Vision: National Digital Forecast Database (NDFD) data used as input to the National Weather Service River Forecast System's (NWSRFS) Operational Forecast System.

Mission: To develop the requirements for a general NDFD preprocessor to create areal averaged time series to be used in NWSRFS.
Some of the issues the team should address include:

• Standard, efficient access of NDFD grids
• Specify single source of geographic basin data
• Method of transfer to NWSRFS
• Changes needed in other systems (i.e. NWSRFS, SHEF, etc.)
• Documentation requirements
• Other issues identified by the team

Goal: Produce a requirements document to be used by NWS or NWS approved contractor to develop the software and documentation for an NDFD to NWSRFS preprocessor.

Scope and Authority:

• Recommendations must be realistic
• Analysis must be objective and unbiased
• Team will determine a method for basing decisions
• Staff time and any necessary travel expenses will be covered by the team members' organization.
• Additional resources may be requested from the Regions or National Headquarters.

Termination Date: The team will be formed and commence activitites in March, 2003. It will remain in place until May 31, 2003

Success Criteria: A final requirements document by May 31, 2003.

Team Membership: The team will be made up of at least three regional representatives, one from the Office of Hydrologic Development, one from the Office of Climate, Water, and Weather Services' Hydrologic Services Division, and one from the Office of Science and Technology. The team leader will be chosen by the team. Additional personnel from the regions or headquarters may participate as resources without being active members of the team.