Research to Operations in NCEP Production Suite; What Works and What Does Not Work

Transition of computer models into operations at the National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) is usually viewed as a cumbersome process, with NCEP not being very nimble, or even willing to accept progress being made by partners outside of NCEP (NOAA labs, federal partners, academia etc.). This presentation will address internal issues and practices with the Research to Operations (R2O) process at NCEP, and present changes in practices at NCEP aimed to accelerate the R2O process. In this context, it is shown how collaborators can use these processes to become part of an effective R2O process. Central to this process is the Next Generation Global Prediction System (NGGPS) project, which provides both internal resources and external project funding for R2O projects geared to the accelerated development of the NCEP production suite. Focal points of the NGGPS project will be discussed in the context of the evolving R2O process at NCEP.