The Oklahoma Climatological Survey (OCS) at the University of Oklahoma is soliciting applications for 15 - 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 an information- and peer-support system for public safety agencies in and around Oklahoma. OK-FIRST was initially 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. The Oklahoma Legislature has also funded OK-FIRST in Fiscal Year 1999 through the Oklahoma Department of Public Safety.

Currently, OK-FIRST has 65 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).

For the upcoming OK-FIRST, we will select 15 - 20 participants. OK-FIRST will reimburse travel to and from Norman for the training to be held March 15-19, 1999 at the University of Oklahoma.

In the past, we were able to provide computers to many of the participants on extended loan. Currently, we can provide "limited scholarships" consisting of a Pentium-class PC. However, these scholarships will be awarded based on agency need on a case-by-case basis. Every participant must 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. Currently we recommend a 200 MHz machine or better with at least 32 MB of memory, but better performance will be achived with a faster processor and additional memory.

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.

The training workshop is an integral component of the OK-FIRST program. Access to the OK-FIRST web site will not be granted unless an agency representative attends the data interpretation workshop.

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 must have Internet access or be willing to obtain Internet access.
• We desire to maintain geographic diversity of the participants, with a slight preference given to rural participants.
• Locations with 24-hour monitoring are preferred.
• Participants need to have a Pentium-class computer available for use and available Internet access.
• 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.
• The quality of the application and narrative is very 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 Oklahoma Climatological Survey, 100 E. Boyd, Suite 1210, Norman, OK 73019, 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.

Applications for the Spring 1999 Workshop are due at the OCS office by 5:00 p.m. February 24, 1999. We will not be responsible for late applications. The announcement of selectees will be made early the following week. Please return your completed application to "OK-FIRST Participants" at 100 E. Boyd, Suite 1210, Norman, OK 73019. The application also can be FAXed to (405) 325-2550.