Recent mesoscale model verification studies have revealed significant deficiences in quantitative precipitation forecasts over complex terrain. It is hypothesized that much of this error is associated with deficiencies in model bulk microphysical parameterizations. The primary goal of IMPROVE-2 (Improvement of Microphysical PaRameterization through Observational Verification Experiment), which was conducted over the central Oregon Cascades from 26 November through 22 December 2001, was to simultaneously and comprehensively measure both basic-state and microphysical fields in a variety of precipitating weather systems. The unique dataset for IMPROVE included the NOAA P-3 and UW Convair aircrafts, S-Pol radar, vertically pointing S-band and cloud radars, profilers, radiometer, and surface ice-crystal observers. This talk will decribe the observational network deployed during IMPROVE and will review the observing strategies. An overview of the IOPs will be provided, with Brian Colle providing more details about interesting cases in the accompanying presentation.