V1, 7/18/05 22 based information products in near real-time for ocean state description, model fidelity assessment, and assimilation by models In a largely “on-time” buildup phase, the SEACOOS group of investigators have constructed the beginnings of a scientifically-based regional SEACOOS ocean observation system- one consisting of a trio of sub regional clusters of moored measurements, spanned by the thin array of federal “backbone” NDBC/CMAN meteorological stations. The moored arrays are augmented by remotely-sensed (1) surface currents using HF radar and (2) satellite winds, temperatures, color and altimetry. Much of the data and data-derived information is available in near-real time via the SEACOOS web-based information system. Presently the native data is taken “off the wire” and used routinely by several federal agency users. On the plus side, this present system represents a major step toward the development of the Southeast regional observing system and thus a major component of the national observing system. However, there remains a considerable gap between the present system and a truly operational system (in the National Weather Service sense) that will be part of the IOOS structure. It is unlikely that research funds and/or federal/state earmark funding will be able available to sustain the present system. Thus the present SEACOOS, including the observation system, needs to be better positioned to evolve to a SECOORA RCOOS. In our opinion, this means that the SEACOOS group needs to effect significant modifications in approach and system details before the end of present funding commitments. Specific findings and recommendations meant to help guide the evolution of the system follows. The present SEACOOS is operating several types of HF radar for measuring surface currents. While new and incompletely understood technically, it is well matched to the geographic scope and mission of IOOS. To better define the scientific utility of this new technology, the SEACOOS group has (or will) establish three HR radar evaluation sites.   Given the general recommendation to spend some effort on repositioning the system for IOOS relevance, the SEACOOS group needs to consider restructuring what may be some duplicative evaluation effort in this arena. With exception of  some aspects of the west Florida shelf  sub regional observation array that supports information needs of local emergency management, the SEACOOS array design is primarily configured to serve the needs of the physical oceanographic researchers (as originally proposed)  The only notable external users of the system information are the Federal agencies. However, if this system is to be sustained there is a need to serve other significant user classes, such as industry. Given the importance of pre-SECOORA positioning for the future sustainability of the present system, the SEACOOS needs to identify a significant non-government user community in the next few months, and demonstrate how their information needs (requirements) influence the evolution of the SEACOOS observation/model system information. In addition, SEACOOS needs to employ system engineering approaches to objectively and optimally resolve competing needs of the SECOORA RCOOS.