• Analyses structured around specific questions

• Early and continuing involvement of stakeholders

• Explicit treatment of uncertainties

• Transparent public review of analysis questions, methods, and draft results

• Adoption of a “lessons learned” approach, building on the ongoing CCSP analyses.

The purpose of this document is to present guidelines that address the three steps in the process of preparing the synthesis and assessment products: developing the prospectus, drafting and revising the document, and final approval and publication of each product. The guidelines set forth the roles of participants and the steps in the process. The guidelines are intended to ensure that

• Independent scientific judgment serves as the guiding force in preparing the products so they are credible

• Scientists, users, and other stakeholders jointly determine the scope of the products so the topics covered are well defined and the information provided is relevant to the needs expressed

• The process of preparing the products is open at every step so the products have legitimacy (i.e., are perceived to have been prepared fairly).

CCSP was established by the President in 2002 and integrates the U.S. Global Change Research Program and the Climate Change Research Initiative. The CCSP Interagency Committee provides executive direction for the Program, as described in Chapter 16, “Program Management and Review,” of the CCSP Strategic Plan. CCSP’s Interagency Committee is chaired by the CCSP Director (a Department of Commerce appointee) and includes representatives of 13 participating departments/agencies that have mission or funding responsibilities in climate and global change research, together with liaisons from the Executive Office of the President.² Member-