Recommendations and SPoRT Response

1. SAC Meeting – June 2007 Recommendations and SPoRT Response Gary Jedlovec transitioning unique NASA data and research technologies to operations

2. Recommendations / Response • Programmatic • Backfill staff in leadership and expertise areas resulting from loss of staff (Lapenta, Goodman, liaison position) • Added 2 liaison positions - Geoffrey Stano (lightning expertise) and Kevin Fuell (coastal processes and training expertise) • Civil service hire for data assimilation (Brad Zavodsky) and modeling / remote sensing (Andrew Molthan – Coop, non competitive hire at graduation) • Additional data assimilation/remote sensing and analyst (UAH scientist – Matt Rigney and Jackie Shafer) • Part-time information systems and satellite remote sensing (Matt Smith and Kevin McGrath) • Be more proactive to enhance collaborations with WFOs and transition products – liaisons actively addressing this • Site visits to train and engage forecasters • Regular coordination calls • Enhanced product suite to WFOs transitioning unique NASA data and research technologies to operations

3. Recommendations / Response • Develop means for more formal reporting and outreach to end users, partners, and beneficiaries • Updated web page to make it a one-stop shop for SPoRT information • Developed and published quarterly progress reports – distribute to ~125 colleagues, post on web page • Published and disseminated the first biennial “SPoRT Report” containing detailed information in major SPoRT research and transition areas (published alternate years from SPoRT SAC meetings) • Created blog for end user posting and interaction, posts echoed on Facebook Fan page • Develop and implement an operating plan to guide specific tasks • Developed team structure with weekly meetings to keep activities focused • Develop a strategic plan to provide overarching guidance to current and future of SPoRT activities • Comprehensive plan developed by SPoRT team (ownership), published and disseminated to community transitioning unique NASA data and research technologies to operations

4. Recommendations / Response • Technical • Disseminate MODIS SSTs to a broader user community • Demonstrated value (product assessment) to user community at conference, workshops, and web page – GRiB files available via ftp/LDM • Worked with WRF EMS developers to make access to SPoRT SST composites a default selection in version 3 – enhanced product produced / accessed from PO DAAC • NSSL / HWT evaluating product for operational use (2009 Spring program, etc.) • Explore a more direct path for AIRS data into operations, train end users on its use, and transition away from ADAS • Now use WRF / GSI and WRFVar for profile and radiance assimilation work • Evaluated use of profiles as asynoptic diagnostic measurement (comparison site) – enhanced 3D analysis best approach transitioning unique NASA data and research technologies to operations

5. Recommendations / Response • Restore Lightning Mapping Array (NALMA) focus • Developed more comprehensive training on use of product, strengths and weaknesses, and detection efficiency • Broader dissemination of data (added Moorestown, working with Peachtree City) • Explored access and use of other LMAs to WFOs – AWIPS II focus • Conducted additional assessments • Link lightning forecasts to end users • Published technique • Refining approach and testing it in near real-time runs for NSSP HWT 2010 Spring Program • Evaluate the utility of coupled WRF / LIS products in operations • Case studies and publications transitioning unique NASA data and research technologies to operations

6. Recommendations / Response • Summary • SPoRT : • values SAC recommendations and feedback • has been responsive to SAC recommendations • provided early feedback on planned response • implemented majority of ideas • believes the guidance has made the program much better • looking forward new guidance from the SAC 2009 meeting transitioning unique NASA data and research technologies to operations