Chapter 2 – NOAA Organization – Executive Decision Process
NOAA’s Executive Decision Process (EDP) provides a framework for systematic management, review, and oversight of NOAA’s operations. The purpose of the EDP is to advise the NOAA Administrator before final decisions on NOAA-wide policy (including, but not limited to, budget, policy, procedure, organizational direction, organizational assessments, and resolving conflicts) are made. This process provides the forum through which NOAA’s senior management provide advice and counsel on high-level operation and management issues. The EDP enhances awareness of NOAA-wide issues, promotes integrated planning and evaluation, and creates greater transparency of senior leadership decisions.
Figure 2-4
NOAA’s Executive Decision Process
The NEC is the highest level executive management body within NOAA. The NEC provides information and advice to the NOAA Administrator regarding high-level corporate strategy and policy issues, including NOAA priorities, resource requirements, and future direction for the agency as a whole. NEC members are listed in Table 2-2. More information on the NEC is available at www.dco.noaa.gov/nec.html.
The NEP is a senior-level body within NOAA that provides information and advice to the DUSO on issues related to NOAA’s daily operations and management. The NEP ensures that issues, programs, and briefings are condensed into understandable terms and recommendations for decisions before they are presented to the NEC. The NEP also oversees the SEE process (discussed in Chapter 5). NEP members are listed in Table 2-2. More information on the NEP is available at www.dco.noaa.gov/nep.html.
Table 2-2
NEC and NEP Membership
| NEC MEMBERS | NEP MEMBERS |
| NOAA Administrator (Chair) | Deputy Under Secretary for Operations (Chair) |
| Assistant Secretary for Environmental Observation | Deputy Chief of Staff |
| Assistant Secretary for Conservation and Management | Deputy General Counsel |
| NOAA Chief Scientist | NOS Deputy Assistant Administrator |
| Principal Deputy Under Secretary | NMFS Deputy Assistant Administrator |
| Deputy Under Secretary for Operations | OAR Deputy Assistant Administrator |
| Chief of Staff | NWS Deputy Assistant Administrator |
| General Counsel | NESDIS Deputy Assistant Administrator |
| NOS Assistant Administrator | Director of Policy |
| NMFS Assistant Administrator | PPI Assistant Administrator |
| OAR Assistant Administrator | Chief Information Officer |
| NWS Assistant Administrator | Chief Financial Officer |
| NESDIS Assistant Administrator | Chief Administrative Officer |
| Director of Acquisitions and Grants | |
| Director of Office of Marine Aviation Operations | |
| Director of Workforce Management | |
| Director of Communications | |
| Director of Legislative Affairs | |
More information about the EDP is available at www.dco.noaa.gov/edp.html.
