``Fast-Track'' Service Program

From period 39 there were 2 programs that, although they expired at the end of period 43, but were kept active as they already had been partly complete. One of them was completed successfully and the other one was finally closed at the end of period 44.

In period 40 there were 23 proposals accepted. Of these there were 15 `grade 1' proposals, 5 `grade 2' proposals, and 3 `grade 3' proposal. All of the `grade 1' and `grade 2' proposals have been completed. Of the `grade 3' proposals, 2 have been completed and the remaining `grade 3' proposal expired at the end of period 44.

In period 41 there were 21 proposals accepted. Of these there were 17 `grade 1' proposals, 3 `grade 2' proposals, and 1 `grade 3' proposal. All the proposals have been completed.

In period 42 there were 26 proposals accepted. Of these there were 18 `grade 1' proposals, 7 `grade 2' proposals, and 1 `grade 3' proposal. Of the `grade 1' proposals, 15 have been completed. Of the `grade 2' proposals, 6 have been completed.

In period 43 there were 15 proposals accepted. Of these there were 9 `grade 1' proposals, 3 `grade 2' proposals, and 3 `grade 3' proposal. Of the `grade 1' proposals, 7 have been completed. Of the `grade 2' proposals, 2 have been completed. Of the `grade 3' proposals, 1 has been completed.

In period 44 there were 16 proposals accepted. Of these there were 11 `grade 1' proposals, 6 `grade 2' proposals, and 1 `grade 3' proposal. Of the `grade 1' proposals, 5 have been completed and 5 have been partly completed. Of the `grade 2' and the `grade 3' proposals, none have been completed.

The technical evaluation and processing of fast-track proposals have been changed slightly such that each proposals is assigned to a specific person from the astronomy staff. This person then does the technical assessment, but also any communication with the PI or the head of the OPC about the proposal, and checks and enters the Observing Blocks. Having one and the same person doing this also seems better as a single person has a better overview of all things related to a specific proposal. The task of the manager of the fast-track proposals is now mostly the initial reception of the proposal and assigning it (plus of course doing his own share of getting specific proposals assigned).