Common use of Research and Analysis Clause in Contracts

Research and Analysis. The quality of meteorological and hydrological networks is highly variable within the Klamath Basin. Responsibility for collecting, analyzing, and disseminating data is divided between many government authorities. The TAT’s challenge under this Drought Plan is to coordinate and integrate the data and analyses to provide recommendations to decision makers and the public so they receive early warning of emerging drought conditions. To prepare for the Drought Plan activities, the TAT will undertake the following tasks: Task 1: Investigate other watersheds that use comprehensive automated meteorological and hydrological networks and apply their lessons learned, where appropriate. Considerable experience has developed in recent years with automated weather data networks that provide rapid access to climate data. These networks can be invaluable in monitoring emerging and ongoing drought conditions. Task 2: Inventory and evaluate data quantity and quality from current observation networks. Many networks monitor key elements of the Klamath Basin hydrologic system. Most of these networks are operated by federal or provincial agencies, but other networks also exist and could provide critical information. Meteorological data are important but represent only one part of a comprehensive monitoring system. Other physical indicators (soil moisture, streamflow, and reservoir and groundwater levels) could be monitored to reflect impacts of drought on agriculture, households, industry, energy production, transportation, recreation and tourism, and other water users. Task 3: Determine the data needs of primary users. Developing new or modifying existing data collection systems is most effective when the people who will be using the data are consulted early and often. Soliciting input on expected new products or obtaining feedback on existing products is critical to ensuring that products meet the needs of primary users and, therefore, will be used in decision making. Training on how to use or apply products in routine decision making is also essential.

Research and Analysis. The quality of meteorological and hydrological networks is highly variable within the Klamath Basin. Responsibility for collecting, analyzing, and disseminating data is divided between many government authorities. The TAT’s challenge under this Drought Plan is to coordinate and integrate the data and analyses to provide recommendations to decision makers and the public so they receive early warning of emerging drought conditions. To prepare for the Drought Plan activities, the TAT will undertake the following tasks: Task 1: Investigate other watersheds that use comprehensive automated meteorological and hydrological networks and apply their lessons learned, where appropriate. Considerable experience has developed in recent years with automated weather data networks that provide rapid access to climate data. These networks can be invaluable in monitoring emerging and ongoing drought conditions. Task 2: Inventory and evaluate data quantity and quality from current observation networks. Many networks monitor key elements of the Klamath Basin hydrologic system. Most of these networks are operated by federal or provincial state agencies, but other networks also exist and could provide critical information. Meteorological data are important but represent only one part of a comprehensive monitoring system. Other physical indicators (soil moisture, streamflow, and reservoir and groundwater levels) could be monitored to reflect impacts of drought on agriculture, households, industry, energy production, transportation, recreation and tourism, and other water users. Task 3: Determine the data needs of primary users. Developing new or modifying existing data collection systems is most effective when the people who will be using the data are consulted early and often. Soliciting input on expected new products or obtaining feedback on existing products is critical to ensuring that products meet the needs of primary users and, therefore, will be used in decision making. Training on how to use or apply products in routine decision making is also essential.