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Virtual NEC & NEP Decision-Making Process
What is a Virtual NEC/NEP decision?
It is a method of considering an issue and arriving at a decision without convening a NOAA Executive Council (NEC) or NOAA Executive Panel (NEP) meeting. It is normally done via email, hence a “virtual” meeting.
When is it appropriate to use the virtual decision-making process?
When a short turn-around time is critical for a decision.
When an in-person meeting cannot be scheduled or it is impractical or unnecessary to schedule an in-person meeting (e.g. the topic has already been covered at a meeting and needs changes and a final review).
How is a virtual briefing distributed to the NEC/NEP?
Rules that apply to presentations at a NEP or NEC meeting also apply to Virtual NEP/NEC’s.
(See guidelines.)
An Issue Assessment is always required to be submitted with a proposal. (Download templates)
Material should be coordinated with and sent to the Decision Coordination Office (DCO). (Contact information is available on the DCO website.) DCO will distribute to NEC/NEP members.
How long do the reviewers have to review the virtual briefing?
The standard review period is 2 business days. As necessary, the review period can be adjusted. Lack of comments or response by the prescribed due date is considered to be approval of the proposal.
How are virtual NEC/NEP responses handled?
NEC/NEP members respond directly within the body of an email, including specific comments, to the point of contact who proposed the virtual NEC/NEP, with a copy to DCO.
Members will indicate their choice as follows: (1) Approve; (2) Approve, with changes (changes attached, or in email body); or (3) Do Not Approve - The material is not satisfactory or sufficient to make a decision (with rationale attached).
Responses from the NEC/NEP members are consolidated into a single document which is sent to the point of contact to incorporate into a proposal. The point of contact returns the consolidated comments to DCO with replies included underneath each in red text along with the updated proposal.
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