FOIA Tracker

The Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) has filed Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests to compel the National Science Foundation (NSF) to publicly release all communications regarding the proposed restructuring of the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR). These requests specifically target the NSF's correspondence with the White House Office of Management and Budget and the private firm Lynker, following allegations of "back-room" negotiations to privatize portions of NCAR’s space weather program. The UCS, alongside UCAR—which recently filed a lawsuit against the NSF—argues that dismantling the center's unified structure threatens national security and scientific integrity. This push for transparency comes as the NSF previously stated it would not make public the various restructuring proposals received in response to its "Dear Colleague Letter."

The Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) issued a formal letter to the National Science Foundation (NSF) demanding the public release of the cooperative agreement governing the relationship between the NSF, UCAR, and NCAR. This request, supported by a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) filing, seeks to provide the scientific community and the public with the transparency necessary to assess the Trump administration's plans to dismantle NCAR and close its Boulder headquarters. UCS President Dr. Gretchen Goldman emphasized that no "rational justification" has been provided for dissolving the 65-year-old institution, which provides critical research for aviation safety, emergency management, and military operations. The UCS joined former directors and various scientific organizations in opposing the restructuring, which has already seen the NSF announce the transfer of the NCAR-Wyoming Supercomputing Center to an unnamed third party.

NCAR Restructuring and Staff Memo OD 25-52

January 17, 2026

Dear FOIA Officer,

This letter is a request under the Freedom of Information Act.

I request a copy of the following documents, or documents containing the following information.

• Staff Memorandum OD 25-52 (December 2025): Including the full text, all attachments, and any subsequent directives rescinding or modifying the RIF actions.
• NCAR Dear Colleague Letter (DCL) (December 2025 or January 2026): The document (and drafts) outlining the divestment of the NCAR-Wyoming Supercomputer, the NCAR research aircraft (HIAPER and C-130), and the Mesa Laboratory closure.
• Analytical Reports: Any CBA, RIA, EIA, or Viability Assessments regarding NCAR created by or for the NSF from January 2025 to present.
• OMB Correspondence: All formal directives from the Office of Management and Budget to the NSF regarding the 'Agency Restructuring and Reduction-in-Force Plan' (ARRP) from October 2025 to present.
• UCAR Modifications: Copies of all contract modifications or supplemental agreements between NSF and the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR) regarding the management of NCAR from October 2025 to present.
• Personnel Records: The formal resignation letter and any "final exit" memorandum issued by Sethuraman Panchanathan on or about April 24, 2025.

Fee Waiver. I request a waiver of all fees for this request. Disclosure of the requested information is intended to enhance the public understanding of recent events related to the proposed NCAR closure. I intend to disseminate this information to the public via news outlets including the Daily Camera to inform the Boulder and scientific communities about these events.

Electronic Format Request Option. I request that the information I seek be provided in electronic format.

Email Contact Option. Please contact me at hello@SaveNCAR.org to discuss my request, if necessary.

Sincerely,

Jeff Boody
hello@SaveNCAR.org