The PI requests funds to operate the National Ocean Sciences Accelerator Mass Spectrometer (AMS) facility that has recently been built at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution. The facility is automated for the analysis of oceanographic seawater samples that are being collected as part of the Global Change research programs and will provide AMS dates as a service to the scientific community. In the mid-1980s, the ocean sciences community strongly advocated establishing a radiocarbon dating facility dedicated to the analysis of carbon isotopes and other tracers in samples collected during major Global Change related field programs such as the World Ocean Circulation Experiment (WOCE) and the Joint Global Ocean Flux Study (JGOFS). The original project solicitation for the Ocean Sciences Accelerator Mass Spectrometry (AMS) facility was presented to the NSB as an information item in May 1987 NSB-87-35. After extensive review of proposals to establish the facility, the NSB approved a 3-year award beginning in 1989 to Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) NSB-88-164. In 1992, a management decision was made to extend the original award to complete developmental testing of the facility as part of the construction phase prior to establishing an operational award. This transitional phase was approved by the NSB in August 1992 NSB-92- 132. Construction and testing of the facility are complete, and this award will begin the operational phase of the facility. WHOI will establish two advisory committees which will oversee the efforts of the facility. The National AMS Policy Board (NAPB) will consist of extramural representatives of the AMS and oceanographic community. This committee will meet annually to review progress at the facility and to recommend technical and managerial changes. WHOI has also established an internal advisory committee that will deal with WHOI administrative issues and will supply more frequent oversight. Liaison members will provide coordination between the two committees. Woods Hole has successfully created a National AMS facility for the ocean sciences community within budget and with minor delays. The operational phase for the AMS facility is new to both Woods Hole and the oceanographic research community. The commitment of operations support for 5 years is warranted, but until more experience is gained, the facility's progress will be monitored closely through the use of review panels and advisory boards. Program recommends a 5 year award with an interim review after Year 2. Budgets will be negotiated on an annual basis. Program recommends an award via a cooperative agreement which will allow NSF to maintain proper oversight during the initial operating years. Terms of the cooperative agreement will be negotiated by the Division of Grants and Contracts.//
