About PCO
The Program Coordination Office (PCO) provides senior staff support to the Office of the Under Secretary. PCO reviews proposals coming to the Office of the Under Secretary for information and/or action and makes recommendations as required; it provides advice on management and fiscal issues before the agency and participates in meetings on such matters coming before the Office of the Under Secretary, and, as required, serves as the Office of Under Secretary's representative.
The Office works with NOAA's Line and Program Offices to ensure adequate coordination and attempts to resolve differences dealing with programmatic, scientific and management issues within the agency. PCO represents the Line and Program Offices within the Office of the Under Secretary and brings issues of concern to the attention of the Office of the Under Secretary. It represents the Office of the Under Secretary in interagency meetings and coordinates action within NOAA and the Department of Commerce as required.
The Office advises the Office of the Under Secretary on broad management initiatives and high priority issues requiring immediate attention. It provides briefings, as requested, on a broad range of issues with respect to actions and decisions which affect all program operations and have impact nationwide. The Office provides comprehensive analyses relating to proposed initiatives; conducts background research and short-term feasibility studies; and, develops general plans to define objectives and coordinates work to be undertaken. It develops recommendations or conclusions for the Office of the Under Secretary based on careful study/analysis of the material presented, requiring full understanding and consideration of NOAA policies, project management commitments and other relevant factors.
PCO provides general staff support to the Office of the Under Secretary and serves as a focal point for coordination and/or preparation of a variety of NOAA program reports, events calendars, and management meetings.