Model developers will be holding Stakeholder Advisory Forums (SAFs) during the development of the models. These forums are meant to update attendees on the progress of the models and to solicit comments and discussion on the progress and assumptions of the models. Stakeholders can consist of all levels of the public and private sector including Groundwater Conservation Districts, Regional Water Planning Groups (RWPGs), Texas Natural Resources Conservation Commission (TNRCC), Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD), Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA), water utilities, education, agriculture, environmental, private landowners, citizens, industry and groundwater consultants. Anybody interested in the development of these models is encouraged to attend. There will be a separate SAF focused on each model. If you would like to be invited to these meetings, please fill out the online information form. Presentation materials and a summary of questions and answers will be posted on the individual model pages. Please contact Dr. Robert Mace at 512-936-0861 or at robert.mace@twdb.state.tx.us for more information about the SAFs.

Before the request for proposals/request for qualifications was posted, the TWDB assembled a volunteer Technical Advisory Group (TAG) of technical and policy experts to advise us on developing a successful modeling program. The purpose of this group was to assist the TWDB in developing the standards for the GAM models that would be included in the Request for Proposals (RFP). These experts met several times during 1999-2000 to discuss the various issues related to developing groundwater availability models. The TAG divided itself into several task groups, including task groups on (1) public input; (2) aquifer geometry and parameters; (3) boundary conditions and stresses; (4) model calibration, verification, and architecture; and (5) data presentation. The final product of the TAG was the GAM RFP. The TAG met again in 2002 to discuss the ongoing modeling projects, how to improve the GAM process, and technical requirements for the next round of models
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The TAG met again on December 3, 2004, to discuss the progress of the Groundwater Availability Modeling (GAM) program and to seek guidance for future goals. TWDB staff presented staff's perspective on (1) what has worked and what needs improvement in the GAM program and (2) possible future modeling projects. Staff also solicited comments from TAG members in writing before the meeting, verbally during the meeting, and in writing after the meeting.

The TAG met again on August 18, 2005, to discuss (1) the progress of the Groundwater Availability Modeling (GAM) program;(2) form an advisory group and elect a presiding officier; (3) summarize legislation from the 2005 session; and (4)respond to the comments from the December 3, 2004 meeting.

The TAG met again on April 20, 2007, to discuss (1) joint planning in Groundwater Management Areas and Groundwater Availability Modeling, (2) current status of Groundwater Availability Model and initiatives, (3) proposed work for Groundwater Availability Modeling team, and (4) TWDB responses to comments collected from the August 18, 2005, Groundwater Availability Modeling Technical Advisory Group meeting.