V1, 7/18/05 25 vertical profiles, vertical sections, depth-time (ADCP) grids, 3D and 4D model outputs, etc.  On-line browse (visualization) services should be included for these structures. It is necessary to expand the data access mechanisms provided for users to include other data transport protocols (e.g. WFS, WCS, as appropriate), formatted files (e.g. geoTIFF, netCDF, tab-delimited ASCII for spreadsheets, etc.), and OPeNDAP with appropriate conventions. The on-line Web documentation to support new users of SEACOOS data via the GIS portal is of extraordinary quality and thoroughness. Apply the same standard of excellence in documentation to assisting users via FTP, OPeNDAP and OGC protocols and on-demand, formatted files. The plans for archiving of data indicate that a high degree of responsibility for archive may be assigned to the individual data providers.  This strategy requires further consideration. IOOS will require a plan for secure, deep archive that will preserve observations (and data products as deemed appropriate) “in perpetuity” and will make the archived data available through (future) IOOS data protocols.   The facilities and long term storage protocols required for archival will be too costly for most data providers. The Committee recommends fostering cooperative relationship with current (and future) designated IOOS archive facility.  A regional IM system should serve as a conduit to long term archival – ensuring the integrity and consistency of the data streams as they pass into the archive.  It is appropriate for conversations on this topic to begin now.  Archive requirements placed upon individual data providers today should be regarded as merely a bridge to a longer term solution.   Federal Partners SEACOOS is supported as a research and development activity from the Office of Naval Research by annual grant.  Funding has been earmarked in the ONR budget and is variable from one year to another.  SEACOOS is not the SE Atlantic ROOS in its present form. The experience of SEACOOS and the recent development of SECOORA should be used to develop a forward-looking budget and plan for sustaining approved SE Atlantic integrated observing system after the five-year initial development of SEACOOS If SEACOOS development is to continue past 2006, negotiation must begin immediately with Federal agency representatives in NOPP for sustained funding in the 2007 budget and beyond.   SECOORA is the appropriate body to engage in this discussion on behalf of SEACOOS and other components of an emerging IOOS regional system. SEACOOS has initiated discussion of cooperation with NOAA, NSF, NASA, Army Corps of Engineers, and EPA under its rubric of “Federal Affiliates”. The common interests of SEACOOS and federal agencies should be documented element-by element throughout the SEACOOS project.  SEACOOS should prepare this list prior to the annual IOOS Development plan conference (MAY 2005) and bring together the relevant federal