Section VIII. Amendment to
the Ground Test Technical Committee Charter for the Inclusion of Focus Groups
Purpose
Focus Groups are organizations that operate essentially independently from the GTTC, but were organized under and have been sponsored by the GTTC. The primary function of the Focus Groups is the sharing of information on a specific topic within the ground test community. These groups (such as the Space Simulation Working Group and the Turbine Engine Test Working Group) provide an important service to ground testing in their specific areas by allowing the free exchange of ideas, lessons learned and technical knowledge between ground test facility owners/operators, test engineers and customers.
Operation
The Focus Groups will work independently of the GTTC in most all regards. There is no requirement of shared membership (although this is allowed and encouraged) nor do the Focus Groups have to co-locate meetings with the GTTC (although, this is also allowed). The Focus Groups will have their own charters that define the scope, membership, objectives, operation, etc. The Focus Group charter must be approved by the GTTC. While details as to operation may vary, the Focus Groups generally meet two times per year at a member organizations site (this allows for facility tours) and share information in the form of presentations and/or informal papers. This information is generally kept within the Focus Group membership, but may also be made available to the GTTC membership.
Communication between the GTTC and the Focus Groups will be through specific liaisons. The Focus Groups are required to provide an annual written report to the GTTC through the designated liaison. These reports will be included in the GTTC meeting minutes. Representatives from the Focus Groups are welcome to attend the GTTC meetings, however, unless there are issues requiring a TC vote, no presentations will be allowed at these meetings (per current operation of the GTTC). Written reports will include Focus Group officers and membership list, meetings held, the location of the meetings and a summary of events.
The Focus Group may be called on to support GTTC activities, such as conference sessions and working groups. If a Focus Group wants to produce a formal deliverable, like a standard, recommended practice or white paper, a formal working group can be established under the GTTC or the work can be completed by the Focus Group. Approval of any deliverable must be granted by the GTTC.
Organization
Formation of a new Focus Group is similar to the formation of a GTTC Working Group. After a need for the group is established and a core membership is set, a charter must be drafted and presented to the GTTC for consideration. The GTTC membership will then vote whether or not to sponsor the Focus Group. Sponsorship of each Focus Group will be reviewed by the GTTC every four years, or sooner if the need arises. If the GTTC determines that the Focus Group is not following it charter, or is not providing a positive contribution to the ground test community, the Focus Group may be dropped from the GTTC.
Current Focus Groups associated with the GTTC:
Space Simulation Working Group
Turbine Engine Testing Working Group (TETWoG)
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