GOES DCS Use Agreement

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GOES DCS System Use Agreement
In order to use the GOES Data Collection System (GOES DCS) you must complete the System Use Agreement
and sign it. After reviewing the completed agreement, the Approving Authority will sign and approve the
agreement, as appropriate. The agreement will go into effect at the time of approval. The policies governing
the use of the GOES DCS are printed on pages 8 to 13.

Name of the program:
Program Administrator (User)Title: (Dr., Mr., Ms., etc...)
Last Name:

First Name:

Title:
Organization:
Department:
Mailing Address:
City:

State/Province:

Zip Code:

Country:

Telephone:

Fax:

Email:
The User Certifies that he/she has read and understands the policies governing the use of the GOES DCS and
hereby undertakes to follow them. The User also certifies that there are no commercial space-based services that
meet the User's requirements.

User's Signature:

Date:

For Approving Authority Use Only
This agreement is approved and shall remain in force for up to _____ years.
This agreement is not approved.
Comments:

Approving Authority:
Title:
Signature:

Date:

Name of the Program:

Detailed Description of Program Objectives (Purpose of Data Collection):

This Agreement is an:
Initial Agreement

Renewal Agreement

The Organization which will operate this program is a (check all that apply):
Government User

Non-profit user

Non-Government User

If not a government agency, please include sponsoring agency name and phone number:
Agency:
Name of Contact Person:
Phone Number:
Email Address:
Government User means agencies of international governmental organizations, national government, or
any other subdivision thereof, or any of those agencies' contractors or grantees, so long as the contractor is
using the data collected by the GOES DCS to fulfill it's contractual obligations to the government agency, or
in the case of a grantee, that these data are being used in accordance with the Statement of Work for the
award.
Non-profit user means a not-for-profit academic, research, or other non-governmental organization,
which is using these data for education and/or scientific, noncommercial purposes.

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Agency Contact Information
(a) Program implementer (e.g., principal investigator, technical representative, etc.):
Last Name:

First Name:

Title:
Organization:
Department:
Mailing Address:

City:

State/Province:

Zip Code:

Country:

Telephone:

Fax:

Email:
(b) Agency contact responsible for installation and/or maintenance of Data
Collection Platform/equipment:
Last Name:

First Name:

Title:
Organization:
Department:
Mailing Address:

City:

State/Province:

Zip Code:

Country:

Telephone:

Fax:

Email:
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(c) Agency contact responsible for operating Data Collection Platform/equipment:
Last Name:

First Name:

Title:
Organization:
Department:
Mailing Address:

City:

State/Province:

Zip Code:

Country:

Telephone:

Fax:

Email:

(d) Destination (final user) of data collected:
Last Name:

First Name:

Title:
Organization:
Department:
Mailing Address:

City:

State/Province:

Zip Code:

Country:

Telephone:

Fax:

Email:

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Technical Specifications
(1) Program Information:
a.

Check one that applies:
Operational
Experimental
Manufacturer

b.

Environmental parameters measured:

c.

Anticipated time frame for data collection:
Start Date:

3.

End Date:

Platform information:
a.
Platform types to be used
Check all that apply:

b.

c.

Interrogated (I):

Self-timed and Random (S/R):

Self-timed (S):

Self-timed and Interrogate (S/I):

Random (R):

Random and Interrogate (R/I):

Number of Platforms: (Complete as appropriate)
I:

S/R:

S:

R/I:

R:

S/I:

Total number of Platforms with Emergency Alarm/Random Capability:

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d.

Anticipated deployment for each platform type:

(e.g., 10 Self-timed in March, 2011, 2 Self-timed/Random in July, 2012 etc...)

e.

General Location of Platform by generic type:
(If needed attach separate sheet with additional
information about each platform in the following format.)

#Fixed Platforms

Geographic Region
GOES-East

GOES-West

GOES-East

GOES-West

GOES-East

GOES-West

GOES-East

GOES-West

GOES-East

GOES-West

(Note: Specific Latitudes and Longitudes are not required here, but should be entered into the DCS
Administration and Data Distribution System (DADDS) record for each platform once it is assigned.
Specific instructions will be provided.)

#Mobile Platforms (Latitude/longitude of boundaries):

f.

Platform Data Format
(Check all that apply):
ASCII

Pseudo ASCII

Bits per sensor message
Bytes per message (8 bits/byte)

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g.

Desired platform reporting times:
Rank in order of priority (1 = highest priority)
1 hour
3 hour
4 hour
6 hour
12 hour
Other (please explain):

h.

Desired platform baud rate:
300 baud
1200 baud

(Only with prior approval from Manager)

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4.

Anticipated data delivery method:
Check one:
DOMSAT:
Internet Connection (DADDS):
Internet Connection (LRGS):
Direct Readout Ground System (DRGS):
Dedicated Circuit:
Commercial Service (specify which one):

Other (please explain):

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I Background
The GOES Data Collection System (GOES DCS) is operated by the United States' National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The GOES DCS is managed by NOAA's Office
of Satellite and Product Operations (OSPO). The system consists of: instruments provided by
NOAA, which are flown aboard NOAA geostationary satellites; user supplied data collection
platforms (DCPs); and NOAA's DCS Administration and Data Distribution System (DADDS)
data and user management system . Users may also receive data directly from the GOES satellite
through Direct Readout Ground Systems (DRGS) or from NOAA's rebroadcast of those data
through communication satellites or systems. NOAA is authorized to enter this agreement under
the authority granted to it in 15 USC 313 and 49 USC 44720.
II GOES System Use Policy
1. Scope
a) This policy applies to any person who operates or proposes to operate data collection
platforms to be used with the GOES DCS either directly or through an affiliate or subsidiary.
b) These policies apply to all existing GOES DCS users as well as all future agreements for use of
the GOES DCS.
2. Definitions
For purposes of this agreement and policy:
(a) Approving authority means NOAA, which is represented by the Director, OSPO for the
GOES DCS.
(b) Assistant Administrator means the Assistant Administrator for Satellite and Information
Services, NOAA, or his/her designee.
(c) Environmental data means environmental measurement data for the purpose of using the
GOES DCS.
(d) Environmental measurement data means data that relate to the characteristics of the Earth
and its natural phenomena by helping to better understand, evaluate, or monitor its natural
resources.
(e) Government interest means that the use is determined in advance to be of interest to one or
more governmental entities of the United States, or a state or local government.
(f) Government user means agencies of international governmental organizations, national
government or any subdivision thereof, or any of those agencies' contractors or grantees, so long
as the contractor is using the data collected by the GOES DCS to fulfill its contractual
obligations to the government agency or in the case of a grantee that these data are being used in
accordancewith the statement of work for the award.
(g) Non-profit user means a not-for-profit academic, research, or other non-governmental
organization, which is using these data, for education and/or scientific, non-commercial
purposes.
(h) Operational use means the use of data in a situation where the utility of the data are
significantly reduced if not collected or delivered in a specific time window. This includes
situations where extensive preparation work is in place and a delay in acquisition of data would
jeopardize the project.

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(i) Platform compatibility means the compatibility of the platform with the space segment of the
system, and includes elements such as message length and composition, signal strength, and
transmission protocol (e.g., continuous versus event drive).
(j) Sensitive use means the use of the NOAA DCS where the users' requirements dictate the use
of a governmental system such as National security, homeland security, law enforcement and
humanitarian operations.
(k) Episodic use means the use of the GOES DCS for short events where there is a
significant possibility of loss of life, such as for Arctic expeditions or scientific campaigns
into remote areas.
(l) Testing use means the use of the GOES DCS by manufacturers of platforms for use in
conjunction with the GOES DCS, for the limited purpose of testing and certifying the
compatibility of new platforms with the technical requirements of the GOES DCS.
(m) User means the entity and/or organization which owns or operates user platforms for the
purpose of collecting and transmitting data through the GOES DCS.
(n) User platform means devices, designed in accordance with the specifications delineated and
approved by the Approving Authority, used for the in-situ collection and subsequent transmission
of data via the GOES DCS. Those devices which are used in conjunction with the GOES DCS are
referred to as data collection platforms (DCP).
(o) User requirement means the requirement expressed and explained in the System Use
Agreement.
3. Use of GOES Data Collection System
a) Use of the GOES DCS will only be authorized in accordance with the conditions and
requirements set forth in paragraphs (b), (c), and (d) of this section.
b)
(1) Use of the GOES DCS will only be authorized where it is determined that there are no
commercial space-based services available that meet the user's requirements.
(2) A determination under (b)(1), above, must be based on such factors as satellite
coverage,accuracy, data throughput, platform power consumption, size and weight,
service continuity and reliability, platform compatibility, system access mode, and, in the
case of government agencies, cost-effectiveness.
(1) Except as provided in paragraphs (2), (3) and (4) of this section, GOES DCS shall
c)
onlybe used for the collection of environmental data by governmental and/or non-profit
users.
(2) Non-governmental, environmental use of the GOES DCS is only authorized where
there is a Government interest in the collection and/or receipt of the data.
(3) Except as provided in paragraph (c)(4) of this section, non-environmental use of the
NOAA DCS is only authorized for government use and non-profit users where there is a
government interest. The NOAA DCS will continue to be predominantly used for environmental
applications. Non-environmental use of the system shall be limited to sensitive use, and to
episodic use as defined below in (c)(4) of this section.
(4) Episodic use of the NOAA DCS may also be authorized in specific instances where
there is a significant possibility for loss of life. Such use shall be closely monitored.
(5) Testing use of the GOES DCS will only be authorized for manufacturers of GOES
DCS platforms, that require access to the system in order to test and certify prototype
and production models.
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d) In the event that GOES DCS capacity limitations require that priority determinations be made,
applicants will be admitted to use the GOES system in accordance with the following priority:
(1) NOAA programs or users whose data are required for implementation of NOAA
programs, as determined by the Assistant Administrator, will be accorded first priority.
(2) Users whose data are desired to support NOAA programs will be accorded second
priority
(3) Users whose data and/or use of the GOES DCS will further a program of an agency or
department of the U.S. Government, other than NOAA, will be accorded third priority.
(4) Users whose data are required by a state or local Government of the United States will
be accorded fourth priority.
(5) Testing users of the system will be accorded fifth priority.
(6) No other usage will be authorized for the GOES DCS.
4. GOES Data Collection System Use Agreements
a) In order to use the GOES DCS, each user must have an agreement with the approving
authority.
b) These agreements will address, but may not be limited to, the following matters:
(1) The period of time the agreement is valid and procedures for its termination,
(2) The authorized use(s), and its priorities for use,
(3) The extent of the availability of commercial space-based services which meet the
user'srequirements and the reasons for necessitating the use of the GOES DCS,
(4) Any applicable government interest in the data,
(5) Required equipment standards,
(6) Standards of operation,
(7) Conformance with applicable ITU and national agency radio frequency agreements
and regulations,
(8) Reporting time and frequencies,
(9) Data formats,
(10) Data delivery systems and schedules, and
(11) User-borne costs.
c) The Approving Authority shall evaluate user requests and conclude agreements for use of the
GOES DCS.
d) The period of agreements for use of the GOES DCS shall be as follows:
(1)Agreements for the collection of environmental data, by the GOES DCS, shall be valid
for 5 years from the date of initial in-situ deployment of the platforms, and may be
renewed for additional 5-year periods.
(2) Agreements for the collection of non-environmental data, via the GOES DCS, by
government agencies, or non-profit institutions where there is a government interest, shall
be valid 1 year from the date of initial in-situ deployment of the platforms, and may be
renewed renewed for additional 1-year periods.
(3) Agreements for the episodic collection of non-environmental data, via the GOES DCS
under Section 911.4(c)(4), shall be of short, finite duration not to exceed 1 year without
exception, and usually shall not exceed 6 months. These agreements shall be closely
monitored and shall not be renewed.

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(4) Agreements for the testing use of the GOES DCS by equipment manufacturers shall be
valid for 1 year from the date of initial testing, and may be renewed for additional 1-year
periods.
5. Treatment of Data
All GOES DCS users must agree to permit GOES Participating Agencies, and their governments'
agencies the full, open and timely use of all environmental data collected from their platforms;
this may include the international distribution of environmental data under the auspices of the
World Meteorological Organization. Any proprietary data will be protected in accordance with
applicable laws.
6. Technical requirements
a) All platform operators of the GOES DCS must use a data collection platform radio set whose
technical and design characteristics are certified to conform to applicable specifications and
regulations.
b) All platform operators are responsible for all costs associated with the procurement and
operation of the platforms, and for the acquisition of data from those platforms, either directly
from the satellite or from the applicable data processing system.

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III Understandings
a) The Approving Authority reserves the right to terminate or suspend the user's participation in
this program in the event of spacecraft or ground equipment limitations requiring curtailment or
elimination of services.
b) DCPs which the user plans to implement as part of the GOES DCS are subject to
type-certification by the operator before deployment. However, such certification does not imply
any judgment or endorsement as to the DCP's performance.
IV Specific Responsibilities of the User
The User shall:
a) Notify the Operator, within a reasonable time, of any changes to the program.
b) Obtain and utilize DCPs manufactured and type-certified in accordance with the specifications
and rules stipulated in the «GOES Data Collection Platform Transmitter Certification Standards
document available from the Operator upon request.
c) Obtain authorization from the appropriate national authorities to transmit on the frequency
specified in the user assignments.
d) Comply with all applicable laws and regulations, and the terms and conditions for operation of
the system which have been agreed to by the Approving Authority (and which shall be available
upon request).
e) Maintain current information in the DAPS data bases describing parameters of all platforms,
including proper location and emergency contact information.
f) Make all reasonable efforts to deactivate platforms which are either performing outside the
system specifications; malfunctioning in a manner that interferes with the other platforms or with
general system operations, or are in a program which has been terminated.
V Specific Responsibilities of Operator
The Operator shall:
a) Oversee the collection, processing , and transmission of GOES data.
b) Notify the User of changes to the established operational plan. Notification will normally be
prior to initiation of such changes, except when sudden abnormal spacecraft or operational
conditions preclude such prior notification. In any event, notification will be made as soon as
possible.
c) Notify the user , by the most efficient means available, whenever GOES System monitoring
indicates that a platform is performing outside system specifications or is malfunctioning in a
manner that interferes with the other platforms or with general system operation; and require the
user to make every reasonable effort to deactivate or correct such a platform.
VI Disclaimers
a) The Operator will make every effort to maintain the GOES DCS in full operation at all times
subject to the availability of appropriations. The Operator will bear no responsibility for any
losses as a result of the non-availability of the DCS.
b) The Operator can not guarantee the timeliness of data dissemination, the accuracy of the data
provided or their suitability for any application whatsoever, and cannot be held responsible for
any damage, including loss of life, resulting from defective operation of the GOES DCS.
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c) In the event of damage being suffered by the goods or personnel of the User or third parties,
and insofar as such damage arises out of the use of the equipment, the Operator shall not be
liable.
d) The User agrees not to make any claim or bring any action against the Operators, or any of
their employees or agents and the user agrees to indemnify and hold each such entity and
individual harmless against any such claim or action brought by any third party and any award
of damages, loss, or other expense incurred in connection therewith (including attorneys' fees)
where such claim or action is based, directly or indirectly in whole or in part on the use of the
GOES System. Indemnification shall not be applicable in those instances where the user is not
allowed by applicable law to indemnify.
VII Period of Use/Termination
a) Either party to the System Use Agreement may request amendments by letter to the signatories
of this System Use Agreement and such amendments will take effect upon the consent of all
parties.
b) Within 30 days of the expiration of the approved period of use, users may request to renew the
system use agreement. These agreements will be renewed in accordance with all applicable laws
and regulations. Renewal is not automatic, however, and there may be instances when the
agreements will not be renewed.
VIII Dispute Settlement
In the case of any disputes arising out of the terms of this agreement, the matter will be referred
to the Approving Authority .
Policies and Procedures Regarding Use of the NOAA Space-Based Data Collection Systems
(15 CFR 911) explains the system use policy for using the GOES DCS to ensure that the
Government will not allow its space-based data collection systems to be used where there are
commercial space-based services available that fulfill users' requirements. The regulation
contains the minimum information requirements necessary to determine if a user meets these
criteria and is thereby granted use of the GOES DCS. In accordance with the regulation,
responses to the collection of information are mandatory to conclude agreements for use of the
GOES DCS.
A standard part of the system use agreement with accepted applicants is that the user must
provide free and open access to the data by U.S. Government agencies. No confidentiality is
promised or provided.

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Paperwork Reduction Act Burden Reporting Statement
Public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 30 minutes per
response, including the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering
and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of information.
Send comments regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection of
information, including suggestions for reducing this burden, to Direct Services Division (E/SP3),
Room 3320, FB-4, NOAA, 5200 Auth Road, Suitland, MD, 20746-4304. Notwithstanding any
other provision of the law, no person is required to respond to, nor shall any person be subject to
a penalty for failure to comply with a collection of information, subject to the requirements of the
Paperwork Reduction Act, unless that collection of information displays a currently valid OMB
control number.

Return to:

GOES DCS SUA Processing Unit
NOAA, Satellite Products and Services Division
4231 Suitland Road, Rm 1646
Suitland Federal Center
Suitland, MD 20746
Tel: 301-817-4563
Fax: 301-817-4569
Email: Letecia.Reeves@noaa.gov

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