CONTENTS

1. PURPOSE AND SCOPE

   This Chapter prescribes the triagency policies for the conduct of the next Generation Weather Radar (NEXRAD) Technical Advisory Committee (TAC).

2. BACKGROUND

   1. The NEXRAD Program

      The NextRad Program is a joint Department of Commerce (DOC), Department Of Defense (DOD), and Department Of Transportation (DOT) effort to develop , procure , install , and operate Doppler weather radar (WSR-88D) systems. Through the application of Doppler radar principles and computer algorithms, the WSR-88R was developed to detect wind velocity, improve flood warnings, improve water resources management, improve detection of severe thunderstorms and tropical cyclones, increase weather warning lead time, identify aviation hazards, and provide automated exchange of digital weather radar data.

   2. TAC History

      The original Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) began functioning on an ad hoc basis during 1980 and was officially chartered in 1981. The charter called for the TAC to recommend sources for research and development (R&D) support, recommend action on R&R proposals received from the laboratories, comment on R&D support progress in meeting , and comment on Joint System Program Office (JSPO) progress in meeting the automation goals of the Joint Operational Requirements document. In pursuing this chapter the TAC is identified and prioritized NEXRAD technical needs, contributed to the NEXRAD R&D plan, identified algorithms which might meet the technical requirements, and recommend how to proceed with the algorithm development. The TAC was reconstituted by a revised charter signed in January 1991. That charter was revised in August 1993 and September 1995.

   3. Radar Operations Center (ROC) Responsibilities

      The Roc is responsible for operational support of the WSR-88D system. This includes maintenance and enhancement of the algorithms upon Configuration Control Board (CCB) approval from the Program Management Committee (PMC), but it does not permit basic research directed at developing new algorithms. Basic research will continue to be an agency responsibility carried out as determined by each agency.

3. NEXRAD TECHNICAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE

   3.1 Purpose

   1. Update Technical Needs
      The Tac began with an assessment of the IOC against the list of technical needs identified in the March 1983 issue of the NEXRAD R&D plan. Technical needs satisfied by the IOC were deleted. Technical needs not satisfied by IOC were retained and new technical needs have been added to the list. Additional new technical needs will be added to the list as required. The TAC will update and prioritize the list of technical needs on an annual basis and provide the list to the PMC for approval.

   2. Prioritize Technical Needs
      The TAC will prioritize technical needs, giving consideration to the feasibility of the R&D required. This process will involve discussions with individuals and groups actively contributing to radar R&D.

   3. Request Proposals
      When deemed appropriate, the PMC, or designee will publish a prioritized list of technical needs to R&D organizations and field users. When funds permit, the PMC will request proposals to address critical technical needs.

   4. Evaluate Proposals
      The TAC will evaluate the technical merit of the proposals. When appropriate, the Chairman may select and appoint a subcommittee of voting members to serve as proposal evaluation panel for the TAC at large. Each member will represent their respective Department in all matters relating to WSR-88D technical issues and TAC activities. Each member will consider the impact of these issues upon the missions of the DOC, DOD and DOT , as well as the members respective agency. The 6-12 voting agency representatives and tow members at large will vote on which proposals to forward to the PMC. Dissenting opinions may be expressed through minority reports, which will also be forward to the PMC. the PMC is solely responsible for selecting winning proposals.

   5. Advise PMC
      The TAC will provide technical advice on request and will conduct independent technical reviews of critical issues. As part of these reviews, the TAC will solicit technical advice from sources outside the NEXRAD program. As the agencies complete algorithm research work, the PMC will consider those algorithms for implementation into the WSR-88D, based on the TAC's recommendation.

   3.2 Membership

   1. Committee
      The NEXRAD TAC will consist of 10 to 16 members: a nonvoting chairperson, a nonvoting executive secretary, two or four NWS voting representatives, two or four DOT voting representatives, two or four DOD voting representatives, and two voting members at large. The voting on issues will be recorded.

   2. Chairperson
      The chair person will have a 2-year term with renewal upon mutual agreement of the PMC and the chairperson. The PMC will select the TAC Chairperson. The chairperson will preside over the TAC meetings.

   3. Executive Secretary
      The chief of the ROC Applications Branch will serve as the executive secretary. The executive secretary will

      • Set meeting times and agenda

      • Arrange for a meeting place

      • Coordinate a list of meeting observers

      • Prepare and distribute meeting minute

      • Poll laboratories and field offices for proposals for near-term advanced development

      • Provide advanced development proposals to the TAC

   4. Members
      Each agency PMC member will appoint two or four members and inform the executive secretary of the appointment. Half of the agency members will have operational backgrounds and must be currently employed in operations. While the remaining agency members will have research backgrounds and must be currently involved in agency research activities

   5. Observers
      Observers will be allowed to attend TAC meetings, space permitting. Requests to attend as an observer must be approved by the executive secretary. Observers will not be allowed to attend executive sessions.

   6. Members At Large
      These two voting members will provide an increased link to the R&D community and will be appointed by the TAC chairperson. These members will consider the impact of WSR-88D technical issues upon the missions of the DOC, DOD, and DOT.

   3.3 Meeting Frequency

   Emergency meetings may be called by the chairperson.

4. RESOURCES AND FUNDING

   The ROC will provide administrative services. The agencies will be responsible for the salaries and travel expenses of the members they appoint.

5. EFFECTIVE DATE AND PERIODIC REVIEW

   The PMC shall review this charter biannually to determine whether or not it should be continued, modified, or terminated. The latest date of signatory agreement on any modification shall constitute the new effective date unless specifically stated otherwise.

6. AMENDMENT OR TERMINATION

   This charter may be amended by mutual consent of the DOC, DOD, and DOT. Termination for cause or for program completion shall require a terminating review to consider the elements negotiated in this charter. The agency who wishes to initiate termination shall notify the other agencies, in writing, of the requested termination, within a time frame to permit orderly transfer of the technical advisory role of the TAC to another committee or agency, and not less than two years in advance of the termination.