Gravitational waves are a potential new window to view the universe. The Michigan group will join the LIGO (Laser Interferometer Gravitational-wave Observatory) team designing, constructing, and using the LIGO facility. Their initial effort would be to assist in the 40 Meter Interferometer (the LIGO prototype-test bench) Research and Development Program. Gustafson would be substantially resident at the 40 Meter, and become competent to run the interferometer. The goal would be to support the R/D program, using the 40 Meter as an operational device, working within the framework of the current R/D test, addition, or upgrade program. They would keep the interferometer active, dealing with the residual problems and exploring operational realities. Data collection, would become a norm, and analysis attempted at the 10**-19 level in sensitivity, with the spurious noise sources understood and eliminated. This activity would contribute to the LIGO Detector and Facility effort, and to the `Advanced LIGO` concept. All actions would be deferential to the R/D program, mostly in the mode of `diagnose, discuss, fix as agreed`. This program is an example of an operational working relationship between LIGO and the University user community.
