Seasonal outlooks are reported as the probability of temperature being above normal, near normal, below normal or, where no definite seasonal guidance can be provided, equal chances. The seasonal outlooks are the cumulative skill calculated for regions where predictions are made. These forecasts are verified using a 48-month running mean of Heidke Skill score computed for seasonal outlooks for each 3-month seasonal mean (e.g., January-February-March mean; February-March-April mean; March-April-May mean; and so on). The previous dataset used to verify the CPC seasonal temperature outlook has developed a cold bias across a large portion of the western United States during the past 5-10 years. CPC has developed a new dataset which consists of Synoptic and Metar stations only, which is consistent throughout the historical and real time periods. This change will not impact the measure itself, nor how it is reported, but will remove biases identified in the old verification dataset, resulting in a more accurate performance indicator.

This measure shows the number of environmental reviews (ESA Section 7 formal consultation, MMPA incidental harassment authorization, EFH consultation) that exceed regulatory, statutory, or otherwise agreed-upon deadlines. Under the ESA and MSA, Federal agencies must consult with NOAA when any project or action might affect an ESA-listed marine species or a critical habitat. Under the MMPA, NMFS issues incidental harassment authorizations, which allow for the otherwise prohibited incidental “take” of marine mammals resulting from lawful activities (such as military readiness training, seismic surveys, or coastal construction).

Metric calculated as the percent of Climate Prediction Center extended range temperature and precipitation outlooks (outlooks out to 14 days) exceeding Heidke Skill Score (HSS) of 10 (10% better than a climatological forecast). To better track results, three individual metrics are tracked – 1) All forecasts combined, 2) Temperature only, and 3) Precipitation only.

Metric calculated as the percent of Climate Prediction Center extended range temperature and precipitation outlooks (outlooks out to 14 days) exceeding Heidke Skill Score (HSS) of 10 (10% better than a climatological forecast). To better track results, three individual metrics are tracked – 1) All forecasts combined, 2) Temperature only, and 3) Precipitation only.

The indicator reflects how well the focus area of the manufacturing USA (formerly National Network for Manufacturing Innovation) Institutes matches a real national need and is intended to measure the extent to which the industrial partners perceive that they are receiving value from the existence of the Institute. Non-Federal partners dedicate resources when they believe that there will be economic benefit. Non-Federal sources include industry partners of all sizes, state and local governments, economic development entities, institutions of higher education, private organizations and individuals. Investment includes cash and in-kind resources provided.

Dollar value of financing resulting from clients served and direct client services by MBDA national network of Minority business centers, reported in billions. The business centers facilitate access to public and private sector procurement opportunities for minority business.

An Economic Benefit is a dollar value of all financial/contractual transactions, capacity investments and increases in sales to MBEs via the assistance of MBDA programs, services and resources.

Metric calculated as the percent of Climate Prediction Center extended (outlooks out to 14 days) and long range (monthly and seasonal outlooks) temperature and precipitation outlooks exceeding Heidke Skill Score (HSS) of 10 (10% better than a climatological forecast). Due to the scarcity of long range outlooks (six per month), scores are smoothed over a three year period. To better track results, three individual metrics are tracked – 1) All forecasts combined, 2) Temperature only, and 3) Precipitation only.

This measure reflects the timeliness of the first office action as measured from the date of application filing (or notification date for 66(a) filings) to the first office action in months.

This measure is the percentage of applications reviewed meeting the criteria for decision making conducted on random sample of applications including first office actions to determine the soundness of decision-making under the Trademark Act.