The organization and management of the Virtual Astronomical Observatory
  The U.S. Virtual Astronomical Observatory (VAO; http://www.us-vao.org/) has been in operation since May 2010. Its goal is to enable new science through efficient integration of distributed multi-wavelength data. This paper describes the management and organization of the VAO, and emphasizes the techniques used to ensure efficiency in a distributed organization. Management methods include using an annual program plan as the basis for establishing contracts with member organizations, regular communication, and monitoring of processes. 
G. Bruce Berriman, Robert J. Hanisch, T. Joseph W. Lazio, Alexander   Szalay, Giussepina Fabbiano
astro-ph.IM