# Presentation: 138349

## Partnership Policy UpdateandNWS Support for Special Events, DoTs

**Edward Johnson,**
**Director, Strategic Planning & Policy Office**
**National Weather Service**
**National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration**

**NWS Partners Workshop**
**June 18, 2008**

- Edward Johnson

- June 2008

## NOAA SAB Partnerships Working Group 

- 2006 (July) - The SAB recommended an *ad hoc *working group to examine/recommend advisory options for improving communications among public/private/academic entities
- 2007 (Aug) – Meeting of the SAB Working Group to Examine Advisory Options for Improving Communications Among NOAA's Partners (“Partnerships Working Group”)
- 2008 (March) – Draft report of the Partnerships Working Group presented to the SAB recommending the establishment of a standing NOAA Science Advisory Board (SAB) Partnerships Working Group.
- 2008 (May 21) –  Draft report published in the Federal Register Notice.  Public comment period closes June 20.
- 	_[http://www.sab.noaa.gov/Reports/Reports.html](http://www.sab.noaa.gov/Reports/Reports.html)_

- Edward Johnson

- June 2008

**Notes:**
Policy on Partnerships in the Provision of Environmental Information (Dec. 2004)

Jan 2006 Clarification adopted:  Clarification was in response to concerns that the existing policy could be construed as signaling an intent by NOAA to compete with private companies when producing public products and services. “NOAA recognizes the government best serves the public interest by cooperating with private sector and academic and research entities to meet the varied needs of specific individuals, organizations, and economic entities. NOAA will take advantage of existing capabilities and services of commercial and academic sectors to avoid duplication and competition in areas not related to the NOAA mission.”

Fair Weather report’s Recommendation 2:  “The NWS should establish an independent advisory committee to provide ongoing advice to it on weather and climate matters...”

The SAB recommended NOAA establish an ad hoc, limited duration, working group to examine and recommend advisory options for improving communications among the various public, private, and academic entities engaged in environmental information matters 

Meeting of the SAB Working Group to Examine Advisory Options for Improving Communications Among NOAA's Partners tentatively set for August.
Leadership of the SAB changed and resulted in a longer than desired delay in setting up the working group.  (volunteers)

Periodic Review. NOAA will review the effectiveness of this policy every five years beginning five years after the implementation date. 

## NWS Information Service Change Database (http://www.weather.gov/infoservicechanges/)

**NWS information service change status (5/23/08)**

|  | New | Modification | Termination |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Open for Comment | 26 | 1 | 0 |
| Decision Pending | 17 | 3 | 2 |
| Totals | 43 | 4 | 2 |

- _Summary of 2007 Decisions:_
- 31 new services approved
- 10 new services disapproved
-   6 modifications approved
-   2 termination approved
-   1 termination disapproved

- _2008 Decisions to Date:_
- 23 new services approved
-   6 new services disapproved
-   4 modifications approved
-   1 modification disapproved
-   1 termination approved

- Edward Johnson

- June 2008

## NWS Support For Special Events

**Clarification of Support – not new policy**
- NWS has drafted _**clarification**_ of policy for support of special events
- Basic premises:
- Large events can expose participants and spectators to hazardous weather conditions.
- NWS has uncompromising commitment to public safety
- Current NWS products satisfy many needs for venue services from NWS (public safety)
- America’s Weather Industry can provide specialized support for how to plan and run events
- NWS forecasters may inform EMs or venue operator when weather conditions threaten life/property (mainly through watches/ warnings,  but directly when appropriate)
- NWS forecasters will not provide specialized weather support and customized consulting services to special event organizers, organized and packaged for decisions on how to plan, run, or manage the event
- Comments requested by June 30 at** weather.gov/sp/specialevents.htm**

- Edward Johnson

- June 2008

**Notes:**
America’s Weather Industry - includes all elements of the private sector (including media, consultants, equipment providers, etc.) which provide services to the public in the areas of climate, water, and weather.  The term does not exclude foreign-owned companies which provide services to the American public.

## NWS Support For State/Local DoTs

**Clarification of Support – not new policy**
- NWS is drafting _**clarification**_ of policy for support to State/Local DoTs
- By analogy to special events policy:
- Surface transportation can expose the public to hazardous weather conditions.
- NWS has uncompromising commitment to public safety
- Current NWS products satisfy many needs for DoT support from NWS (public safety).
- America’s Weather Industry can provide specialized support to DoTs.
- NWS forecasters may inform DoTs when weather conditions threaten life/property (mainly through watches/ warnings, but directly when appropriate)
- NWS forecasters will not provide specialized weather support and customized consulting services to DoTs designed to support specific decisions on control, advisory, and treatment management strategies.
- Policy Clarification will be distributed widely for comment/review.** **

- Edward Johnson

- June 2008

**Notes:**
America’s Weather Industry - includes all elements of the private sector (including media, consultants, equipment providers, etc.) which provide services to the public in the areas of climate, water, and weather.  The term does not exclude foreign-owned companies which provide services to the American public.