The Network for the Detection of Atmospheric Composition Change (NDACC) recognizes the importance of new measurement capabilities and of existing capabilities whose heritage was developed external to NDACC. In many cases, the NDACC Steering Committee has encouraged proposals for formal affiliation of such measurements, and often has designated the existing measurement location as an NDACC Site.To achieve NDACC measurement status, the proposing investigators must affiliate with a specific NDACC Instrument Working Group and agree to comply with the various NDACC protocols (Measurements, Intercomparisons, Validation, and Data Protocols for Principal investigators and Data Users). These protocols specify the documentation required in a proposal seeking designation as an NDACC measurement capability and obligations once affiliated.
However, in some cases, there are regional, hemispheric, or even global networks of instruments that operate independently of NDACC, but where strong measurement and scientific collaboration would be mutually beneficial. Such networks often have set up their own quality assurance guidelines, operational requirements, and data archiving policies, and they have national or international recognition in their own right. In such cases, bringing the complete network under the NDACC umbrella is neither practical nor desirable. Rather, designation of an interested external network as a “Cooperating Network” may be more appropriate for fostering collaborative measurement and analysis activities. For such designation to occur, the relevant NDACC Working Group(s) must assess the benefits of mutual data access. The Working Group(s) should further ascertain that the candidate network has established its own protocols and follows them in a consistent and effective manner. For example, the candidate network should adhere to consistent protocols regarding data quality. The possible effects of protocol differences on the final data products should be evaluated and quantified (in so far as possible).
Following the positive outcome of such assessment, a Memorandum of Understanding (referred to as an NDACC Cooperating Network Agreement) will be drafted and signed by the Co-Chairs of the NDACC Steering Committee and the appropriate representative(s) of the external network. The Cooperating Network may then request representation on the NDACC Steering Committee as a Cooperating Network Representative (see the NDACC Protocol for Steering Committee Elections and Appointments) to exchange information and promote collaborative activities at the annual NDACC Steering Committee meetings. Where appropriate, NDACC may request representation on the corresponding oversight group of the Cooperating Network.
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Current online Version: September 15, 2025
Revision: September 15, 2025
Notes CN position on SC is as Cooperating Network Representative, not Ex-Officio. Adds links to other protocols. Adds document revision history.
Revision: March 2, 2017
Adds a statement on the establishment of a Memorandum of Understanding to formalize the relationship.
Original Version: December 8, 2008