The five-year MOU outlines areas of collaboration between NOAA and DPAA, to:
- Undertake joint expeditions, personnel exchanges and engagements between personnel to share methods of operation related to missions.
- Share data and scientific information resulting from research cruises, expeditions and campaigns.
- Provide each other with relevant updates and meet at least annually to share objectives, plans and needs for both the current year and the following five-year period.
- Provide DPAA with access to subject matter experts, vessels and other equipment, mission results and technology expeditions, as well as shoreside facilities and programs throughout NOAA’s ocean, weather, climate and coastal science mission.
- Provide NOAA and its sponsored scientists with access to vessels, technology and other equipment for participation in expeditions.
- Advance the public understanding of both agency’s missions as well as the new partnership when undertaking joint projects and other opportunities as practicable. Engage in cross promotion of activities where practicable and across various media platforms.
This MOU builds on an existing partnership between NOAA and DPAA. The two federal agencies have collaborated on past expeditions, including the recent 2023 search for a B-25 bomber during the Seascape Alaska expedition.