EOL currently handles the request process for the use of NSF’s Facilities for Atmospheric Research and Education (FARE)/Lower Atmosphere Observing Facilities (LAOF), which involves platforms and instrumentation managed by NCAR and the University of Wyoming.

Over the last decade, significant changes have been implemented to improve and streamline this process for all stakeholders. The most recent improvement is the implementation of a new online system called Project Requests Online (PRESTO), a web-based, integrated documentation handling system that automates and streamlines the main aspects of the FARE/LAOF request process. 

Use the PRESTO platform to request one or more NSF FARE/LAOF for any of the three Tracks. Please note that the completed request forms are the most important documents in the project evaluation process and form the basis for establishing the feasibility, risk, and cost of a campaign. PRESTO offers a secure, fully online facility request submission process. 

Once logged in, the submitting PI can save the forms and return to complete them at a later date. Please see the PRESTO Guidance for Submitting PIs page for details on how to create login credentials and step-by-step instructions on how to complete the forms or go directly to PRESTO. Please note: You will need an active XSEDE account and login credential to log into PRESTO. 

PRESTO is managed and maintained by the NCAR Earth Observing Laboratory (EOL) in collaboration with the XSEDE Resource Allocation Service (XRAS). PRESTO provides secure, online forms and document uploading for submitting PIs to request the NSF FARE/LAOF. The eXtreme Science and Engineering Discovery Environment (XSEDE) is an NSF-funded program (Award Number: 1053575) to develop an unprecedented, comprehensive advanced digital services cyberinfrastructure (CI) to enable transformative open science and engineering research and innovative training and educational programs.