V1, 7/18/05 16 · It is recommended that SEACOOS adopt a more rigorous system engineering approach to management and development of SEACOOS.  NASA has significant successful experience in complex system development and documented methods. The clear suggestions on how to consider SEACOOS within the context of NASA’s systems engineering construct is very helpful.  We have begun to investigate how this might be implemented in the next phase of the program. Extension and Outreach · It is necessary to engage extension personnel and an external advisory group made up of representatives of prospective data users in a project to define the roles, responsibilities, and costs for university-based extension activities as compared to those associated with an incorporated RA or the private sector. The panel perceives a need for extension personnel and an outside user advisory panel to define extension roles and responsibilities, as well as the costs associated with university-based extension programs.  The question is, should this be a task of SEACOOS or SECOORA?  The SEACOOS implementation plan suggests that a merger with SECOORA ought to take place and that the logical first step in that transition ought to be related to user engagement through extension and education.  SECOORA is currently developing a Business Plan, which should include an estimation of these costs.  The E&E working group recommends that a time table for this transition be established by the SEACOOS Executive Committee, in conjunction with the SEACOOS Board of Directors, and SECOORA organizers.  Once this timetable has been established a joint SEACOOS/SECOORA work group could undertake this task.   · Professionals with expertise and skills in information/data management and technology transfer to prospective users must be entrained.  A planned and proactive, as compared to a “responsive and opportunistic” approach is required. Based-on our experience to date, the E&E Work Group concurs with the panel on the recommendation to explore new skill sets and team approaches to the evolving enterprise of user engagement in the ocean observing context.   However, traditional Sea Grant Extension audiences, including those in coastal management, fisheries, coastal natural hazards, and K-12 education are and will continue to be significant end-users of ocean observing data products and applications.  The engagement of these audiences will continue to be important to the success of any user engagement program, whether within SEACOOS or SECOORA.  Sea Grant Extension programs are uniquely positioned to engage these and other end users.   The panel observes that it is inadequate for extension within SEACOOS to function in a responsive and opportunistic manner.  They recommend a