Starting with observing proposals submitted for the March 1997 deadline for telescope time at KPNO, we will be using a new database system for handling proposal information. We hope to have the new system ready to receive CTIO proposals starting with the September 1997 deadline. The new proposal database is based on a modern, commercial database product and should allow us to handle proposals more efficiently, and to manage information with greater flexibility.
For the last few semesters, we have been tinkering with the LaTeX template and style file for proposals to ease the transition to the new database system. This coming semester is no exception. As usual, we urge you to obtain the most recent version of these files when you prepare your proposals. We hope the revised instructions will be clearer and that it will be easier to understand what information is needed in each of the fields.
Since proposal data are entered into the database automatically from the Latex-prepared proposals, and then reviewed and corrected by the staff of the Kitt Peak Support Office, we very much appreciate receiving proposals electronically using the LaTeX template. If you are having difficulty preparing your proposal or with the submission of figures, help is only an email message away. Queries sent to kpnoprop-help@noao.edu or ctioprop-help@noao.edu will be answered promptly. Of course, it is helpful to get those proposals in early, as we get swamped on the last day! Proposals for fall 1997 are due 31 March.
You can obtain the revised proposal templates and associated files by sending e-mail to kpnoprop-request@noao.edu or to ctioprop-request@noao.edu. Proposal files are also available by anonymous FTP to ftp.noao.edu (cd kpno/kpnoforms) or to ctio.noao.edu (cd pub/ctioforms). Information is also available through various links off the NOAO Web page at http://www.noao.edu.
Caty Pilachowski for the E-prop Team