Program Update: Interagency Ocean Observation Committee – February 2011

The IOOC Data Partners Criteria Working Group is currently identifying data criteria and a verification process for all IOOS data providers and collectors to ensure that IOOS data is quality controlled, with appropriate metadata and in forms most likely to be useful to IOOS customers. The Regional Information Coordination Entities (RICE) Working Group, also chartered by the IOOC, met on March 2 and began developing governance criteria.

In coordination with the IOOS Program Office, the IOOC developed a draft statement of work, work breakdown structure, ground rules and assumptions, and a cost analysis requirements document for the Independent Cost Estimate requirement of the ICOOS Act. The IOOC is currently in the process of identifying an independent cost estimator.

The IOOS Program Office is conducting IOOS Partner Activity Assessments with each participating IOOC agencies. The assessments are measuring individual agency’s IOOS contributions in terms of three general capabilities: 1.) observing systems, 2.) research and development, and 3.) education and training.

The IOOC is actively participating with National Ocean Council staff on fulfilling the recommendations of the Ocean Policy Task Force. Specifically, the new national ocean policy requests Strategic Action Plans for “Ocean, Coastal, and Great Lakes Observations, Mapping, and Infrastructure.” Members of the IOOC, Interagency Working Group on Facilities and Infrastructure, and Interagency Working Group on Ocean and Coastal Mapping have been holding joint meetings to develop the strategic action plan.

The last IOOC full membership meeting took place on February 17. The next will be held on Thursday, April 23 from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. at the Consortium for Ocean Leadership.

Planning is underway for the next IOOC industry workshop tentatively scheduled for the week of June 21, 2011 and will focus on the Great Lakes region. DTE Energy and Battelle are sponsoring in the event.

Additional information and updates can be found on the committee’s web site at www.iooc.us.

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