program Areas


• Committee for Environmental Services, Operations, and Research Needs– Co-chaired by NOAA, Air Force, and Navy– Interdepartmental Hurricane Conference– Develop operations plans in support of the hurricane

and winter storm programs (WG/Hurricane and Winter Storms Operations and Research)

– Post-Storm Data Acquisition (WG)--recently coordinated Civil Air Patrol support to survey flood damage in Arkansas

• Committee for Environmental Services, Operations, and Research Needs– Co-chaired by NOAA, Air Force, and Navy– Interdepartmental Hurricane Conference– Develop operations plans in support of the hurricane

and winter storm programs (WG/Hurricane and Winter Storms Operations and Research)

– Post-Storm Data Acquisition (WG)--recently coordinated Civil Air Patrol support to survey flood damage in Arkansas



– Published new Wind Chill Temperature Index (JAG/Temperature Indices)

• New WCT Index implemented for Winter 2001-2002 by NWS, DOD, and Canada

– Severe Local Storms Operations (JAG)• Published new plan May 2001

– Atmospheric Transport and Diffusion (JAG)– Completing national assessment of Weather Information

for Surface Transportation (JAG)

– Published new Wind Chill Temperature Index (JAG/Temperature Indices)

• New WCT Index implemented for Winter 2001-2002 by NWS, DOD, and Canada

– Severe Local Storms Operations (JAG)• Published new plan May 2001

– Atmospheric Transport and Diffusion (JAG)– Completing national assessment of Weather Information

for Surface Transportation (JAG)



• Interdepartmental Hurricane Conference– Recent changes include:

• Integration of research and operations• Major effort to improve information dissemination• Improved outreach to and education of our user

communities--particularly emergency management– Publish annual National Hurricane Operations Plan

• Interdepartmental Hurricane Conference– Recent changes include:

• Integration of research and operations• Major effort to improve information dissemination• Improved outreach to and education of our user

communities--particularly emergency management– Publish annual National Hurricane Operations Plan


Themes the past 2 years:

•Landfalling Hurricanes: A Major Challenge for Operations and Research in the 21st Century

•Hurricane Season 2002: 10 Years after Hurricane Andrew


• Responding to recommendations from BASC Summer Study report on Climate Services Specifically addressing two recommendations and assist, as required, with the others

• Forming JAG to define scope of effort to:• Inventory existing observing climate-related

observing systems (Recommendation 1.1)• Promote efficiency by seeking out opportunities

where existing observation networks can combine their efforts to serve multiple purposes in a more cost-effective manner (Recommendation 1.2)

• Responding to recommendations from BASC Summer Study report on Climate Services Specifically addressing two recommendations and assist, as required, with the others

• Forming JAG to define scope of effort to:• Inventory existing observing climate-related

observing systems (Recommendation 1.1)• Promote efficiency by seeking out opportunities

where existing observation networks can combine their efforts to serve multiple purposes in a more cost-effective manner (Recommendation 1.2)

Climate Analysis, Monitoring and Services


• Committee for Cooperative Research– Cosponsored with Subcommittee for Natural Disaster

Reduction (SNDR) the Forum on Risk Management and Assessment of Natural Hazards, Feb 5-6, 2001

• Built consensus to proceed with national natural hazard assessment in “bite-size chunks”

• Follow-on work will focus on a national assessment for climate services, and weather and technical hazards

– Working with U.S. Weather Research Program to expand the membership

• NOAA, Navy, NSF, and NASA are the current players• Air Force, DOT (FAA & FHWA), FEMA, and DOE are

candidates for inclusion

• Committee for Cooperative Research– Cosponsored with Subcommittee for Natural Disaster

Reduction (SNDR) the Forum on Risk Management and Assessment of Natural Hazards, Feb 5-6, 2001

• Built consensus to proceed with national natural hazard assessment in “bite-size chunks”

• Follow-on work will focus on a national assessment for climate services, and weather and technical hazards

– Working with U.S. Weather Research Program to expand the membership

• NOAA, Navy, NSF, and NASA are the current players• Air Force, DOT (FAA & FHWA), FEMA, and DOE are

candidates for inclusion






objectives– Collaborating to develop a next-generation

“community” weather research and forecast model for mesoscale applications




objectives– Collaborating to develop a next-generation

“community” weather research and forecast model for mesoscale applications

Modeling and Prediction


Modeling and PredictionModeling and Prediction











December 1998: Meeting of Interdepartmental Committee for Meteorological Services and Supporting Research (ICMSSR)

Sep Dec

1998

Mar Jun Sep Dec Mar Jun Sep Dec

1999 2000

Mar Jun

2001

• Directed formation of WIST Joint Action Group

– Address meteorological requirements for surface transportation

Weather Information for Surface Transportation (WIST)


Sep

• Co-sponsored with DOT-FHWA

December 1999: First WIST Symposium

• Explore the impacts of weather on surface transportation safety

• Explore current weather issues impacting surface transportation

• Build clear understanding of weather needs / requirements that leads to establishment of national needs / requirements document

WIST


Sep Dec

1998


1999 2000

Mar Jun

2001

Sep

WIST

Symposium On

WEATHER INFORMATION FOR SURFACE TRANSPORTATION

“Preparing for the Future: Improved Weather Information for

Decision-Makers”

December 4 - 6, 2000

• Provide status of needs and requirements analysis• Identify initiatives / programs that are currently underway or being planned• Illuminate gaps where additional focus is required• Identify next steps toward improving weather information for decision-makers


Refined and validated requirements templates for six core modes of surface transportation

Includes specific weather elements, thresholds, operational activities, impacts to operations, actions,

and desired lead-times

January - June 2001: Validated Requirements

WIST


Sep Dec

1998


1999 2000

Mar Jun

2001

Sep

• Validation of needs for the six core areas-- roadway, railway, transit, waterway, pipeline, and airport ground operations--is complete

• National needs assessment report will be ready for publication before close of 2002– Will provide documentation for Secretary of Transportation

policy decisions

• Propose forming WIST Program Council– Guide program to maximize efficiency, reliability, and cost

effectiveness through coordination and integration

• Validation of needs for the six core areas-- roadway, railway, transit, waterway, pipeline, and airport ground operations--is complete

• National needs assessment report will be ready for publication before close of 2002– Will provide documentation for Secretary of Transportation

policy decisions

• Propose forming WIST Program Council– Guide program to maximize efficiency, reliability, and cost

effectiveness through coordination and integration

WIST -- Next Steps


• June 2000-OFCM sponsored a Workshop on Multiscale Atmospheric Dispersion Modeling within the Federal Community– The goal: To bring users and developers of dispersion

models together to improve development and operational coordination

• The events of September 11, 2001, have brought the issue of dispersion modeling to the forefront because of the possible use of WMD during a terrorist attack

• June 2000-OFCM sponsored a Workshop on Multiscale Atmospheric Dispersion Modeling within the Federal Community– The goal: To bring users and developers of dispersion

models together to improve development and operational coordination

• The events of September 11, 2001, have brought the issue of dispersion modeling to the forefront because of the possible use of WMD during a terrorist attack

Homeland Security


• In response to this threat and the 4 Oct meeting between NOAA/NWS, Air Force, Navy, and OFCM, the OFCM-sponsored, interagency Joint Action Group for Environmental Support to Homeland Security was formed and began meeting on 11 Oct. Key players include:– NOAA (NWS, OAR, NESDIS, NOS), Navy, Air Force, DOE, EPA,

FEMA, NRC, FAA, USCG, and DTRA– Working on inputs from NASA, USDA, and FHWA

• In response to this threat and the 4 Oct meeting between NOAA/NWS, Air Force, Navy, and OFCM, the OFCM-sponsored, interagency Joint Action Group for Environmental Support to Homeland Security was formed and began meeting on 11 Oct. Key players include:– NOAA (NWS, OAR, NESDIS, NOS), Navy, Air Force, DOE, EPA,

FEMA, NRC, FAA, USCG, and DTRA– Working on inputs from NASA, USDA, and FHWA

Homeland Security


• Reviewed the functions of the Office of Homeland Security (OHS), which are Detection, Prevention, Preparedness, Protection, and Response/ Recovery

• Reviewed supporting infrastructure and developed inventories of product, service, and support capabilities– Agencies documented capabilities in matrices tailored to the

OHS functions– “Single points of failure” were to be addressed at the

individual agency level due to security considerations

• Reviewed the functions of the Office of Homeland Security (OHS), which are Detection, Prevention, Preparedness, Protection, and Response/ Recovery

• Reviewed supporting infrastructure and developed inventories of product, service, and support capabilities– Agencies documented capabilities in matrices tailored to the

OHS functions– “Single points of failure” were to be addressed at the

individual agency level due to security considerations

Homeland Security


• Analyzed Lead Federal Agency (LFA) responsibilities for consequence management

• Specifically:– Identified capabilities, shortfalls, cooperative support and

backup arrangements, areas where other agencies’ capabilities are currently being leveraged, and future leveraging opportunities

– Addressed the current support structure and process for providing consequence assessment under various scenarios, using atmospheric transport and diffusion (ATD) models

• On 16 Nov, briefed FCMSSR on initial results

• Analyzed Lead Federal Agency (LFA) responsibilities for consequence management

• Specifically:– Identified capabilities, shortfalls, cooperative support and

backup arrangements, areas where other agencies’ capabilities are currently being leveraged, and future leveraging opportunities

– Addressed the current support structure and process for providing consequence assessment under various scenarios, using atmospheric transport and diffusion (ATD) models

• On 16 Nov, briefed FCMSSR on initial results

Homeland Security


• Action items from FCMSSR meeting:– Arrange for representation from the Office of Homeland

Security and the Justice Department to work with OFCM on homeland security issues and to attend future meetings related to environmental support to homeland security

– Establish an interagency process to identify requirements and establish priorities for meteorological support to homeland security

– Identify areas for increased leveraging and backup between agencies

– OFCM host a meeting in a classified environment to discuss single points of failure within relevant agencies

• Action items from FCMSSR meeting:– Arrange for representation from the Office of Homeland

Security and the Justice Department to work with OFCM on homeland security issues and to attend future meetings related to environmental support to homeland security

– Establish an interagency process to identify requirements and establish priorities for meteorological support to homeland security

– Identify areas for increased leveraging and backup between agencies

– OFCM host a meeting in a classified environment to discuss single points of failure within relevant agencies

Homeland Security


• Action items from FCMSSR meeting (continued):– Establish a working relationship with the Office of Homeland

Security so that the meteorological community can make appropriate contributions. (Note: ADM Abbot, Deputy Homeland Security Advisor to the President, was briefed by VADM Lautenbacher on February 28, 2002)

– Proceed with the Workshop on Effective Emergency Response: Selecting a Suitable Dispersion Model for a Given Application, December 5-6, 2001

• Goal: Develop interagency approved National concept of operations for support to Homeland Security operations

• Action items from FCMSSR meeting (continued):– Establish a working relationship with the Office of Homeland

Security so that the meteorological community can make appropriate contributions. (Note: ADM Abbot, Deputy Homeland Security Advisor to the President, was briefed by VADM Lautenbacher on February 28, 2002)

– Proceed with the Workshop on Effective Emergency Response: Selecting a Suitable Dispersion Model for a Given Application, December 5-6, 2001

• Goal: Develop interagency approved National concept of operations for support to Homeland Security operations

Homeland Security


• Workshop conducted December 5-6, 2001• Overarching goal:

– Define a system for supporting the objective determination of the most appropriate dispersion model to be used in a given situation

• Objectives:– Select categories to be used for screening dispersion models

for application in a given scenario– Develop appropriate criteria within the selected categories to

be used for objective screening of models– Introduce and discuss processes and critical issues relating

to model evaluation

• Workshop conducted December 5-6, 2001• Overarching goal:

– Define a system for supporting the objective determination of the most appropriate dispersion model to be used in a given situation

• Objectives:– Select categories to be used for screening dispersion models

for application in a given scenario– Develop appropriate criteria within the selected categories to

be used for objective screening of models– Introduce and discuss processes and critical issues relating

to model evaluation

Effective Emergency Response

Recent AccomplishmentsRecent Accomplishments

• Additional Considerations:– Aggressive timeline due to urgency of situation– There’s ~145 ATD models of various types

• Response (national, regional, and local use)• Regulatory• R&D

– Various levels of verification and validation– No common concept of operations

• Additional Considerations:– Aggressive timeline due to urgency of situation– There’s ~145 ATD models of various types

• Response (national, regional, and local use)• Regulatory• R&D

– Various levels of verification and validation– No common concept of operations

Effective Emergency Response


• Formed JAG for Selection and Evaluation of Atmospheric Transport and Diffusion Models (JAG/SEATD) to work near and mid term actions (Report published on this Near to Mid Term work)

• Near to Mid Term– Review criteria and scenarios for model application– Define the current suite of operational models and

applications– Investigate status of evaluation of models– Identify deficiencies and research needs in the application of

the models– Prioritize those deficiencies and needs in the context of

homeland security

• Formed JAG for Selection and Evaluation of Atmospheric Transport and Diffusion Models (JAG/SEATD) to work near and mid term actions (Report published on this Near to Mid Term work)

• Near to Mid Term– Review criteria and scenarios for model application– Define the current suite of operational models and

applications– Investigate status of evaluation of models– Identify deficiencies and research needs in the application of

the models– Prioritize those deficiencies and needs in the context of

homeland security

Effective Emergency Response--Next Steps


• Near to mid term (continued)– Report status of evaluation, technological shortfalls and

deficiencies, and recommended actions– Work toward an agreed-upon process for verification and

validation of models• Intermediate and long term

– Capitalize on planned operational experiments

– Develop National Research and Development Plan to address critical technological shortfalls

– Follow-on validation and verification

– Address development of a community model

• Near to mid term (continued)– Report status of evaluation, technological shortfalls and

deficiencies, and recommended actions– Work toward an agreed-upon process for verification and

validation of models• Intermediate and long term

– Capitalize on planned operational experiments

– Develop National Research and Development Plan to address critical technological shortfalls

– Follow-on validation and verification

– Address development of a community model

Effective Emergency Response--Next Steps


• Theme: Hurricane Season 2002: 10 Years after Hurricane Andrew

• Dates: March 11-15, 2002• Location: Hyatt Regency Superdome Hotel, New

Orleans, LA • Conducted Special Session on Tropical Cyclone

Precipitation and Inland Flooding

• Theme: Hurricane Season 2002: 10 Years after Hurricane Andrew

• Dates: March 11-15, 2002• Location: Hyatt Regency Superdome Hotel, New

Orleans, LA • Conducted Special Session on Tropical Cyclone

Precipitation and Inland Flooding

56th Interdepartmental Hurricane Conference


• Monday’s Keynote Address by VADM Conrad C. Lautenbacher, Jr., USN (Ret.), the Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere.

• The commemoration of Richard H. Hagemeyer, the longtime Director of the NWS Pacific Region and supporter of the IHC. An annual award to be presented at the IHC was established in his name. The first recipient was Professor Russell L. Elsberry, NPS.

• Monday’s Keynote Address by VADM Conrad C. Lautenbacher, Jr., USN (Ret.), the Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere.

• The commemoration of Richard H. Hagemeyer, the longtime Director of the NWS Pacific Region and supporter of the IHC. An annual award to be presented at the IHC was established in his name. The first recipient was Professor Russell L. Elsberry, NPS.

56th Interdepartmental Hurricane Conference (Key Events)


• Continued research is needed in forecasting the intensity and structure of hurricanes and tropical cyclones

• Increased research priority is required for warm season quantitative precipitation forecasts and the resultant impacts of inland flooding

• Fully exploit coupled model technology, which integrates the atmosphere, ocean, and land as one fully coupled system

• Continued research is needed in forecasting the intensity and structure of hurricanes and tropical cyclones

• Increased research priority is required for warm season quantitative precipitation forecasts and the resultant impacts of inland flooding

• Fully exploit coupled model technology, which integrates the atmosphere, ocean, and land as one fully coupled system


(Conclusions/Recommendations)


• Investigate methods to effectively communicate forecast uncertainty to the public

• Facilitate and expand collaborations and partnerships at the National Hurricane Center’s Joint Hurricane Testbed

• Place increased priority on transitioning proven remote-sensing observational capability to the operational weather reconnaissance aircraft

• Investigate methods to effectively communicate forecast uncertainty to the public

• Facilitate and expand collaborations and partnerships at the National Hurricane Center’s Joint Hurricane Testbed

• Place increased priority on transitioning proven remote-sensing observational capability to the operational weather reconnaissance aircraft


(Conclusions/Recommendations)


Documents

The Role of OFCM in Interagency Coordination Presentation for GOES User Conference II October 1, 2002 Samuel P. Williamson Federal Coordinator for Meteorology