ATTACHMENT 2C - PWS APPENDIX C - TYPICAL TASKS - TRACK CHANGES - 01.22.2020.pdf

1305M319RNWWG0002 PWS APPENDIX C

PWS APPENDIX C: TYPICAL TASKS

RADAR OPERATIONS CENTER (ROC) MISSION SUPPORT SERVICES (MSS)

NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE

NOAA | DOC

WORK AREA 1 - SYSTEMS/RADAR ENGINEERING SUPPORT

The Engineering Branch prepares a weekly report of the status of all projects in progress within the branch, or interactions with customers or coordinating agencies. The contractor shall submit short weekly report inputs for the combined branch report via email to the Team Leader and the COR.

Every project that consumes resources requires development of Configuration Change Requests (CCR), and/or Engineering Change Proposals (ECP) as appropriate. Contract personnel assigned as Project Engineers on various projects are responsible for the overall execution of the project including all required documentation. Projects with high visibility may require preparation of a project summary.

1. Engineering Design/Prototype Development and Testing

● Review and evaluate the technical material provided with the ROC assigned and approved engineering project.

● Review the reported problem or requirement with the appropriate ROC Branch Chief or designee and form a project team to address the solution.

● Request for contact with the appropriate field installations to discuss or evaluate the reported problem or requirement.

● Visit facilities to investigate problems, conduct field tests, conduct formal tests of systems changes, and to kit proof.

● Develop a solution to the problem

● Conduct laboratory or simulated testing of a breadboard design that demonstrates the feasibility of the solution.

● Prepare and submit engineering test plans and test reports for prototype, preproduction, integration and acceptance, and field tests and coordinate comments. Ensure all project documentation is included as part of the ECP in Agile.

● Lead project teams for each assigned ECP composed of members from all ROC functional areas.

● Prepare preliminary ECPs in accordance with the Configuration Management (CM) Plan and Agile™ work practice instructions, present ECPs to the ROC Technical Review Committee (TRC) and Configuration Control Board (CCB) and coordinate comments.

● Prepare Configuration Change Request (CCR) to document change requirements resulting from engineering investigations.

● Develop formal ECPs in accordance with the CM Plan and Agile™ work practice instructions. Present ECPs to the TRC and CCB, and coordinate comments. Create Engineering Change Order (ECO) for final Engineering Data (drawings, specifications), redline drawings and specifications using DesignCAD, Word, and other redlining tools, and develop Modification Document (materials, special tools and test equipment, modification procedures and test after modification).

● Prepare specification change notices as required to document changes for ECPs.

● Prepare publication change requests as required.

● Prepare Microsoft (MS) project schedules for the monthly program review, and for each ECP package.

● Prepare draft modification, maintenance notes, technical manual changes and coordinate on comments with project team members.

● Prepare cost estimates and document the estimates for agency requests for change, CCRs, preliminary ECPs and formal ECPs. The cost estimates are progressively more detailed.

● Prepare redline Engineering drawings as required to document engineering changes in the baseline, review updated drawings.

● Conduct peer reviews of ECPs and data prepared by other engineers in the Branch as required by the Radar and

Systems Engineering Team Leaders.

● Furnish piece part materials and assemblies for prototype fabrication in accordance with a Government approved prototype design, when directed by the CO. The maximum amount of purchased hardware used for prototype development shall not exceed $100,000 for each performance period.

● Arrange through an ROC representative for prototype installation and test on the ROC test bed.

● Prepare test plans, test procedures and test reports that clearly define the problem or requirement, test criteria and the results of tests using the Engineering Standard Test Plan Standard as a guide.

● Submit the test report to the ROC for review. If rejected by the ROC, it is returned for additional study. If accepted by the ROC, guidance shall be provided for action to prepare, with the project team’s assistance, documentation of the tested solution in a Formal ECP.

● Assist the NEXRAD Information System Security Officer (ISSO) in maintaining the security of NEXRAD by developing and maintaining all related security documentation for Accreditation and Authorization (A&A) such as the FISMA, risk analysis, security plan, etc. Assist in performing Security Impact Assessments (SIAs) and computer security scans.

For all products submitted for an ECP, the contractor shall incorporate review comments or changes resulting from peer review, TRC or CCB review, or testing as necessary.

2. Production and Implementation This phase of a project normally results in modification kits and documentation required for deployment to the affected WSR-88D sites.

● Assist in the preparation of procurement packages to include:

o Approved drawings o Specifications o Parts list o Justification for urgency or sole source o Final cost estimates

● Evaluate first articles acquired to determine the manufacturers’ compliance to specifications and qualification to release the production quantities. Prepare a written report of first article evaluation findings and provide it to ROC Logistics.

3. System/Modification Deployment

● This phase of a project provides the final readiness test of documentation and hardware kits and documentation prior to deployment to the affected WSR-88D sites.

● Coordinate with project team members to select a kit proof site, and monitor kit proof using site personnel, the final modification document, and a production kit.

● Provide telephone or other support for deployment through the WSR-88D Hotline. Provide scheduling, travel, and kit management for retrofit installations performed by installation teams.

● Provide on-site installation expertise and supervision to retrofit installation teams.

● Specify requirements for deployment installation support, if installation by other than site personnel is required, and provide assistance to manage deployment.

4. Interface Engineering/Management

● Manage the WSR-88D internal and external interfaces in accordance with system interface control documents including but not limited to the following activities:

● Support the interface control-working group.

● Plan, implement and evaluate WSR-88D system security, including Information Technology architecture and security relative to the deployed baseline and any system changes.

● Plan or conduct interface certification tests to verify external users of the WSR-88D conform/comply with interface control documents for NEXRAD. Certification process shall include interface development support to other offices that are developing systems that will connect to the WSR-88D, preparing test plans, procedures, and reports, and analyzing test data for compliance.

5. Manage and Maintain the ROC NEXRAD Engineering Development Network Manage and maintain the ROC’s NEXRAD Engineering Development network, which includes the Software Development and Configuration Management Systems, individual platforms, and the switching, routers, and hubs to internetwork development and test platforms in Building 600. Also, manage and administer the ROC’s NEXRAD test bed network, which includes the NEXRAD test bed, individual platforms and the switching routers and hubs to internetwork development and test platforms in Building 375.

Responsibilities include:

● Manage user accounts (adding, deleting, resetting passwords, etc.).

● Backup and restore the systems as required. (Ensure the system auto backups are done daily, weekly and monthly.)

● Answer questions posed by system users.

● Monitor system security and "plug" security leaks.

● Perform "housekeeping" duties (free disk space, modify partition and/or slice sizes, etc.)

● Install operating system patches.

● Install programs.

● Troubleshoot and resolve network problems.

● Solve user problems.

● Fix corrupted binary files, if possible.

● Write scripts to automate as much activity as possible.

● Add new systems to the network.

● Install new equipment.

● Maintain the hardware (new toner for the printer, clean tape drive heads, etc.)

● Reboot the system.

6. Other Engineering Tasks These tasks are not project oriented and include tasks such as determining hardware or software problem sources, supporting field problem resolution with one or more ROC Branches, supporting or providing for development of subject matter papers and briefings, or engineering support to the activities of other NWS, NOAA, DOD, DOT or other organizations such as universities.

Typical tasks will include:

● Provide support for meetings and reviews.

● Provide technical editing for reports, specifications, and work requirements.

● Analyze system requirements, including master frequency signal characteristics, waveform characteristics, digital signal processing, system and network calibration, communication networks (wideband and narrowband) and generate or update specifications.

● Analyze facilities requirements, including Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning (HVAC), power quality, backup power, grounding lightning protection, and generate or update specifications.

● Conduct Electro-Magnetic Interference (EMI), radar biohazard, radar field and beam blockage studies, analyze radar capabilities and provide resolution alternatives as necessary to maintain adequate radar coverage by the network. Analyze operational impact of proposed changes in the WSR-88D operating frequency to the C-band.

● Analyze communications interface protocols including TCP/IP and BPG. Provide support for communications interface certifications.

WORK AREA 2 - DOCUMENTATION SUPPORT

The contractor shall furnish personnel and services to perform under this Work Area. The individual tasks listed below are typical of those required of the contractor under this WA. This list is not all inclusive:

Any specified engineering effort or documentation project will consist of one or more of the following:

● Develop Test Plans.

● Develop Technical Manuals, Changes and Revisions.

● Develop Technical Manuals in electronic format.

● Participate in hardware and software documentation reviews.

● Prepare hardware and software Modification Documentation.

● Prepare hardware and software Modification Documentation in electronic format.

● Develop Technical Manual changes and revisions using FrameMaker software per approved formats.

● Develop new Technical Manuals using FrameMaker software per approved formats.

● Develop Modification Documents (software, hardware and maintenance) using FrameMaker software per approved formats.

● Develop publication change requests (PCR) for new and corrected Technical Manual information/procedures.

Review and approve/disapprove submitted PCRs.

● Participate in project team meetings and provide information about Technical Manual and Modification

Document requirements.

● Produce print-ready Technical Manual and Modification Documents in both hard copy and press optimized PDF files.

● Produce Technical Manual and Modification Documents in smallest size PDF files for CD ROM and ROC website distribution.

● Perform Technical Manual and Modification Document quality reviews prior to printing for field distribution.

● Perform verification and validation on new system/hardware manuals and modification documents.

● Produce and modify existing Technical Manual flow charts using Visio.

● Create and modify PDF documents using Adobe Acrobat software.

● Monitor and advise the Team Leader on the state of the documentation budget.

● Monitor and advise the Team Leader on the stock levels of documentation at the NWS warehouse

● Distribute Technical Manuals, modification documents, and CDs using the NWS CLS system.

● Coordinate all ROC printing efforts and maintain a log of them.

● Monitor the Site Controlled Technical Manual Inventory located on the ROC web site.

● Provide documentation inputs to CM for the Publication Bulletin located on the ROC web site.

WORK AREA 3 - SOFTWARE ENGINEERING SUPPORT

The contractor shall furnish personnel and services to perform under this Work Area. The individual tasks listed below are typical of those required of the contractor under this WA. This list is not all inclusive:

● Evaluate assigned software problem reports. Evaluations may result in the contractor generating CCRs.

● Provide technical review and development support of documents associated with the engineering change and approval process.

● Provide maintenance and development support for WSR-88D Baseline Software, consisting of design, implementation, test, and documentation of solutions to software problems. Documentation shall include, but is not limited to, specification change pages, test plans/procedures/reports, and unit development folders.

● Provide programming support to design, test, and implement WSR-88D software enhancements. Enhancements shall be processed in accordance with the current ROC Engineering change process.

● Prepare or review software-related documentation associated with WSR-88D improvements.

● Provide support to Engineering Project Tracking.

● Provide software development and maintenance support for the NEXRAD adaptation data management function.

● Provide technical support for resolving NEXRAD data quality issues and other investigations. This function may involve data extraction, data reduction, modeling, simulation and presentation activities.

● Provide the capability to generate terrain and radar beam blockage data sets/files for use at each radar.

● Provide software support for development and maintenance of NEXRAD product display capabilities.

● Provide software support for development and maintenance of the NEXRAD capability to provide high-resolution geographic background data and reference maps, airways/routes, special use airspace and water basin boundaries.

Data sources employed include, among others, National Imagery and Mapping Agency (NIMA), Digital Terrain Elevation Data (DTED) and United States Geological Survey (USGS).

● Develop operators, programmers, operations and maintenance, software users, and computer system diagnostic manuals where equivalent WSR-88D or commercially developed documents are unavailable.

● Operate and generate software programs for the various automated systems. Permanent or temporary additions, deletions, and changes to the equipment configuration will periodically occur. It shall be the responsibility of ROC designated personnel to re-certify the configuration when changes occur.

● Maintain an inventory for software program masters, operational firmware, documentation, and developmental system software for assigned hardware and software. A listing of each program by version, revision level, and other information will be developed.

● Research and design hardware and software systems or enhancements to existing systems or networks.

● Provide support for firmware development, distribution, hardware interface, contractor software evaluation, procurement, and installation.

● Develop and execute detailed plans, schedules, and related activities to test, debug, and validate subroutine, module, and software system.

● Provide engineering review of software and hardware design data to ensure it meets the criteria established in the

WSR-88D system requirements, design, interface, and product specifications.

● Perform analysis, design, programming, and testing in support of proposed acquisitions of operational and support software. The integrity of the original design implementation, program function, and maintainability shall be protected.

● For operational programs, develop and maintain technical documentation. This documentation shall describe software functions, maintenance requirements, and maintenance techniques.

● Ensure that software changes are performed in a thorough, consistent, and complete manner to enhance future maintainability.

● Ensure that all system software continues to meet WSR-88D operational and functional standards as modifications and retrofits are developed or installed.

● Develop or review Contract Data Requirements Lists (CDRL) and other contractual documentation.

● Participate in or conduct Preliminary Design Reviews (PDRs), Critical Design Reviews (CDRs), Build Review

Boards (BRB), Test Review Boards (TRBs), Design Approach Reviews (DAR), Integration Readiness Reviews, Physical Configuration Audits (PCA), and Functional Configuration Audits (FCA).

● Participate in meetings and conferences as required in the acquisition and life cycle process, and provide responses to action items as needed.

● Develop database programs for the purpose of tracking WSR-88D engineering, modifications, maintenance, time utilization, and budget activities.

● Provide support responsibilities for the ROC in operation and management of local and national level databases.

● Provide database training, data entry assistance, and reports when required.

● Provide other software engineering support as defined by individual project efforts within the scope of this PWS.

● Perform system administration services - on Linux based systems. Duties include user and file management, monthly back-ups, basic troubleshooting, and providing technical support to users.

WORK AREA 4 - OFFICE AUTOMATION, MICROCOMPUTER, AND IT SECURITY SUPPORT

The contractor shall furnish personnel and services to perform under this Work Area. The individual tasks listed below are typical of those required of the contractor under this WA. This list is not all inclusive:

● Provide systems security and the development of procedures for the use and maintenance of Personal Computers (PC), peripherals, and software coming into the inventory.

● Perform space allocation studies for the location of ROC microcomputer and LAN equipment.

● Provide support for the installation and relocation of microcomputer and LAN equipment.

● Provide support for the maintenance of the ROC hotline help desk system (HEAT) and the ROC agile CM system to include the configuration and maintenance of the Windows servers, the Microsoft SQL server, and the Oracle database server.

● Configuration and administration of the documentation section workstations which use specialized document processing software.

● Maintain a data base for all software and hardware acquired by the ROC, scan all new software received at the ROC for viruses, and create any necessary duplicates of the new software for off-site archive and working copies.

● Develop and maintain an inventory of all hardware, software, and documentation.

● Install and configure PC hardware. This includes the installation of small computer system interface (SCSI)/serial

ATA (sATA) adapters and devices, USB and Firewire peripherals, scanners, sound, video, printers, and other peripherals.

● Provide software training for PC users. Conduct formal classes on basic LAN usage, prepare user manuals on the ROC LAN and client based software packages, maintain a library of training videos for check out, and coordinate software training for ROC personnel with off-site contractors.

● Diagnose and correct problems with PCs, perform hardware diagnostics and isolate hardware problems on PCs and peripherals, perform the necessary replacement or repair to correct the hardware problems.

● Printer support. Install network printers and network print servers to include specialized devices such as copiers.

Configure the Windows servers to support the printers. Perform routine printer maintenance and printer repair.

● Maintain the IT&S procedures manual, which contains the installation and configuration procedures for ROC PC hardware and software.

● Provide assistance via telephone or at the user’s location to resolve problems using the hardware or software.

Interface with hardware or software contractors to solve problems or provide a work around.

● Assist in the administration and operation of the ROC Windows network. Perform network administration which includes the addition and deletion of users, control access rights, manage services, monitor the network, provide support for remote access through a virtual private network (VPN), configuration and administration of network management software, software metering, and remote control of networked PCs, etc.

● Assist with the hardware and software maintenance and hardware/software upgrade of the network servers to ensure the continued and smooth operation of the ROC LAN.

● Administer the ROC Firewall. Create and implement security policies on the firewall as directed by the Government. Monitor the firewall logs for unusual activity such as port scans, DOS attacks, penetration attempts, etc.

● Administer the Galaxy backup system. Ensure that all ROC systems are backed up on a daily basis, add/delete systems to be backed up, upgrade the Galaxy server/software, and restore files as needed.

● Assist in developing and maintaining a backup and disaster recovery plan for the ROC data and network servers.

● Assist in the physical cabling of the ROC network.

● Configure and maintain the ROC World Wide Web (WWW) server. Serve as the ROC Web Master and technical point of contact for ROC Branch Web Masters. Responsible for the HTML software, associated graphics software, software training, JAVA scripting, other HTML editors, VRML, XML, and page design techniques.

● Monitor the LAN to include: web usage, attempts to penetrate the Firewall, any suspicious activity, connectivity, throughput, etc.

● Assist in the administration and operation of UNIX/Linux based systems. Serve as the technical interface between the branch system administrators and workstation contractors.

● Assist in the evaluation and procurement of new hardware and software by reviewing requirements and specifications to insure appropriate hardware acquisition. Provide technical interface with the contractors during the procurement process.

● Assist the ROC Information System Security Officer (ISSO) in maintaining the security of the ROC LAN by developing and maintaining all related security documentation for Certification and Accreditation such as the FISMA, risk analysis, security plan, etc. Assist in performing the computer security scans to ensure all computers are up to date. Assist in using HfNetChk to push patches. Examine server logs for potential problems. Work with other ROC administrators (ENG, WDTB, PGM) to ensure security policies are being followed.

WORK AREA 5 – TEST BED OPERATIONS SUPPORT

The contractor shall furnish personnel and services to perform under this Work Area. The individual tasks listed below are typical of those required of the contractor under this WA. This list is not all inclusive:

● Ensure cleanliness and security of the test beds, equipment, facilities, and workstations.

● Assist the Government in planning, executing, and reporting the results of ROC-managed system and acceptance tests and operational assessments.

● Maintain a schedule for ROC equipment and test bed use and ensure test bed is configured and ready for scheduled testing.

● Assist the Government in maintaining the baseline hardware and software configuration of all ROC test bed equipment.

WORK AREA 6 - INTEGRATED LOGISTICS AND CONFIGURATION MANAGEMENT SUPPORT

The contractor shall furnish personnel and services to perform under this Work Area. The individual tasks listed below are typical of those required of the contractor under this WA. This list is not all inclusive:

● Provide database support on computer systems for logistics and other system information in support of system support activities. Such databases include equipment delivery schedules, address files, port assignment databases, parts usage, retrofit installation completions, provisioning parts lists, etc.

● Support engineering change efforts through research of existing system logistics data, Defense Logistics Information System (DLIS) files, etc.

● Assist in development and/or review of ILS and other related area support plans, procedures, and revisions in accordance with the ROC policies.

● Review WSR-88D technical and engineering data for impact on procurement and ILS elements.

● Assess configuration change requests, engineering change orders, and engineering change proposals for life cycle cost and operational support impacts in the Configuration Management (CM) and ILS elements. Provide logistics review input to WSR-88D CM hardware baseline repositories using automated tools such as Agile for hardware baseline support.

● Support production of Configuration Change Requests, Engineering Change Proposals, Specification Change Notices, and Notice of Revisions by providing appropriate logistics information to this process.

● Participate in modification project teams representing operations and maintenance interests of the WSR-88D System as they pertain to ILS and CM elements.

● Support audits of existing WSR-88D configurations to determine conformance to approved baseline, and FCA and PCA as they pertain to system modifications and improvements.

● Develop retrofit and change implementation plans for WSR-88D modifications and improvements.

● Provide file management and update to hard copy files which support the CM and ILS processes.

● Perform Reliability and Maintainability Analyses based on parts usage and/or agencies’ maintenance data collection systems or combinations of these data.

● Provide operational parts usage and failure trend analyses.

● Prepare provisioning data for ROC developed engineering changes.

● Provide assistance in resolution of installation problems, and tracking.

● Assist in preparation of procurement packages for approved WSR-88D modifications and improvements.

● Track delivery of modification kit components in the CLS, and coordinate and ship modification kits to the effected sites identified by the change.

● Administer and maintain WSR-88D CM hardware and software data baseline repositories using automated tools such as Agile (hardware) and Program Support Library, Razor, Doors or other automated tools (software).

● Provide database support on computer systems for CM and other system information in support of system support activities. Such databases include equipment delivery schedules, address files, port assignment databases, parts usage, retrofit installation completions, provisioning parts lists, etc.

● Support engineering change efforts through research of existing system engineering data.

● Assist in development and/or review CM support and other related area plans, procedures, and revisions in accordance with the ROC policies.

● Update and maintain the WSR-88D technical and engineering data.

● Assess configuration change requests, engineering change orders, and engineering change proposals for life cycle cost and operational support impacts in the CM and technical/engineering data areas.

● Support production and provide management of Configuration Change Requests, Engineering Change Proposals, Specification Change Notices, and Notice of Revisions and the ROC processes which govern these areas.

● Participate in modification project teams representing operations and maintenance interests of the WSR-88D

System as they pertain to CM and technical/engineering data areas.

● Support audits of existing configuration to determine conformance to approved baseline, and FCA and PCA as they pertain to system modifications and improvements.

● Support the implementation of retrofits and change implementation plans for WSR-88D modifications and improvements.

● Provide file management and update to hard copy files which support the CM processes.

● Provide drafting support to conform to DoD-STD-1000, using the ROC approved commercial Computer-Aided-

Design Package for incorporation of engineering changes.

● Provide Technical Library support, including posting, filing and update of Technical Library records. Support reproduction of library materials for users of the Technical Library. Support auditing of materials to verify collection information is accurate. Provide reports on Technical Library activity.

● Maintain system allocation documents in hard copy and automated files.

● Prepare provisioning data for ROC developed engineering changes.

● Generate, package and distribute approved software releases including map generation, update site specific parameters, tape duplication, generate installation instructions, assist in resolution of installation problems, and tracking.

● Support and maintain the ROC off-site disaster recovery data repository.

● Develop, implement and support software tools and procedures to meet field requirements for adaptation data modification, including procedures and software to centrally manage field adaptation data at the ROC. Support deployment of adaptation data modifications to the site.

● Develop and implement automated performance parameters for tracking and providing status in the CM support areas. An example would be number of drawings requiring update and development, number in work, number completed per month, average number of days for completion, etc.

● Create and update fabrication drawings, figures, illustrations, and schematics by automated and manual methods.

● Review drawings for correctness, completeness, dimensioning, arrangement, notes, views, sections, size, and other standard drafting requirements.

● Convert existing paper copy drawings into digitized drawings.

● Keep current on automated drafting systems and techniques.

● Provide for the management and operation of the ROC Technical Library.

● Maintain and update master copies of Technical Manuals and engineering data.

● Provide camera-ready copy of technical documentation material upon request.

● Keep research and reference materials current.

● Provide word processing in support of the ROC mission.

● Provide secretarial assistance in support of the ROC mission.

● Perform data entry services from handwritten copy, printed forms, or magnetic media.

● Perform data retrieval services from various ROC automated systems.

● Perform duties associated with labeling and mailing large amounts of technical documentation or software.

● When required, perform record keeping, logging activities and status reporting of modification installations at field sites. This may include data entry and retrieval from various ADP systems.

● Provide for property management and inventory. Provide for other administrative duties as required to include centralized management, coordination, and control of Government property, including documentation, resolving property inventory discrepancies, point of contact for property database, reporting and application of bar-coded property labels. Other property duties may include preparation of survey reports, and physical inventories. Other duties may include routine administrative duties and assisting in the physical preparation of conference facilities.

WORK AREA 7 - PROGRAM MANAGEMENT

The contractor shall furnish personnel and services to perform under this Work Area. The individual tasks listed below are typical of those required of the contractor under this WA. This list is not all inclusive:

● Perform administrative services as required to support Project Manager’s centralized management, coordination, and control of contract activities.

● Perform and/or delegate Quality Assurance (QA) tasks.

● Monitor and control costs.

● Submit Invoices for payment.

● Coordinate contract administration with the COR.

● Manage contract personnel.

● Interview and hire qualified personnel as required.

● Attend Government meetings as requested.

● Maintain effective communications with the customer.

● Develop and propose options for accomplishing tasking.

● Coordinate activities with subcontractors.

● Provide reports IAW the contract.