ASAC Telecon 4 Jan 2005

Beasley, Momose, Turner, Laing, Wootten, Mardones, Balthazar Vila (for Kawabe), Testi, 
Emerson, van Dishoeck, Mundy, Richer, Carilli, Cox Yamamoto

Discussion of sensitivity numbers--should all be consistent with the DRSP.

Project--Tony Beasley discusses ongoing activities.  SoW between IPTs and the g
to be developed.  Due dates for two weeks, resulting in rough overview by second week
in February.  ASAC will be given complete access to all information and consulted
in this process--a fairly clear picture should be available by the face to face
meeting.  The ASAC will take a major role in prioritizing for rebaselining.  OSF
construction should start Sept 05.  AOS still awaits NSF approval, this should begin
soon.  This has cost us perhaps as much as a year on the AOS building.  The foundation
cannot be done by the winter unless this begins soon.  
Antennas--situation charged.  For last month and next few the prototype evaluation
continues.  It is only required that the production antennas fully meet specs, not that
the prototypes do.  There is disagreement on whether the proposals can meet specs
among the proposal evaluators.  Further tests are trying to set these doubts to bed.
LGM: 3-6 months until decsion?
TB: Worst case scenarios could be that long--further procurements would require 9-12
months.  But we prefer to pursue avenues which will lead to contracts on few month
timescales.  
EvD: What is schedule for tests?
TB: Late Feb, but important answers by late Jan.  Vertex holography, for instance, is
under way.  JATG formed as an all hands on deck effort, everyone needed is available
for the setof tests designed to meet questions which have been posed.
Front end rebaselining.  FEICs plan now being put together, optimized by NRAO and ESO.
The JP contribution may be taken on by ALMA-B but we need to understand if this can happen.
It is the Executives which must take this responsibility, they need to understand
the process well enough to decide on a final plan which will allow timely completion
of ALMA.  Fiber is an example of a multi-IPT item which requires FE, Computing and site
to be in concert.  We want a single trench, with power in that trench there are details
of heating to be addressed.  Correlator moving along, 1st quadrant well along.  Computing
is in good stead but may be affected by rebaselining.  SE&I roles and responsibilities
to be discussed vis a vis science computing and other ipts.
LGM: Does everyone agree that the ASAC should have access to facts and figures?
TB: There are no objections but this is under discussion.  JAO agrees, Executives thought
to agree.
(TB leaves)

JT reports that new Chairman of the Board, Dickman, has informed her that there are as of
yet no Charges.  Some concern as to the date of the meeting and the progress of the charges.
EvD: Should we really hold this meeting on these dates?  EAB between 24-27 March, ALMA
Board 5-6 April, this is really tight.

Science report.

External activities.  
IAU discussion.  JT worked with Stockman at STScI on a joint discussion with JWST and
Herschel--somewhat too late for the fomal approvasl.  But Executive committee on future
large telescopes is very interested and is considering a joing discussion.  Gerry Gilmore
is head of the WG and is very enthusiastic, but the scope would be somewhat larger.
More emphasis on near term.  One science talk, one technical talk.  This is moving along.
JT will keep track of this; we will probably propose speakers.  
EvD,Cox--one of ASAC members should be on the committee.  
JT: I will make sure we are represented.  XXVIth General Assembly of the IAU
Praha, Czech Republic, August, 14-25, 2006

pan-ALMA science meeting.  CC: chairman of SOC should be from EU  Testi, Cox volunteer
to be on committee.  Invite came from Rafael Bachiller, who should be on the committee.
Vice chair from NA and JP.  The JAO PS would be a real leader in this.  
Agreement on having this in the Fall of 2006.

ESAC: No new news.
ANASAC: Town Hall at AAS next week.  Supported idea of funding for observing time.
JSAC meeting 11 Dec.  Discussed issues, next meeting on 12 Jan.  
Vila: antenna bidding closed, technical evaluation has begun.

Next meeting 1 February at 1530 UT.