V1, 7/18/05 26 representatives at the conference.  This may ensure that SEACOOS interests are appropriately included in the IOOS Development Plan.  This practice should continue on an annual basis. Organizationally, SEACOOS has not addressed its position or role in the Ocean.US rubric of Research-Pilot Projects-PreOp-Operations. SEACOOS needs to clearly identify itself as a research activity with the Ocean.US organizational rubric and develop a roadmap for moving through the further stages of development. It is further 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. http://fpd.gsfc.nasa.gov/services/ppp-handbook-vol1.pdf and http://www.tarrani.net/shared/WBSRefGuide3.pdf SEACOOS needs four processes at work: Formulation; Approval; Implementation; and Evaluation. The Pre-formulation stage encompasses Conceptualization, Scientific evaluation, Project selection, Draft system requirements and mission success criteria. This is the initial proposal and selection process. The Formulation Phase – Phase A – includes design and development of system concept, preparation of engineering design and risk mitigation strategy and selection of project deliverables. It is in this phase that there is a finalization of top-level requirements and designs to ensure a flow-down of requirements to sub-systems.  Some steps in formulation might be: Requirements review; Preliminary Design Review (PDR) – Observing sub-system; PDR – Model sub-system; PDR – Information Management sub-system; PDR - Extension/education sub-system; and Critical Design Review – Integrated system. Formulation results in a prototype system and end of primary development.  SEACOOS must complete this by 2007. The Approval stage consists of Confirmation Review, System Requirements, Mission Success Criteria, Cost, Schedule, Risks, and Science review. All aspects are reviewed before the project moves to the implementation phase (pilot project through operations). Approval gates also exist at each review.   If sufficient actions are generated at a review, a repeat review may be required.  At a minimum, actions generated at a review must be addressed and closed. The Implementation phase occurs in many phases and would likely begin in 2007. Phase B is the Pilot Project which begins the transition to operational agencies with a Review. Phase C is the Pre-operational phase with System operation trials followed by another Review. Phase D is the completion of the Operational system. Evaluation is done at all phases. An External Review Team generates action items for Project Team at all reviews. The Technology infusion program should assess ongoing needs. The Scientific Steering committee should advise project at all steps and episodic re-evaluation of user requirements should be undertaken.