[LTER-im-rep] update IMC WG, decentralized data management for LTER

[Margaret O'Brien]

Hello Peter, and IM-reps -
Below is an update from the IMC working group designing decentralized 
data management for LTER.

Last Friday, the working group met with Saran Twombly via 
google-hangout. A total of 10 were present (limited by hangout). The IMC 
had sent a draft summary (attached, dated 2015-07-07), and requested 
feedback from NSF. Specifically, we requested feedback on the 
feasibility on the organizational structure. The draft summary has been 
shared with a few people at NSF, including NSF's LTER working group. 
Overall, Saran's response was positive. She had some specific questions 
and comments which can be addressed formally in future drafts (not 
included here).

Major points from the discussion:
1. NSF is able to use the 3-part organization the IMC proposed. However:
     1.a. NSF's policy is that the PI be connected to the fiscal entity. 
This means that the PI could be either an official of that entity, or 
primarily located elsewhere, and connected to the fiscal entity via a 
joint appointment (or some other mechanism). This policy would have to 
be adhered to even if the PI rotates (e.g., a chair of the governance 
board).
     1.b. NSF expects reporting to be from the entity receiving the 
funds. Since this 3-part plan is a departure from typical conditions, it 
would need a strong contract between governance and fiscal entities, but 
again, this is not insurmountable.
     1.c. The Federation of Earth Science Information Partners (ESIP) 
has been suggested as a fiscal entity. It is well known (to NSF) and 
highly respected, and is a viable. The IMC should investigate other 
organizations that fit the requirements (see doc).

2. The anticipated timeline is that a new data organization be in place 
in April 2016. It will be funded by LTER.
Upcoming tasks:
     2.1. NSF:
         2.1.1 Saran will continue sharing our drafts at NSF.
         2.1.2 The submission mechanism is still TBD. possibly, it could 
go through a related program (eg, EarthCube), a custom solicitation, or 
unsolicited, (eg, to ABI).
     2.2. IMC:
         2.2.1.  next draft crafted during the week of July 13, while 
meeting at ESIP, for distribution soon after.
         2.2.2. Continue with regular Friday calls; 3pm EDT, either in 
plenary or ad hoc groups. Saran has an open invitation.
         2.2.3. Continue open communication within the IMC
         2.2.4. Continue informing the EB (and possible targeted 
involvement with specific members)
         2.2.4. Planning vote among the IMC in mid-August to confirm our 
choice to take this on.
         2.2.5. Informative sessions at the ASM (presuming vote to continue)


There was some discussion of how a cooperative agreement works, 
particularly that all the details don't need to be worked out right 
away. But serious conversation cant really start until money is awarded. 
Also some discussion about NSF's consideration of how to broaden the 
reach of its data management activities, i.e., could this activity 
beyond just LTER. Saran acknowledged that our group is considering this 
likelihood, although broader activities are not in scope for the first 
few years. LTER's experience with a plan such as this will inform NSF as 
it plans for that longer term goal.


Best,
Margaret

-- 
-----------
Margaret O'Brien
Information Management
Santa Barbara Coastal LTER
Marine Science Institute, UCSB
Santa Barbara, CA 93106
805-893-2071 (voice)
http://sbc.lternet.edu


-- 
-----------
Margaret O'Brien
Information Management
Santa Barbara Coastal LTER
Marine Science Institute, UCSB
Santa Barbara, CA 93106
805-893-2071 (voice)
http://sbc.lternet.edu

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