Title: U.S. Weather Research Program (USWRP) - Dear Colleague Letter Date: January 29, 1999 NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION Division of Atmospheric Sciences 4201 Wilson Boulevard Arlington, VA 22230 January 29, 1999 Dear Colleague: The U.S. Weather Research Program (USWRP) is an interagency effort directed at performing the research and technology transfer needed to improve the delivery of weather services to the nation. The following agencies are participating in the USWRP: National Science Foundation (NSF), National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the Office of Naval Research (ONR). Priority research areas have been identified jointly by the agencies based upon advice from the research community. The purpose of this announcement is to solicit Fiscal Year 1999 research proposals in the physical sciences to the joint NSF/NOAA USWRP grants program. Research proposals addressing USWRP goals may also be submitted directly to ONR and NASA with the latter entertaining proposals that exploit the CAMEX-3 data set (see Attachment 1, "Contact Information for Key Personnel" and Attachment 3, "Important Web Sites"). In addition to physical sciences research, limited opportunities exist for support of research focussed on behavioral, economic and societal research aspects of the USWRP. These opportunities are described in Attachment 2, "USWRP Opportunities for Research on Weather Impacts". PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: The overarching USWRP objective is to improve the specificity, accuracy, and reliability of weather forecasts for disruptive, high impact weather. The USWRP has established as its initial focus a coordinated effort to determine the "best practicable mix" of observations, data assimilation schemes, and forecast models for operations beyond the year 2000. USWRP research will consist of: * technique development associated with measurements, observational strategies, data assimilation, and numerical models; * fundamental studies to improve understanding and to develop improved parameterizations of physical processes; * demonstrations of improved prediction capabilities in research mode. Projects that exploit operational data, existing research facilities and data sets, operational models, and current research models may be appropriate in many instances. Researchers should be aware of the following data sources: the operational data stream; gridded data and observations from the North American Observing System Program (NAOS) sensitivity tests (see below for further information on NAOS); data from recently completed field programs including the California Landfalling Jets Experiment (CALJET), North Pacific Experiment (NORPEX) and Convection And Moisture Experiment (CAMEX-3). Further information on these programs can be found at the web sites listed on Attachment 3, "Important Web Sites". Research proposals are solicited that address one or more of the following: 1. Studies Related to the Importance and Mix of Observations* (as these affect 0 - 4 day forecast accuracy over North America). - data sensitivity experiments using and denying combinations of data, including data from satellites - observing system simulation experiments to evaluate prospective data sources - adaptive observing strategies for data-sparse or data-sensitive regions or complex terrain - application of adjoint techniques, error breeding, ensemble forecasts, and new statistical techniques as a means to quantify forecast uncertainty or sensitivity - variational assimilation of standard and "non-standard" observations for regional and smaller scale forecasting 2. Studies Related to Quantitative Precipitation Forecasting - estimation and depiction of water vapor distribution - radar and satellite estimation of precipitation amount and type - mechanisms for forcing, initiation and dissipation of convection - orographic precipitation, both stable and convective - improved physics, including microphysics, vegetation, soil effects, and explicit representation of convection in forecast models - predictability, the value of ensemble forecasting at the mesoscale - very short-term forecasting techniques that combine recent observations and models - techniques to verify mesoscale prediction of precipitation 3. Studies Related to Hurricane Forecasts Near Landfall - mechanisms for rapid intensity change, including oceanic and tropospheric interactions - initialization of dynamical hurricane models with radar, satellite and targeted in situ data - nowcasting storm intensity and tendency from satellite and radar - mechanisms underlying the occurrence and prediction of hazards such as extreme winds, rainfall, tornadoes, storm surge, fresh water flooding - adaptive observing strategies for forecasts within and beyond 2 days - effects of coastlines and coastal mountains ELIGIBILITY AND PROPOSAL SUBMISSION PROCESS: Support will be provided to traditional NSF "Eligible Institutions". It is strongly suggested that proposed activities complement research being conducted within national laboratories and centers. Note that investigators may appear on only one proposal as a Principal or Co-Principal Investigator. Proposals will be evaluated using standard NSF procedures which may involve mail review and/or a panel review. Proposals submitted in response to this "Dear Colleague" letter should be prepared and submitted in accordance with the general guidelines contained in the Grant Proposal Guide (GPG), NSF 99-2. The complete text of the GPG (including electronic forms) is available electronically on the NSF Web site at: http://www.nsf.gov/. Paper copies of the GPG may be obtained from the NSF Publications Clearinghouse, telephone 301.947.2722 or by e-mail from pubs@nsf.gov. Proposers should include the words "Atmospheric Sciences -- USWRP" in the program announcement/solicitation block on the NSF Form 1207, "Cover Sheet for Proposal to the National Science Foundation." Proposals must be postmarked no later than May 11, 1999. No proposals postmarked after this date will be accepted. In FY 99, it is expected that approximately $1 million will be available to support traditional NSF grantees, pending availability of funds. NSF and NOAA especially encourage submission of collaborative research proposals involving both traditional NSF grantees and NOAA researchers. Such collaborative proposals should contain a clear statement of the separate research tasks to be undertaken by the involved researchers. As part of the budget explanation, NOAA researchers should provide an estimate of needed support from NOAA to accomplish the collaborative research. Funding for the NOAA component of collaborative research proposals will be provided directly to NOAA researchers by the NOAA Environmental Research Laboratories. NOAA scientists should contact Dr. John Gaynor for further information (see Attachment 1). The agencies collectively look forward to a productive research program. Questions concerning the USWRP should be directed to Dr. William Hooke, Director of the USWRP Program Office; inquiries about this "Dear Colleague Letter" should be directed to Dr. Stephan P. Nelson. Contact information for Drs. Hooke and Nelson is given in Attachment 1. Sincerely, Stephan P. Nelson Program Director for Mesoscale Dynamic Meteorology Enclosures Attachment 1: Contact Information for Key Personnel: Attachment 2: USWRP Opportunities for Research on Weather Impacts Attachment 3: Important Web Sites Attachment 4: About the National Science Foundation Attachment 5: NSF Proposal Review Information Attachment 1 CONTACT INFORMATION FOR KEY PERSONNEL USWRP PROGRAM OFFICE: Dr. William Hooke Office: 202-482-5419 Director, U.S. Weather Research Program Fax: 202-482-4636 U.S. Department of Commerce E-mail: william.hooke@noaa.gov 14th & Constitution HCHB, Room 5835 Washington, DC 20230 NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION, Atmospheric Sciences: Dr. Stephan P. Nelson Office:703-306-1526 National Science Foundation Fax: 703-306-0377 Room 775 E-mail: snelson@nsf.gov 4201 Wilson Blvd. Arlington, VA 22230 NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION, Social, Behavioral, & Economic Research: Dr. Jeryl Mumpower Office: 703-306-1757 National Science Foundation Fax: 703-306-0485 Room 995 E-mail: jmumpowe@nsf.gov 4201 Wilson Blvd. Arlington, VA 22230 NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION, Environmental Research Laboratories: Dr. John Gaynor Office: 301-713-2465; x117 Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research Fax: 301-713-4023 Environmental Research Laboratories E-mail: John.Gaynor@noaa.gov #11460 SSMC-3 1315 East-West Highway Silver Spring, MD 20910 NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION: Dr. Ramesh Kakar Office: 202-358-0240 NASA Headquarters Fax: 202- 358-2770 Code YS E-mail: rkakar@hq.nasa.gov 300 E. Street, S.W. Washington, DC 20546 OFFICE OF NAVAL RESEARCH: Dr. Scott A. Sandgathe Office: 703- 696-0802 Team Leader, Fax: 703- 696-3390 Marine Meteorology and Atmospheric E-mail: sandgas@onrhq.onr.navy.mil Effects ONR 322MM Room 428, BCT #1 800 N. Quincy Street Arlington, VA 22217-5660 NORTH AMERICAN OBSERVING SYSTEM Dr. Thomas W. Schlatter Office: 303-497-6938 Chair, NAOS Test and Evaluation Fax: 303-497-3329 Working Group E-mail: schlatter@fsl.noaa.gov NOAA/ERL/FSL R/E/FS1 325 Broadway Boulder, CO 80303-3328 Attachment 2 USWRP Opportunities for Research on Weather Impacts National Science Foundation: A limited amount of funds are available at the National Science Foundation under the U.S. Weather Research Program to support behavioral, economic, and social research related to weather. Six major areas of emphasis are: - Information use in weather forecasting - Policy, politics, and decision making relating to weather events - Individual and social responses to weather events - The economic impacts of weather events - The interaction between social policies, characteristics of the built environment, and weather events - The social and economic impacts of weather forecasts Illustrative examples of research topics of interest within these general areas include 1. Information use in weather forecasting Methods for improving the ability of forecasters to use large amounts of information to make accurate forecasts; human factors relating to the design of weather-related information systems; decision support systems for weather forecasting. 2. Policy, politics, and decision making relating to weather events Studies relating to national, state, and local policies influencing the effects of weather events (e.g., policies relating to coastal zones and flood plains); studies of emergency management policies for weather-related events 3. Individual and social responses to weather events Studies relating to individual and social responses to severe weather events; studies relating to individual and social responses to forecasts or warnings of weather-related events; role of behavioral and social norms in influencing the development, use, and response to forecasts and to severe weather events and their aftermaths. 4. The economic impacts of weather events Assessments of the economic impacts of severe weather events, including floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, hail, severe wind, snow and ice storms, and extreme temperatures. 5. The interaction between social policies, characteristics of the built environment, and weather events Interaction between land use policies and levels of damage resulting from hurricanes, floods, and other forms of severe weather. 6. The social and economic impacts of weather forecasts Assessments of the social and economic benefits of current weather forecasts and potential improvements thereto within specific sectors, including transportation, agriculture, public health, and others; intentional and unintentional effects of forecasts on human and social behaviors; socioeconomic aspects of preparedness and mitigation. Traditional NSF Principal Investigators who are interested in submitting proposals on these topics are encouraged to first contact Dr. Jeryl Mumpower (see Attachment 1, "Contact Information for Key Personnel"). Office of Naval Research: Opportunities exist for support from the Office of Naval Research for research that is focussed on the impacts of weather on naval operations. Interested investigators should first contact Dr. Scott Sandgathe (see Attachment 1, "Contact Information for Key Personnel"). Attachment 3 IMPORTANT WEB SITES U.S. Weather Research program: http://uswrp.mmm.ucar.edu/uswrp.html Hurricane Field Program & CAMEX-3: http://www.aoml.noaa.gov/hrd/HFP98/index.html http://ghrc.msfc.nasa.gov/camex3/ http://aol11.wff.nasa.gov/sra/bonnie-index.html http://aol11.wff.nasa.gov/sra/georges-index.html Office of Naval Research: http://www.onr.navy.mil/sci_tech/ocean/onrpgabr.htm NORPEX/CALJET: http://www7.etl.noaa.gov/ http://sgi62.wwb.noaa.gov:8080/reanl2/wd20is/caljet NORTH AMERICAN OBSERVING SYSTEM http://isl715.nws.noaa.gov/naos/ Attachment 4 ABOUT THE NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION The National Science Foundation (NSF) funds research and education in most fields of science and engineering. Grantees are wholly responsible for conducting their project activities and preparing the results for publication. Thus, the Foundation does not assume responsibility for such findings or their Interpretation. NSF welcomes proposals from all qualified scientists, engineers and educators. The Foundation strongly encourages women, minorities, and persons with disabilities to compete fully in its programs. In accordance with federal statutes, regulations, and NSF policies, no person on grounds of race, color, age, sex, national origin, or disability shall be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving financial assistance from NSF (unless otherwise specified in the eligibility requirements for a particular program). Facilitation Awards for Scientists and Engineers with Disabilities (FASED) provide funding for special assistance or equipment to enable persons with disabilities (investigators and other staff, including student research assistants) to work on NSF-supported projects. See the program announcement or contact the program coordinator at (703) 306-1636. The National Science Foundation has Telephonic Device for the Deaf (TDD) and Federal Information Relay Service (FIRS) capabilities that enable individuals with hearing impairments to communicate with the Foundation regarding NSF programs, employment, or general information. TDD may be accessed at (703) 306-0090 or through FIRS on 1-800-877-8339. PRIVACY ACT AND PUBLIC BURDEN STATEMENTS The information requested on proposal forms and project reports is solicited under the authority of the National Science Foundation Act of 1950, as amended. The information on proposal forms will be used in connection with the selection of qualified proposals; project reports submitted by awardees will be used for program evaluation and reporting within the Executive Branch and to Congress. The information requested may be disclosed to qualified reviewers and staff assistants as part of the review process; to applicant institutions/grantees to provide or obtain data regarding the proposal review process, award decisions, or the administration of awards; to government contractors, experts, volunteers and researchers and educators as necessary to complete assigned work; to other government agencies needing information as part of the review process or in order to coordinate programs; and to another Federal agency, court or party in a court or Federal administrative proceeding if the government is a party. Information about Principal Investigators may be added to the Reviewer file and used to select potential candidates to serve as peer reviewers or advisory committee members. See Systems of Records, NSF-50, "Principal Investigator/Proposal File and Associated Records," 63 Federal Register 267 (January 5, 1998), and NSF-51, "Reviewer/Proposal File and Associated Records," 63 Federal Register 268 (January 5, 1998). Submission of the information is voluntary. Failure to provide full and complete information, however, may reduce the possibility of receiving an award. Public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 120 hours per response, including the time for reviewing instructions. Send comments regarding this burden estimate and any other aspect of this collection of information, including suggestions for reducing this burden, to: Reports Clearance Officer; Information Dissemination Branch, DAS; National Science Foundation; Arlington, VA 22230. YEAR 2000 REMINDER In accordance with Important Notice No. 120 dated June 27, 1997, Subject: Year 2000 Computer Problem, NSF awardees are reminded of their responsibility to take appropriate actions to ensure that the NSF activity being supported is not adversely affected by the Year 2000 problem. Potentially affected items include: computer systems, databases, and equipment. The National Science Foundation should be notified if an awardee concludes that the Year 2000 will have a significant impact on its ability to carry out an NSF funded activity. Information concerning Year 2000 activities can be found on the NSF web site at http://www.nsf.gov/oirm/y2k/start.htm. OMB#3145-0058 NSF 99-70 PT 34 (Replaces NSF 97-52) Electronic Dissemination Only KW 1007000, 100100 CFDA# 47.050 ATTACHMENT 5 NSF PROPOSAL REVIEW INFORMATION Merit Review Criteria. Review of proposals submitted to NSF are solicited from peers with expertise in the substantive area of the proposed research or education project. These reviewers are selected by Program officers charged with the oversight of the review process. NSF invites the proposer to suggest at the time of submission, the names of appropriate or inappropriate reviewers. Special care is taken to ensure that reviewers have no immediate and obvious conflicts with the proposer. Special efforts are made to recruit reviewers from non-academic institutions, minority serving institutions, adjacent disciplines to that principally addressed in the proposal, etc. Proposals will be reviewed against the following general merit review criteria established by the National Science Board. Following each criterion are potential considerations that the reviewer may employ in the evaluation. These are suggestions and not all will apply to any given proposal. Each reviewer will be asked to address only those that are relevant to the proposal and for which he/she is qualified to make judgments. What is the intellectual merit of the proposed activity? How important is the proposed activity to advancing knowledge and understanding within its own field or across different fields? How well qualified is the proposer (individual or team) to conduct the project? (If appropriate, the reviewer will comment on the quality of prior work.) To what extent does the proposed activity suggest and explore creative and original concepts? How well conceived and organized is the proposed activity? Is there sufficient access to resources? What are the broader impacts of the proposed activity? How well does the activity advance discovery and understanding while promoting teaching, training, and learning? How well does the proposed activity broaden the participation of underrepresented groups (e.g., gender, ethnicity, disability, geographic, etc.)? To what extent will it enhance the infrastructure for research and education, such as facilities, instrumentation, networks, and partnerships? Will the results be disseminated broadly to enhance scientific and technological understanding? What may be the benefits of the proposed activity to society? Integration of Research and Education One of the principal strategies in support of NSF's goals is to foster integration of research and education through the programs, projects and activities it supports at academic and research institutions. These institutions provide abundant opportunities where individuals may concurrently assume responsibilities as researchers, educators, and students and where all can engage in joint efforts that infuse education with the excitement of discovery and enrich research through the diversity of learner perspectives. PIs should address this issue in their proposal to provide reviewers with the information necessary to respond fully to both NSF merit review criteria. NSF staff will give it careful consideration in making funding decisions. Integrating Diversity into NSF Program, Projects, and Activities Broadening opportunities and enabling the participation of all citizens -- women and men, underrepresented minorities, and persons with disabilities -- is essential to the health and vitality of science and engineering. NSF is committed to this principle of diversity and deems it central to the programs, projects, and activities it considers and supports. PIs should address this issue in their proposal to provide reviewers with the information necessary to respond fully to both NSF merit review criteria. NSF staff will give it careful consideration in making funding decisions. _______________________________ * This focus embodies objectives of NOAA's North American Atmospheric Observing System Program (NAOS). A copy of testable hypotheses developed by the NAOS Test and Evaluation Working Group (T&EWG) can be obtained from the Chair of the T&EWG (see attachment, "Contact Information for Key Personnel").