---
kind: "section"
citation: "15 C.F.R. § 997.24"
title: "15"
number: "997.24"
heading: "Gaps identification."
url: "https://uscodex.org/cfr/15/997.24"
---

# §997.24. Gaps identification.

- (a) To become certified, an RCOS must identify gaps in observation coverage needs for capital improvements of Federal assets and non-Federal assets of the System, or other recommendations to assist in the development of annual and long-terms plans and transmit such information to the Interagency Ocean Observing Committee via the Program Office.
- (b) **The application shall—**
  - (1) **Document that the RCOS's asset inventory contains up-to-date information.** This could be demonstrated by a database or portal accessible for public viewing and capable of producing a regional summary of observing capacity;
  - (2) Provide a regional Build-out Plan that identifies the regional priorities for products and services, based on its understanding of regional needs, and a description of the integrated system (observations, modeling, data management, product development, outreach, and R&D). The RCOS shall review and update the Build-out Plan at least once every five years; and
  - (3) Document the priority regional gaps in observation coverage needs, as determined by an analysis of the RICE asset inventory and Build-out Plan. The RCOS shall review and update the analysis of priority regional gaps in observation coverage needs at least once every five years.

## Notes

### Authority

Authority: 33 U.S.C. 3602-3603.

### Source

Source: 79 FR 32460, June 5, 2014, as amended at 87 FR 16634, Mar. 24, 2022, unless otherwise noted.