Program Update: Interagency Ocean Observation Committee – June 2011
Filed under: Discovery,IOOC,News & Resources,Ocean Observing,Program Updates,Program Updates - Interagency Ocean Observation Committee
The IOOC Data Partners Criteria Working Group is close to finalizing the data criteria and 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, is continuing to meet for developing governance and management standards. The two groups held a joint meeting May 19 to merge recommendations.
The IOOS Program Office and the IOOC continue to make progress developing an Independent Cost Estimate as required in the Integrated Coastal and Ocean Observation System Act. Recent progress includes drafting the following: a statement of work, a work breakdown structure, ground rules and assumptions, and a cost analysis requirements document. 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 agency. 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. Seven agencies are now engaged in the process.
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 requires a Strategic Action Plan (#9) 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 this Strategic Action Plan.
The IOOC co-hosted a workshop with the Great Lakes Observing System (GLOS) to provide attendees with an understanding of Great Lakes observing systems and their uses, explore existing and emerging user needs for data and information, provide an opportunity to match use needs with observing system capability, and help to inform plans for the future enhancement of the Great Lakes Observing System. The day included industry user-case studies by the agriculture, energy, wind, and water management sectors. The event was graciously supported by DTE Energy, Battelle, Sonardyne, the Council of Great Lakes Industries, Baird, Sarnia-Lambton Environmental Association, and the Michigan Farm Bureau.
Upcoming events
- The next full committee meeting will be held on Thursday, August 18, 2011 from 2:00-4:00 p.m. at the Consortium for Ocean Leadership.
- Planning is underway for the next IOOC industry workshop scheduled for January 2012 and will focus on the Pacific Northwest region. Microsoft will be hosting the event in Seattle, Washington.
Additional information and updates can be found on the committee’s website at www.iooc.us.
