Structure

1. The UCAR Community Advisory Committee for the National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) Advisory Committee (UCACN) will be established by UCAR.

2. The UCACN will consist of approximately12 members, including experts in each of the diverse areas of responsibility of the NCEP Centers, drawn from academia, non-governmental organizations, the private sector and Federal and state agencies.

3. Each member will serve a term of three (3) years and is eligible for a second term.  At the inception of the UCACN, one, two and three year term appointments will be made to start the committee with 12 members and ensure a smooth transition from year to year.

4. The President of UCAR, in consultation with the Chair(s) of the UCACN and the Director of NCEP, will select the members of the UCACN.

5. The UCAR President will appoint the Chair or co-Chairs of the UCACN

6. The UCACN will meet at least annually and provide a written report of its findings and recommendations to the UCAR President.

Responsibilities

1. The UCACN will conduct a comprehensive review of NCEP (the nine Centers and the Office of the Director) every five years, starting in the year 2015. The review will assess the individual Centers, as well as their interactions with each other and with other NOAA, federal, academic and non-governmental entities to determine how effectively NCEP is accomplishing its mission and realizing its vision. In particular, for each center and NCEP as a whole, the Review will assess the productivity, quality, relevance, impact, effectiveness, and balance of the Centers’ scientific activities and operational products and services. 

2. In the years between the comprehensive reviews, the UCACN will:

   1. Monitor progress of the Centers in the context of the NCEP strategic plan and the previous review recommendations, and provide informal updates and advice to the UCAR President.

   2. Provide input to the strategic planning and long-range goals of the Centers and NCEP as a whole.