The Oklahoma Climatological Survey (OCS) at the University of Oklahoma is soliciting applications for approximately 20 participants for the next class of the OK-FIRST Project. OK-FIRST is an effort to improve access to real-time weather information and to develop a decision- and peer-support system for public safety agencies in and around Oklahoma. OK-FIRST is funded by a grant from the Telecommunications and Information Infrastructure Assistance Program (TIIAP), an agency of the U.S. Department of Commerce. TIIAP seeks to assist in the application of telecommunications technology to those sections of society that are under served by current telecommunications infrastructure. In the context of OK-FIRST, this goal means that the geographic location of applicants is a consideration in the selection process.

Currently, OK-FIRST has 44 trained participants as indicated on the accompanying map. Each participant has been given access to a rich suite of weather information delivered via the World Wide Web (WWW). This information includes data from the Oklahoma Mesonetwork, 15 NEXRAD Doppler radars, and products from the National Weather Service. The WWW pages developed for OK-FIRST offer point-and-click access to maps of Mesonet data. In addition, the entire NIDS product suite is available from 15 NEXRAD radars that surround Oklahoma. Mesonet maps are updated every fifteen minutes, and NEXRAD images are typically available within seconds of the time the radar creates the product (usually on a 6- or 10-minute update cycle).

Participants in OK-FIRST fall into two categories: "subsidized" and "non-subsidized" participants. Because of limited funds, OK-FIRST can fully subsidize 11 participants to travel to and from Norman for two training workshops in October. In addition, the subsidized participants will receive an extended loan of a computer and associated software from OCS. Any computer hardware loaned by OCS will remain the property of the University of Oklahoma. OCS reserves the right to reclaim the hardware and redistribute the hardware to another participant if participant performance becomes unsatisfactory.

Non-subsidized participants will be selected from applicants who have adequate computer hardware (a Pentium-class PC with a 28,800 baud or higher modem, Windows '95 or NT, and Netscape 3.0 or higher) and Internet capability. They also agree to pay their own expenses to and from Norman for the training workshops. However, the non-subsidized participants will receive all other benefits as provided to the regularly selected participants.

Because the OK-FIRST data stream is delivered via the World Wide Web, all participants are required to have Internet access. Internet access through a commercial provider is acceptable for use with OK-FIRST. However, another option for Internet access for state and local government agencies is the OneNet system operated by the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education. OneNet is the Internet provider for the University of Oklahoma, and thus participants who use OneNet likely will have faster and more reliable access to the OK-FIRST product suite. This occurs because OneNet is a closed system that is restricted to government agencies in Oklahoma. For participants located within a local calling area of a OneNet hub site, OK-FIRST can arrange dial-up OneNet access for subsidized participants. However, subsidized participants are responsible for the installation and monthly charges of a telephone line for dial-up Internet access. Non-subsidized participants may choose OneNet for their Internet provider. OneNet charges $15/month for dial-up service. If local Internet service is not available, Southwestern Bell's 1+SAVER service is a good alternative. This service allows a flat, nominal long-distance rate for unlimited access to one selected telephone number in your area code. You could designate your specific number to be the nearest OneNet hub site, or the OneNet hub sites in Oklahoma City or Tulsa, for example.

An important component of the OK-FIRST program is the two training workshops and associated external evaluations. Attendance at all training workshops is mandatory for all subsidized participants; all non-subsidized participants are strongly urged to be present at all training sessions. The first workshop is a computer training institute scheduled March 11-13, 1998. A data interpretation workshop will be held March 30 - April 4, 1998. Participants also will be required to return to Norman for follow-up to be announced later. Finally, participants will be questioned by an evaluator at regular intervals to gain insight on the impacts of OK-FIRST.

We acknowledge that severe weather may occur during the spring training workshops. Nevertheless, all participants must attend the workshops as the training and instruction is a vital aspect of the project. Thus we will ask that all selectees prepare for the chance that severe weather may occur when they are away from their juristictions. In addition, if significant weather does occur during the training workshops, project staff will seize the opportunity to enhance the workshops.

We expect the selection process to be quite competitive. We encourage you to apply, even if you think you will not be selected. Because of the competitive nature of this process, the quality of the narrative section of the application will be of utmost importance. Your application will provide us with needed information as we seek future funding for OK-FIRST. To assist in your application process, we are providing some of the criteria used in selecting previous participants:

• Selected participants need either to have Internet access or be located within a local call of a OneNet hub site, or be willing to use 1+SAVER to get Internet access.
• No more than one participant can be from the same office.
• We desire to maintain geographic diversity of the participants (especially for the subsidized participants), with a slight preference given to rural participants.
• Applicants from urban areas are permitted to be a large percentage of the non-subsidized participant group.
• Locations with 24-hour monitoring are preferred.
• Non-subsidized participants need to have a Pentium-class computer available for use and available Internet access.
• Applicants who have no (or limited) computer resources are preferred for the subsidized group of participants.
• We will consider recommendations we obtain from the National Weather Service. There is no need for you to obtain a letter of recommendation from NWS officials.
• Non-subsidized participants should to be willing to be non-subsidized.
• The quality of the application and narrative is an important factor.

Completion of this application implies agreement with all conditions set forth in this application by the applicant.

For further information on the OK-FIRST Project, please contact Dale Morris at the address listed on the front page of this application or by telephone at (405) 325-3230. You may send inquiries via Internet e-mail to dmorris@ou.edu. If you have access to the World Wide Web, you can find even more information on the OK-FIRST home page at http://radar.metr.ou.edu/OK1/OK1.html.

The application deadline for Group III Participants is February 23, 1998. The announcement of selectees will be made early the following week. Please return your completed application to "OK-FIRST Participants" at the address listed on this stationary. The application also can be FAXed to (405) 325-2550.