<div dir="ltr"><div>The World Data System is soliciting expressions of interest (EoI) to host its International Programme Office starting April 2021.  The deadline for submissions of interest is May 31st. <b>Recognizing the impact of COVID-19 and the short time frame for preparing submissions, we welcome even <u>partial submissions</u> for the EoI, with details to follow.</b><br><div id="gmail-parent-fieldname-text" class="gmail-stx" style="margin:0px;padding:0px;border:0px;outline:0px;font-size:14.592px;vertical-align:baseline;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial;font-family:Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(51,51,51)"><p style="margin:0px;padding:0px 0px 1em;border:0px;outline:0px;font-size:1em;vertical-align:baseline;background:transparent;text-align:justify">The <a title="" href="https://www.icsu-wds.org/organization/international-programme-office" class="external-link" target="_self" style="margin:0px;padding:0px;outline:none;text-decoration-line:none;color:rgb(204,70,6)">WDS International Programme Office</a> (WDS-IPO) was created in March 2011. Since then, it has been hosted by the <a class="external-link" href="http://www.nict.go.jp/en/about/" target="_blank" title="" style="margin:0px;padding:0px;outline:none;text-decoration-line:none;color:rgb(204,70,6)">National Institute of Information and Communications Technology</a> (NICT) in Tokyo, Japan under two 5-year Letters of Cooperation between the <a class="external-link" href="https://council.science/" target="_blank" title="" style="margin:0px;padding:0px;outline:none;text-decoration-line:none;color:rgb(204,70,6)">International Science Council</a> (ISC) and NICT. The current agreement ends on 31 March 2021 and, in light of this, ISC and the WDS Science Committee (WDS-SC) <b style="margin:0px;padding:0px"><a title="" href="https://www.icsu-wds.org/files/wds-ipo-call-for-expressions-of-interest" class="gmail-internal-link" target="_self" style="margin:0px;padding:0px;outline:none;text-decoration-line:none;color:rgb(204,70,6)">invite Expressions of Interest</a> from interested parties to host the WDS International Programme Office by <span style="margin:0px;padding:0px;text-decoration-line:line-through">10</span> 31 May 2020</b>.</p><p style="margin:0px;padding:0px 0px 1em;border:0px;outline:0px;font-size:1em;vertical-align:baseline;background:transparent;text-align:justify">The establishment, funding model, and governance of the new office is expected to build on the examples of the current WDS-IPO and the recently established <a class="external-link" href="https://wds-ito.org/" target="_blank" title="" style="margin:0px;padding:0px;outline:none;text-decoration-line:none;color:rgb(204,70,6)">WDS International Technology Office</a>. However, creative suggestions are welcomed, including partial or shared hosting, or other innovative solutions. More information can be found in the <strong style="margin:0px;padding:0px"><a title="" href="https://www.icsu-wds.org/files/wds-ipo-call-for-expressions-of-interest" class="gmail-internal-link" target="_blank" style="margin:0px;padding:0px;outline:none;text-decoration-line:none;color:rgb(204,70,6)">Hosting Call</a></strong>.<strong style="margin:0px;padding:0px"> </strong></p><p class="gmail-" style="margin:0px;padding:0px 0px 1em;border:0px;outline:0px;font-size:1em;vertical-align:baseline;background:transparent;text-align:justify">Expressions of Interest should be completed using this <strong style="margin:0px;padding:0px"><a class="external-link" href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe-NuQx5AHaSHIvzgMJWvcYiNLGxVeItiSj-KHADo8iBd5k8A/viewform" target="_blank" title="" style="margin:0px;padding:0px;outline:none;text-decoration-line:none;color:rgb(204,70,6)">online form</a></strong> or by sending the form in the <a title="" href="https://www.icsu-wds.org/files/wds-ipo-call-for-expressions-of-interest" class="gmail-internal-link" target="_blank" style="margin:0px;padding:0px;outline:none;text-decoration-line:none;color:rgb(204,70,6)">Call</a> (pages 5–7) to <a href="mailto:ipo@icsu-wds.org" target="_blank" style="margin:0px;padding:0px;outline:none;text-decoration-line:none;color:rgb(204,70,6)">ipo@icsu-wds.org</a>, in either case <b style="margin:0px;padding:0px">no later than 31 May 2020</b>. Please note that it is not expected for potential hosts to have precise details in place by this deadline; rather, they should state their interest and what they may be able to offer. Further negotiations will then take place between ISC and selected bidding organizations, in consultation with the WDS-SC, to finalize the hosting arrangements.</p><p class="gmail-" style="margin:0px;padding:0px 0px 1em;border:0px;outline:0px;font-size:1em;vertical-align:baseline;background:transparent;text-align:justify">Do not hesitate to contact the WDS-IPO (<a href="mailto:ipo@icsu-wds.org" target="_blank" style="margin:0px;padding:0px;outline:none;text-decoration-line:none;color:rgb(204,70,6)">ipo@icsu-wds.org</a>) if you have any questions or if require clarifications. Please also disseminate this Call to other interested parties, as appropriate:</p><ul style="margin:0px 0px 0px 2em;padding:0px 0px 1em;list-style-position:inside;border:0px;outline:0px;vertical-align:baseline;background:transparent"><li style="padding:0px;border:0px;outline:0px;vertical-align:baseline;background:transparent;line-height:inherit;text-align:justify"><strong style="margin:0px;padding:0px"><a title="" href="https://www.icsu-wds.org/files/wds-ipo-call-for-expressions-of-interest" class="gmail-internal-link" target="_blank" style="margin:0px;padding:0px;outline:none;text-decoration-line:none;color:rgb(204,70,6)">Call for Expressions of Interest</a></strong></li></ul></div></div><br clear="all"><div><br></div>-- <br><div dir="ltr" class="gmail_signature" data-smartmail="gmail_signature"><div dir="ltr"><div><div dir="ltr"><div><div dir="ltr"><div><font size="1">--------------------------------------------------<br>Alex de Sherbinin, PhD   (<i>he/him/his</i>)<br>Associate Director, Science Applications Division and Sr. Research Scientist<br><a href="http://www.ciesin.columbia.edu" target="_blank">CIESIN</a>, The <a href="https://www.earth.columbia.edu/" target="_blank">Earth Institute</a> at Columbia University<br>Tel. +1-845-365-8936,  Skype: alex.desherbinin</font><br></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>