1. Mark Abbott, Vernon Asper, Susan Avery, Rob Dunbar, Dave Farmer, Steve Lohrenz, Shirley Pomponi, Nancy Rabalais Assistance from Rob Munier and Jon Alberts

2. Task Statement Review existing models to fund and support the academic research fleet and develop alternative approaches that can be prioritized and recommended to the Board Build on recent NRC, UNOLS, and FOFC reports Focus on how to implement plans, not revisit the content of the fleet renewal plans

3. September Retreat The Good Ol’ Days Dick Pittenger, Steve Ramberg, Dolly Dieter Current Realities Bob Winokur, Bob Houtman, Mark Coles, Cecile Daniels, Sue LaFratta, Dave Hebert, Jim St. John Future Options Kate Moran, Joel Parriott, Dixon Butler

4. Report Structure The Issue Set up of the importance of an effective and implementable plan The Rationale The science case The National Ocean Policy Developing community relations and support The structure of a research fleet plan Multi-decadal, life cycle costs, community engagement, enduring, but adaptable Components of the plan Essential principles of accountability/responsibility, transparency, flexibility for local solutions, and leadership Acquisition models and their challenges Governance models A new way forward

5. Elements of a New Process Decadal survey process to develop requirements, life cycle costs, and priorities Fleet as a portfolio of capabilities and costs Balance community and individual institutional interests Portfolio of acquisition processes Multi-year “escrow” account to provide predictable resources for construction and operations MREFC-type process brings rigor and transparency Governance strategy formalizes the roles and responsibilities of the federal agencies Commit to implementation of the decadal plan Designate a lead agency

6. Final Thoughts Foster a sense of ownership of the fleet assets by the community Deeper involvement by a broader range of institutions Open and transparent process to set priorities and make difficult choices Agencies must forego some level of flexibility to implement the decadal plan Recognize commitment of the community But with a long-term funding line come new resources Relinquish some local rights in exchange for a community- based process along with its support Will we avoid a collapse of the academic research fleet?