Common use of IN SIMILAR ACTIVITIES Clause in Contracts

IN SIMILAR ACTIVITIES. This instrument in no way restricts the PNWCG or the NWS from participating in similar activities with other public or private agencies, organizations, and individuals. COMPLETION DATE. This instrument is executed as of the date of last signature and, unless sooner terminated, is effective for five years after the date of the last signature, at which time it will expire unless renewed. NON-FUND OBLIGATING DOCUMENT. This instrument is neither a fiscal nor a funds obligation document. Any endeavor or transfer of anything of value involving reimbursement or contribution of funds between the parties to this instrument will be handled in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, and procedures including those for Government procurement and printing. Such endeavors will be outlined in separate agreements that shall be made in writing by representatives of the parties and shall be independently authorized by appropriate statutory authority. This instrument does not provide such authority. Specifically, this instrument does not establish authority for noncompetitive award to the cooperator of any contract or other agreement. Any contract or agreement for training or other services must fully comply with all applicable requirements for competition. In addition, all parties' participation in this MOU is subject to the availability of appropriated funds. RESOLUTION OF DISAGREEMENTS. Both parties will work together to resolve problems in “near-real time.” Concerns from either party will be brought to the attention of the appropriate management level as soon as possible for resolution. Problems will be brought forward in a timely manner. Should disagreement arise on the interpretation of the provisions of this agreement, or amendments and/or revisions thereto, that cannot be resolved at a particular working level, the area(s) of disagreement shall be stated in writing by each party and presented to the other party for consideration. If agreement on interpretation is not reached, the parties shall forward the written presentation of the disagreement to respective higher officials for appropriate resolution. _/s/▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇_______ _/s/▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇_ MODERNIZATION TRANSITION COMMITTEE The Modernization Transition Committee (MTC) has reviewed the certifications listed above. One public comment, relating to both offices was received during the 60-day public comment period in response to the notice published in the Federal Register. The concerns expressed by the Pacific Northwest Wildfire Coordination Group (composed of local/state/federal agencies) have been addressed by the National Weather Service (NWS). The MTC recommends these certifications be approved with the following understanding. The MTC endorsement to close these weather offices does not relieve the NWS of their responsibility to retain transitional staffing for the Fire Weather program. As outlined in the "Report of the Fire Weather Team," June 11, 1998, the transitional staffing must be retained until NWS has the advanced operational technology in place and demonstrates its support to the satisfaction of the fire weather customers. [s] ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ 9/29/99 ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ Date Chair, Modernization Transition Committee WSO Redding, CA Consolidation/Automation/Closure WSO Riverside (FW), CA Closure WSO Salem (FW), OR Closure The Modernization Transition Committee (MTC) has reviewed issues associated with closing offices having fire weather forecasting responsibilities. We consider fire weather forecasting a unique responsibility because lives are placed at risk. Many long-term concerns about fire weather forecasting remain and cannot be resolved in time to allow the MTC to act on some of the closings. During the review, we learned that 37 additional interim FTEs have been authorized to support the fire weather forecasting mission nationwide during the transition. The MTC does not believe the use of core forecasters will provide adequate support for the fire weather mission. The MTC advocates permanent and dedicated fire weather forecasters to ensure adequate support for fire weather activities. These dedicated forecasters would be in addition to the end state staffing level. The MTC requests copies of fire weather forecasters' position description and core meteorologists' position description having fire weather responsibilities. In addition, the NWS must honor the Interagency Agreement with the California Wildfire Coordination Group and not transfer personnel or fire weather responsibilities from the Redding and Riverside Geographical Area Coordination Centers (GACC) until a mutually acceptable transfer plan has been developed and implemented. The MTC also requested a plan for the Pacific Northwest fire weather transition. [s] ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ 9/29/99 ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ Date Chair, Modernization Transition Committee The Modernization Transition Committee (MTC0 has reviewed the closure certification listed above. One public comment was received during the comment period in response to the notices published in the Federal Register. The MTC also reviewed a letter from the Pacific Northwest Wildfire Coordinating Group (PNWCG) dated December 6, 1999. The concerns expressed are being addressed and an agreement between the National Weather Service (NWS) and the PNWCG is to be developed. The MTC recommends closure of the Salem WSO contingent upon the NWS and the PNWCG reaching agreement on how fire weather services will be provided in the States of Washington and Oregon. The MTC recommends that NWS offices in the Pacific Northwest staff a shift whose primary responsibilities are the provision of fire weather forecasts and services, and that these shifts be staffed by fire weather qualified forecasters, as determined by the application of proficiency and currency standards. The Meteorologist In Charge may assign other duties in a manner, which will not compromise the integrity of the fire weather services. [s] ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ Dec. 8, 1999 ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ Date Chair, Modernization Transition Committee Annual Operating Plan (AOP): A plan developed and maintained as a shared responsibility between the local fire management program managers, the PNWCG Weather Working Team and the MIC of the servicing WFO.