Education,Training and Capacity Development for Weather, Water and Climate Forecasting (ETCD) | Apply Online

ETCD Grant Opportunity FAQs (NOAA/NWS)

What is the ETCD funding opportunity?

The Education, Training and Capacity Development for Weather, Water and Climate Forecasting (ETCD) opportunity is a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) National Weather Service (NWS) funding program intended to strengthen the day-to-day performance of operational meteorologists and hydrologists worldwide through training, education, and capacity development.

What problem is ETCD trying to solve?

ETCD is based on the idea that better forecasts and hazard warnings depend not only on improved science and technology, but also on stronger training, better decision-making under real-world pressure, and more effective use of forecasting tools in operational environments.

What outcomes is ETCD trying to achieve?

The program aims for measurable improvements in operational competence that translate into higher-quality forecasts and clearer, more actionable hazard warnings, ultimately supporting better preparedness and reduced losses from environmental hazards.

Who is the primary workforce focus of ETCD?

ETCD focuses on operational meteorologists and hydrologists, with an emphasis on improving performance in real operational settings where forecasts and warnings are produced and delivered.

Is ETCD focused on research or operational performance?

Based on the description provided, ETCD is centered on human performance in operational forecasting and warning settings. Research can be part of the effort, but the emphasis is on training and education that improves real-world operational decision-making and practice.

What does "human performance in operational settings" mean in this program?

It refers to how professionals apply technical expertise under time pressure and uncertainty, including how they interpret guidance, coordinate and communicate, make decisions, and provide decision support services during weather, water, and climate hazards.

What kinds of activities does ETCD support?

ETCD supports applied training events and simulation-based exercises that bring together operational staff, researchers, instructors, and students to rehearse forecasting and warning workflows, test tools and guidance, and build competence for high-impact scenarios.

Why are simulations highlighted as a key activity?

Simulations are described as pivotal because they let participants practice realistic forecasting and warning workflows, apply tools in high-impact scenarios, and build operational competence in conditions that mirror real-world environments rather than purely classroom instruction.

Does ETCD encourage collaboration and partnerships?

Yes. Collaboration is described as a central feature of ETCD, with partnerships expected to connect operational forecasters and hydrologists with scientists, university faculty, and experts across environmental sciences as well as educational and social sciences.

Why does ETCD involve educational and social sciences?

The interdisciplinary approach reflects that modern forecasting and warning systems require more than accurate predictions. Communication, interpretation, teamwork, learning methods, and user-focused decision support are also critical to reducing harm during environmental hazards.

What does "competency-based" mean in ETCD?

Competency-based training is structured around defined skills and behaviors that participants are expected to demonstrate. Success is measured by whether participants can reliably perform essential operational tasks, not simply whether they completed a course or spent a certain amount of time in training.

How is success measured under a competency-based model?

Success is measured by demonstrated ability to perform essential tasks such as interpreting model output, assessing uncertainty, coordinating with partners, and issuing effective warnings, with the goal of improving operational performance in measurable ways.

What agency offered this opportunity?

This was a discretionary federal funding opportunity offered by the U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC) through NOAA and the National Weather Service (NWS).

What type of funding instrument was used?

The funding instrument was a cooperative agreement, which typically implies substantial involvement or collaboration with the federal agency during the project period.

What is the funding opportunity number?

The funding opportunity number was NOAA NWS NWSPO 2016 2004829.

What CFDA number is associated with this opportunity?

The opportunity was associated with CFDA 11.467.

When was the opportunity posted and created?

The posting and creation dates were March 17, 2016.

What was the application closing date?

The application closing date was May 20, 2016.

How many awards were anticipated?

The program anticipated a single award.

What was the award ceiling?

The award ceiling was $6,500,000.

Who was eligible to apply?

Eligibility was listed broadly as "Others," with additional eligibility details referenced in the full announcement.

Does the description specify the full eligibility requirements?

No. The information provided indicates that additional eligibility details were referenced in the full announcement, but those details are not included here.

Is the program focused only on weather forecasting?

No. The program is described as covering weather, water, and climate forecasting, and it supports training and capacity development for operational meteorologists and hydrologists.

What is meant by "decision support services" in the context of ETCD?

In this context, decision support services refer to turning technical forecasting expertise into support that helps communities and partners make better decisions in the face of weather, water, and climate risks, including clearer and more actionable hazard warnings.

Does ETCD prioritize classroom-based instruction or operationally realistic practice?

The description suggests ETCD values training that mirrors real operational environments, with a practical emphasis through applied training events and simulation-based exercises rather than purely classroom-based instruction.

What is the long-term impact ETCD is trying to create?

The long-term impact described is that improved operational competence leads to improved forecasts, and improved forecasts and warnings lead to better preparedness and reduced losses from environmental hazards.