 | | 30 July 2001 MEMORANDUM FOR THE RECORD
Subject: MINUTES OF THE 11 MAY 2001 NATIONAL OCEAN RESEARCH
LEADERSHIP COUNCIL MEETING
1. These are the minutes of the eighth National Ocean Research Leadership Council (NORLC) meeting held in the Truman Room of the White House Conference Center, 726 Jackson Place, Washington, DC on 11 May 2001.
The Chair called the meeting to order shortly after 2:00 p.m. Agency representatives are listed below:
Mr. Robert Pirie, Under Secretary of the Navy (acting Chair)
Mr. Scott Gudes, Acting Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere (Vice-Chair)
Dr. Rita Colwell, Director, National Science Foundation
Dr. Eric Lindstrom, representing the Administrator, National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Dr. Peter Preuss, representing the Administrator, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
CAPT Charles Lancaster, representing the Commandant, United States Coast Guard
Dr. Bonnie McGregor, representing the Director, United States Geological Survey
Dr. Thomas Kitsos, Acting Director, Minerals Management Service
Mr. Gary Reisner, representing the Director, Office of Management and Budget
Dr. David Mathis, representing the Army Corps of Engineers
2. Opening Remarks
The Chair welcomed all participants and asked Dr. Steven E. Ramberg, Chair of the NOPP Interagency Working Group (IWG) to summarize the agenda and proposed action items.
3. Consent Calendar
The Chair asked Dr. Ramberg to describe the Consent Calendar items.
Postpone selection of next Chair and Vice Chair of the NORLC until Fall 2001.
NOPP legislation states that “…the chairman and vice chairman of the Council shall be appointed every two years by a selection committee of the Council composed of, at a minimum, the Secretary of the Navy, the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration [NOAA], and the Director of the National Science Foundation [NSF]. The term of office of the chairman and vice chairman shall be two years. A person who has previously served as chairman of vice chairman may be reappointed.” The terms of the current Chair and Vice Chair were due to end following the 16 October 2000 NORLC meeting. Both have served two terms. A Selection Committee, composed of Navy, NOAA, NSF, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, and the Minerals Management Service, was formed in the spring of 2000 to develop nominations for the next Chair and Vice Chair. Due to the change in Administration, the NORLC agreed to postpone confirmation of the nominees, originally scheduled for the Fall 2000 NORLC meeting, until Spring 2001. Because the heads of several NORLC agencies still have not been selected or confirmed, the Interagency Working Group recommends postponing the selection of the new NORLC Chair and Vice Chair until Fall 2001 and proceeding on the two year cycle thereafter.
Grant Interagency Working Group approval authority for 2001 NOPP Broad Agency Announcement awards.
The NOPP solicitation to fund projects beginning in FY 2001 was published 20 December 2000, with proposals due 1 May 2000. Topics followed the NOPP programmatic themes: Topic A. Operational/Routine Observations (Argo); Topic B. Research “Observatories” (no request for proposals this year); Topic C. Observational Technique Development (minor); Topic D. “Commons” for Ocean Information Network (more nodes); and Topic E. Education/Outreach (no requests for proposals this year). The proposals received will be reviewed by panels of experts and, to a lesser extent, mail reviewers. The review panels will provide the Interagency Working Group (IWG) with a list of projects recommended for funding. The IWG will then hold a special meeting to review and discuss the recommendations and prepare a package recommended for funding. This package is typically brought before the NORLC at the spring meeting each year for approval. Due to the later proposal deadline this year, approval by the NORLC at the spring meeting is not possible. To maintain the award process timeline and avoid delays in granting awards, the IWG requests approval authority for the 2001 NOPP Broad Agency Announcement awards.
The Council approved the transfer of award approval authority to the IWG, but had concerns about the delay in selecting the new NORLC Chair and Vice Chair. Mr. Pirie stated that while holding the upcoming election in the fall is acceptable, it is preferred that elections take place in the spring rather than the fall of the election year. He referred back to the IWG for a proposal to determine how the election process and periodicity should be handled so as to avoid a conflict with the 4-year Presidential election and subsequent change in Administration. A suggestion was made that if the NORLC election is held in the fall of this year, the two-year term for NORLC leadership will offset the NORLC election cycle from the Presidential election cycle.
4. NOPP Status Report
A. NOPP Program Update and Plans
Dr. Ramberg provided a brief overview of the current program. Information was provided on the structure of the program, including the Ocean.US EXCOM and the Federal Oceanographic Facilities Committee. Dr. Ramberg reviewed the five NOPP investment areas (operational/routine observations; research “observatories”; observational technique development; “commons” for ocean information; and education and outreach) and discussed the NOPP investment portfolio to date. Program activities to date and the NOPP FY 2001 funding opportunities, including the Broad Agency Announcement, a Navy Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) solicitation and a Department of Commerce solicitation on behalf of NOPP for implementation of the next phase of Argo, were also discussed. The presentation concluded with a review of NOPP highlights over the past year.
B. National Ocean Sciences Bowl (NOSB)
Ms. Sarah Schoedinger, Education Coordinator for the Consortium for Oceanographic Research and Education (CORE), provided an overview of the National Ocean Sciences Bowl. She described the program structure and budget and provided information on benefits to the students who participate. She concluded her presentation with a summary of future plans to expand the NOSB, including adding new sites, broadening the funding base, and targeting traditionally underrepresented student populations. Mr. Gudes noted that certain NOPP agencies have programs that work with traditionally minority institutions. He suggested NOSB work with these agencies to access the underrepresented student populations. VADM Conrad Lautenbacher, President of CORE, commented that one benefit of NOSB to the agencies is that federal employees serving as volunteers generate positive public exposure by spreading the good will of the agencies.
C. Ocean Research Advisory Panel (ORAP) Update
Dr. Knauss provided a brief report on the activities of the ORAP and their meeting of 26 April 2001. He announced that Dr. Marcia McNutt of the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute will take over responsibilities as ORAP Chair starting with the fall, 2001 ORAP meeting. Dr. Otis Brown of the University of Miami will serve as Vice Chair.
Dr. Knauss reviewed the list of reports produced by the ORAP to date. One of these reports was prepared at the request of the NORLC for a strategic vision for a U.S. research program to study marine biological resources within the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone. A report on Part B of this request, for ORAP to work with the Ocean.US office to determine appropriate observational strategies in support of the research program, is due by the end of the calendar year.
The ORAP believes that the NOPP model works and that there are cases where partnerships are formed through NOPP that are a success. The Panel acknowledges, however, the need to take action on developing a NOPP education strategy. Dr. Knauss noted that the ORAP would like to organize meetings for the NOPP PIs in each of the five NOPP investment areas to enhance communication and the exchange of ideas within each area.
Dr. Knauss commented that NOPP is primarily centered on development of an ocean observing system, which he sees in two parts: open ocean and coastal. He stated that the open ocean component is well organized and on track. The coastal component is more complicated, with more goals, more areas to address, and more people involved. The needs for a coastal system change depending on the portion of the coast being examined, and the U.S. has limited experience in this area. Dr. Knauss commented that he thinks the community will have to convince Congress that an ocean observing system is something that should be built into the budget for the long-term. He noted that ORAP will continue to examine the situation and attempt to define the issues better over the next several months.
Mr. Pirie questioned whether individual states or academic institutions fill in the gaps where federal efforts leave off. Dr. Knauss responded that certain academic institutions do ocean observations on occasion. The activities of individual states do not extend far from the coast because of the jurisdictional boundary.
D. Federal Oceanographic Facilities Committee (FOFC)
Dr. Margaret Leinen of the National Science Foundation and Chair of FOFC presented an overview of FOFC, including information on the draft discussion paper for management of the academic fleet developed by the Committee. The plan was made available for review to both the agencies and the oceanographic community. She noted that the University-National Oceanographic Laboratory Systems (UNOLS) commented that the Committee should review new science reports and plans because ideas presented in these would drive needs for additional fleet capabilities and capacities. UNOLS also commented that the number of ships needed as recommended in the report represents a minimum.
Dr. Leinen noted that a number of factors were examined and a determination was made as to whether each factor indicates an increase or decrease in fleet capacity needs. She noted, however, that budget and science trends cannot be used to accurately predict needs 20 years from now. Reassessments will have to be made at certain intervals. The budget estimate put forth in the paper is $560M over 15 years, with $50M allotted for the first year. The discussion paper will be revised according to the UNOLS and other comments. Dr. Leinen commented that the Committee does expect to move beyond fleet issues to a review of other facilities once the fleet plan paper is complete.
Mr. Gudes asked whether the paper provides a breakout of the fleet by job or operation because fisheries issues are of particular concern to NOAA. Dr. Leinen responded that vessels are categorized according to capacity and endurance, but the Committee could look at specific fisheries issues. Mr. Gudes asked that the marine living resource needs be addressed, including which vessels have the capacity to investigate these resources.
In response to a comment that all aspects of the U.S. fleet need to be examined in order to develop an accurate review, Dr. Leinen stated that the Committee was not charged to look at the entire federal fleet, only the academic fleet. There was also a question of incorporating needs of the Great Lakes area. Dr. Leinen responded that there are no current plans to examine this aspect, but it can be done if the NORLC directs. A comment was made that it is surprising the paper finds that Ocean.US activities will decrease the need for vessels. Dr. Leinen noted that such a indication refers to the routine observations that could be taken over by autonomous vehicles. She agreed, however, that Ocean.US and related activities could result in an increased need.
5. Ocean.US
Captain Dave Martin, USN, PhD, Director of the Ocean.US Office, provided a review of the Ocean.US design, goals and activities. He then updated the Council on the status of signatories of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) to set up the Ocean.US Office.
6. NOPP Interaction with the President’s Commission on Ocean Policy
VADM Lautenbacher commented that it is important for the NORLC to decide how it and NOPP as a whole will interface with and be involved with the President’s Commission on Ocean Policy. He noted the need to move forward with a coordinated and cohesive position. Dr. Knauss urged each agency representative to consider whom, from among their own staff members, they would like to serve as staff to the Ocean Commission.
Mr. Reisner of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) commented on a concurrent process – preparation of the report called for in the Oceans Act of 2000 that will list the agency programs and spending levels for ocean activities. He stated that the agencies will have to work together on this and that OMB is currently working to define what constitutes an “ocean activity.”
Mr. Gudes stated that the NOPP staff should be empowered to proactively approach the Ocean Commission and explain the function, goals and importance of the Partnership Program. VADM Lautenbacher reiterated that the NORLC needs to develop a high-level, integrated position and to be prepared to act should issues of great importance to NOPP arise.
7. Other Business
In appreciation for his service as Chair of the ORAP, Mr. Pirie presented Dr. Knauss with an engraved antique compass. Dr. Knauss thanked the NORLC for the recognition and commented that he was pleased to have contributed to NOPP.
Dr. Stan Wilson, Vice Chair of the IWG, raised the issue of drafting a letter to Congress to demonstrate how the NOPP agency budgets link together in support of NOPP and the benefits of being a part of NOPP. He stated that NOPP agencies report to many different congressional committees and cross communication is often difficult. Such a letter would be a way to show how the FY 02 budget submissions are complementary to and support each other. Mr. Gudes asked whether each agency has a table showing these budget items that support NOPP. Dr. Wilson and Dr. Ramberg replied that the agencies do not have a NOPP line item in their budgets, but there are ways to show that certain program aspects are NOPP activities, for example Argo. Mr. Reisner commented that going through OMB may be a more effective way of accomplishing this goal. It was agreed that NOAA and OMB will work together to draft the appropriate document.
The meeting was adjourned at 4:00 p.m. The next meeting of the NORLC will be in Fall, 2001. At this meeting, the IWG, ORAP, FOFC, and Ocean.US Office will report on program activities and progress.
8. Summary of Approvals/Actions:
Approved:
All items on the Consent Calendar.
IWG authority to approach the President’s Commission on Ocean Policy on behalf of the NORLC to explain the function, goals and importance of NOPP.
For Action:
The IWG will prepare a proposal on the NORLC leadership rotation cycle to offset the general election cycle.
The IWG will prepare a briefing, to include ORAP and FOFC issues, to present to the President’s Commission on Ocean Policy.
The FOFC will examine marine living resource needs with respect to vessel capacity for inclusion in the fleet review discussion paper.
NOAA and OMB will work together to draft a document demonstrating that agency budgets are complementary to and support each other and NOPP.
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