following the meeting and are then reviewed by the Program office and finally sent to the PI's. Managers meet at this time to discuss staffing and funding issues for both science projects and for direct and assessment-funded Program overhead projects.

August—Initial funding decisions for the upcoming FY are developed by the Program office based on the PAC recommendations, management discussions, and the anticipated budget. Unsuccessful proposals and underfunded staff are identified and discussed.

September–December—The PI's, and Center Managers respond to PAC comments and draft funding decisions. The Teams and Regions provide revised workplans and staffing based on the Council's comments and the Program's preliminary funding decisions. The Program office learns of congressional appropriation decisions and adjusts draft budget, if needed, in consultation with the center managers. CMGP funds are then distributed through the division to the scientists.