US NDC CONOPS_redacted.pdf

CONCEPT OF OPERATIONS (CONOPS)

FOR

THE UNITED STATES NATIONAL DATA CENTER (US NDC)

MARCH 2025

ii

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1.0 INTRODUCTION

1.1 Purpose

1.2 Background

1.3 Relationship to Other CONOPS

2.0 REQUIREMENTS

3.0 MISSION

4.0 COMMANDER'S ANALYSIS

5.0 US NDC OVERVIEW

6.0 CHALLENGES

7.0 ASSUMPTIONS

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8.0 EMPLOYMENT CONCEPT

8.1 US NDC Data Flow

8.1.1 Sensor Interface to the US NDC

8.1.2 International Data Center Interface

8.2 Sharing of International Data

8.3 Training

8.4 Maintenance

8.5 Program Management

8.6 Alternate US NDC

8.7 Remote Operating Center for the US NDC

8.8 US NDC Enhancements

8.9 Phased Development of US NDC

9.0 RESPONSIBILITIES

9.1 The 709th Surveillance and Analysis Group

9.2 The 709th Support Group

9.3 The Strategic Integration Directorate

9.4 The Systems Development Directorate

9.5 Directorate of Plans and Programs

9.6 312th Training Squadron

10.0 SUMMARY

iii

ANNEXES

ANNEX A REFERENCES

ANNEX B ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS

FIGURES

Figure 1 US NDC OVERVIEW iv

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CONOPS FOR THE UNITED STATES NATIONAL DATA CENTER

1.0 INTRODUCTION

1.1 Purpose

The CONOPS for the United States National Data Center (US NDC) describes how the Air

Force Technical Applications Center (AFTAC) employs this system, and describes operations, maintenance, and support responsibilities among various stakeholders.

1.2 Background

1.2.1 The US NDC is an operational geophysical data processing system for nuclear explosion monitoring. The US NDC continuously collects seismic, hydroacoustic, and infrasonic waveform data in near-real-time from sensors situated all over the world. These data are from a mixture of sources ranging from AFTAC-unique sensors, International Monitoring System

(IMS) data from the Comprehensive Nuclear Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO), and open-source data from the United States Geological Survey. The US NDC automatically processes acquired data to detect signals and it associates those detections to a common source to create an initial event hypothesis. The system presents the data and processing results to skilled analysts for further interactive processing and reporting using US NDC software tools.

1.2.2 Assistant Secretary of Defense for Atomic Energy (ASD/AE) assigned AFTAC the responsibility to develop and operate the US NDC effective 29 April 1994. These responsibilities were reaffirmed by the Chief of Staff of the Air Force on 2 May 1996. Further, the designation of AFTAC as the US NDC is reaffirmed annually by the Department of State and the U.S. Mission in Vienna via the Registration Form and Questionnaire for National Data

Centers and Authorized Users.

1.3 Relationship to Other CONOPS

This document directly supports the CONOPS for The United States Atomic Energy Detection

System (USAEDS) and describes the operational concept for US NDC in support of AFTAC’s treaty monitoring mission. Additionally, this CONOPS supports the CONOPS for the

Geophysical Field System.

2.0 REQUIREMENTS

• Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT), 24 September 1996 (U)

• Limited Test Ban Treaty (LTBT), 5 August 1963 (U)*

• Peaceful Nuclear Explosion Treaty (PNET), 28 May 1976 (U)

• Threshold Test Ban Treaty (TTBT), 3 July 1974 (U)

3.0 MISSION

Analyze and report on events using multi-technique data available from independent USAEDS sources, the International Data Center (IDC), bilateral sources, and other assets to detect, locate, identify, attribute, and characterize nuclear explosions.

4.0 COMMANDER'S ANALYSIS

4.1 The Assistant Secretary of Defense for Atomic Energy assigned AFTAC the responsibility to develop and operate the US NDC.

4.2 The US NDC provides the U.S. a unique capability to receive, process, archive, and report on worldwide near-surface and subsurface events of interest. It acquires, integrates, processes, analyzes, and archives data from seismic, infrasonic and hydroacoustic sensors, with inputs from

AFTAC-unique sites, IMS data from the CTBTO, and open-source data from the United States

Geological Survey. The US NDC provides the capability to create initial event assessments with a high-confidence level to AFTAC’s customers. The assessments are sent within one hour of identification for high priority events such as nuclear explosions and 24 hours for routine events such as earthquakes (which must be reviewed to discount a nuclear explosion). Reports from the US NDC are combined with reports from other USAEDS monitoring systems to produce integrated, multi-technique analysis products unique to AFTAC.

5.0 US NDC OVERVIEW

AFTAC

Figure 1: US NDC Overview

6.0 CHALLENGES

The US NDC and IDC software was designed 30 years ago and the system cmTently known as the US NDC became operational in 1995. The system cunently suppo1is approximately 1.2 million lines of executable software and the problems with this platfo1m are similar to other large, antiquated, legacy software systems. The system requires modernization for the following reasons:

6.1 AFT AC has patched and modified the software thousands of times leading to brittle software. Brittle software refers to changing a line of code and unintentionally breaking other functions, resulting in fmiher patching to fix those functions. This phenomenon of software entropy results in continuous change and increasing costs.

6.2 The methods and languages AFT AC programs the US NDC with is cmTently outdated and increases the technical difficulty and cost to maintain or add functionality to the system.

6.4 Information Assurance (IA) requirements have evolved dramatically since 1995; US NDC modernization must include compliance with applicable IA requirements.

7.0 ASSUMPTIONS

New data sources will be acquired from seismic, hydroacoustic, and infrasonic sensors to meet the requirements in section 2.0 of this CONOPS. These data will be acquired by the US NDC for analysis and reporting purposes. At all times, US NDC operations and maintenance personnel will maintain the persistent US NDC processing and storage capability sufficient to meet all anticipated data inputs known via a 5-year projection.

8.0 EMPLOYMENT CONCEPT

8.1 US NDC Data Flow

8.1.1 Sensor Interface to the US NDC

8.1.1.1 The USAEDS provides the means to verify signatory compliance with the LTBT, TTBT, PNET, and current nuclear explosion moratoria. The USAEDS is comprised of data sensors in the following techniques: seismic, materials (airborne and surface-based particulate debris and gas), infrasonic, hydroacoustic, and satellite including optical, infrared, and prompt radiation sensors (i.e., neutron and gamma ray). The US NDC is a critical component of the USAEDS.

The US NDC also collects and selectively processes data from other sources.

8.1.1.2 The US NDC acquires all IMS radionuclide and noble gas data available from the IDC.

The US NDC retains this data in order to meet data distribution requirements. The materials data processing system uses this data, although materials data processing is not performed on the US

NDC platform, it is performed on systems dedicated and optimized for the materials data collection mission.

8.1.2 International Data Center Interface

The US NDC receives all available IMS and IDC data products from the IDC and integrates it so that the US NDC contains a superset of IMS data, USAEDS data, bilaterally available data, and data from specified sources outside the USAEDS and IMS.

8.2 Sharing of International Data

The US NDC serves as the data distribution point for all U.S. Government and authorized users of IMS data. It is U.S. policy that U.S. IMS data should be openly available to the public. To fulfill this policy, U.S. IMS stations forward data to the United States Geological Survey and to the Integrated Research Institutes of Seismology, where they are publicly available. AFTAC provides IMS data from non-U.S. stations to any U.S. Government user for their official business, by request.

8.3 Training

The 312th Training Squadron Special Instruments Training Flight at Goodfellow Air Force Base, TX trains

8.4 Maintenance

The 709th Support Group (709 SPTG) performs hardware maintenance, system administration, and database administration on the operational system. The appropriate contracting office acquires US NDC software support (sustainment and maintenance) as a separate line item under the US NDC contract. As the US NDC is a geophysical data processing system, the Systems

Digital Division performs technical oversight of software modifications. The 709 SPTG hosts a

24/7 maintenance liaison/repair capability in the Maintenance Operations Control Center

(MOCC) to assure rapid system restoral and reduce outages to the minimum possible.

8.5 Program Management

The Treaty Monitoring Systems Division (SDA) will continue to execute the program to meet the requirements identified in the US NDC System Requirements Document as funding becomes available.

8.7 Remote Operating Center for the US NDC

The Remote Operating Center (ROC) provides login and analysis capability to the US NDC, or the ALT US NDC, from building 710 on PSFB. The ROC provides short-term mission coverage during scheduled and unscheduled outages. It is important to note that, unlike the ALT US

NDC, the ROC is not a replication of the US NDC. The ROC provides remote access to either the US NDC or the ALT US NDC, but the ROC does not have its own data acquisition, processing, or storage capability. Due to the limited number of workstations and slower interactive responsiveness, data analysis at the ROC will be prioritized as follows: 1) interactive review of events formed in the look-forward process, 2) interactive analysis of regional data, and

3) interactive analysis of global data.

8.8 US NDC Enhancements

The portion of the USAEDS mission performed by the US NDC is continuously improving capability. Enhancements to the USAEDS field systems must include performance and sustainment upgrades to existing sensor stations. The US NDC portion of the enhancement program consists primarily of software development to advance the state of automated detection, location, magnitude/yield, and classification functionality. In addition, as the number of events increase, AFTAC requires advance software development to increase the efficiency of the interactive data analysis.

8.9 Phased Development of US NDC

AFTAC developed the US NDC in a phased approach, allowing for planned upgrades and enhancements during the development lifecycle. During each phase, functionality has been delivered, with each incremental build providing new capabilities and easing the transition into the new software. However, the current US NDC software platform is beyond any reasonable expectation of its lifecycle. In order to address the challenges outlined in Section 6, AFTAC redirected its limited US NDC Research and Development (R&D) funding away from additional expansion of the current platform towards the definition of a modernized US NDC architecture.

AFTAC established the US NDC Modernization program to address system obsolescence.

9.0 RESPONSIBILITIES

9.1 The 709th Surveillance and Analysis Group

9.1.1 Operates the US NDC on a 24/7 basis.

9.1.2 Performs analysis at the ALT US NDC as operationally necessary.

9.1.3 Performs analysis at the ROC as operationally necessary.

9.1.4 Uses materials developed by SDA to manage analyst training, including regional analysis and recurring training, as new regional areas of interest are brought online.

9.1.5 Assists with the development of regulations and instructions necessary for operating the

US NDC.

9.1.6 Supports developmental testing of the US NDC.

9.1.7 Performs operational capability evaluations on major US NDC upgrades.

9.1.8 Performs historical data searches.

9.1.9 Conducts technical oversight of research to increase regional identification capability and determines when it is sufficiently mature to promote to US NDC operations.

9.1.10 Performs subsurface alert duty officer and alert manager duties.

9.1.11 Performs special-event processing.

9.1.12 Serves as the primary interface between AFTAC and external customers for requests for, or problems with, access to US NDC data.

9.1.13 Seeks additional manpower, when needed, to ensure the US NDC meets operational requirements.

9.1.14 Develops acceptance test criteria and presents the system to the AFTAC Commander for certification to operate.

9.1.15 Performs final evaluation of data following initial analysis.

9.1.16 Provides technical oversight for the integration of new data processing techniques and other outside sources of data into the operational system.

9.1.17 Designates a US NDC Mission Manager to provide geophysical technical oversight.

9.1.18 Designates a US NDC Data Steward for the AFTAC Data Governance Council.

9.1.19 Mission Directors report events of interest in coordination with Alert Managers.

9.1.20 Provides requirements to the Systems Development Directorate (SD) for system modifications and development regarding system operation.

9.2 The 709th Support Group

9.2.1 Maintains and supports the US NDC operational systems, the ALT US NDC, and the

ROC.

9.2.2 Performs configuration and operation of the network infrastructure necessary to operate the US NDC, ALT US NDC, and ROC.

9.2.3 Performs system/database administration for all US NDC systems.

9.2.4 Provides hardware and commercial off-the-shelf maintenance support throughout the system lifecycle.

9.2.5 Provides equipment and inventory management for the US NDC, ALT US NDC, and

ROC systems.

9.2.6 Maintains maintenance documentation and develops procedures to optimize repair actions.

9.2.7 Provides repair/resolution resources and procedures to operate the MOCC functions on a

24/7 basis.

9.2.8 Participates in the US NDC configuration-management process.

9.2.9 Provides organizational messaging support.

9.2.10 Maintains all access numbers required for continuous support of the ALT US NDC and activation of the ROC.

9.2.11 Maintains contact information for all US NDC field sites and serves as the primary focal point for daily communications with host and field location personnel.

9.2.12 Coordinates on US NDC contract activity in accordance with (IAW) the AFTAC service requirement routing process.

9.2.13 Co-develops procedures with the 709 SAG and SDA to ensure constant flow of data to the US NDC and performs a smooth transition to the ALT US NDC during routine and emergency conditions.

9.2.14 Provides requirements to SD for system upgrades and modifications regarding hardware supportability and maintainability.

9.3 The Strategic Integration Directorate

9.3.1 Provides information and participates in the configuration-management process, as required.

9.3.2 Provides oversight of external geophysical R&D efforts that support the US NDC mission, as well as transition plans to incorporate mature R&D into operations.

9.4 The Systems Development Directorate

9.4.1 Functions as Materiel Leader for multiple programs under the Nuclear Monitoring

Program of record.

9.4.2 Designates the US NDC Program Manager.

9.4.3 Programs and budgets resources to support US NDC acquisition throughout the system’s lifecycle.

9.4.4 Provides system requirements and technical oversight to the US NDC program, after formal consultation with 709 SAG and 709 SPTG.

9.4.5 Provides software configuration-management of the US NDC.

9.4.6 Provides operational and depot responsibilities for US NDC sustainment, development, and test systems.

9.4.7 Manages the change management process for the US NDC via the US NDC Change

Management Board (CMB). The US NDC CMB responsibilities include:

9.4.7.1 Approves/disapproves software changes within the scope of the functional baseline.

Changes outside the scope of the functional baseline or contractual requirements will be either rejected or forwarded to the 709 SAG for approval of scope increase and associated dollars.

9.4.7.2 Coordinates hardware configuration changes with the 709 CYS information technology requirements process.

9.4.7.3 Responsible for authoring and updating US NDC technical instructions.

9.4.8 Responsible for equipment and inventory management, sustainment, development, and test systems.

9.4.9 Provides program management for the acquisition and sustainment of the US NDC and executes the program to meet the requirements identified in the System Requirements Document as funding becomes available. Program management activities include:

9.4.9.1 Routing of all contract activities through Acquisition Executive, 709 SPTG, and the

Directorate of Plans and Programs IAW the AFTAC Service Requirement routing process.

9.4.9.2 Ensuring collaborative efforts with the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) to assure an Approval to Operate is granted by the Designated Authorizing Official (DAO).

9.4.9.3 Ensuring the US NDC contract meets schedule, performance, and cost requirements.

9.4.9.4 Item management for all US NDC systems.

9.4.10 Integrating external sources of data and software (e.g., Department of Energy) into the

US NDC.

9.4.11 Providing contracts to conduct research, and development, of software tools and techniques.

9.4.12 As the Acquisition Executive, recommends appropriate acquisition and contracting channels to the Contracting Officer Representatives.

9.5 Directorate of Plans and Programs

9.5.1 Coordinates with all appropriate agencies to resolve funding or other comptroller-related issues.

9.5.2 Accomplishes all manpower adjustments, studies, determinants, and conversions.

9.5.3 Coordinates plans, including this CONOPS, with AFTAC directorates, resolves conflicts, and provides recommendations to the AFTAC Commander.

9.5.4 Coordinates any bilateral, inter-Service and intra-Service agreements (ISA), memorandums of understanding (MOU), and memorandums of agreement (MOA). Finalizes and publishes all AFTAC-initiated ISA, MOU, and MOA documents.

9.6 312th Training Squadron

9.6.1 Develops technical training courses to fulfill mission requirements based on contractor-provided software and hardware.

9.6.2 Maintains and supports the US NDC training system in coordination with the 709 SPTG and SDA.

9.6.3 Revises curriculum as software builds are completed, as new analysis techniques are established, and as additional regional areas of interest provide data to the US NDC.

9.6.4 Provides organizational hardware maintenance support for the US NDC training systems.

10.0 SUMMARY

The US NDC serves as the data dissemination effort for all U.S. Government and authorized users of IMS data. The US NDC provides the U.S. the proficiency to receive, develop, and report on global subsurface events of interest with data received from a collection of USAEDS, IMS, and other sources to detect, locate, identify, and characterize nuclear explosions. Data reports from the US NDC are combined with reports from other USAEDS monitoring sources to produce integrated multi-technique analysis products unique to AFTAC. US NDC modernization efforts are underway and primarily consists of software development to advance the state of automated detection, location, magnitude/yield, and classification functionality towards meeting U.S. monitoring requirements. The US NDC ensures the USAEDS’ ability to verify signatory compliance with the LTBT, TTBT, PNET, and current nuclear explosion moratoria.

//Signed//

CREIGHTON A. MULLINS, Colonel, USAF

Commander

ANNEX A

REFERENCES

• CONOPS for USAEDS, June 2021

• US NDC Operational Requirements Document, 13 December 1997 (S)

• US NDC System Requirements Document, 11 July 2018 (CUI)

ANNEX B

ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS

23 ANS.................................................................23d Analysis Squadron

709 SAG...............................................................709th Surveillance and Analysis Group

709 SPTG .............................................................709th Support Group

AFTAC ................................................................Air Force Technical Applications Center

ALT US NDC ......................................................Alternate United States National Data Center

ASD/AE ...............................................................Assistant Secretary of Defense for Atomic

Energy

CMB .....................................................................Change Management Board

CONOPS ..............................................................concept of operations

CTBT ...................................................................Comprehensive Nuclear Test-Ban Treaty

CTBTO ................................................................Comprehensive Nuclear Test-Ban Treaty

Organization (CTBTO)

IAW......................................................................in accordance with

IA .........................................................................Information Assurance

IDC .......................................................................International Data Center

IMS ......................................................................International Monitoring System

ISA .......................................................................inter-Service/intra-Service agreements

LTBT....................................................................Limited Test Ban Treaty

MOA ....................................................................memorandum of agreement

MOCC ..................................................................Maintenance Operations Control Center

MOU ....................................................................memorandum of understanding

PNET....................................................................Peaceful Nuclear Explosion Treaty

PSFB ....................................................................Patrick Space Force Base

R&D .....................................................................Research and Development

ROC .....................................................................Remote Operating Center

SN ........................................................................standing requirement

SD ........................................................................Systems Development Directorate

SDA......................................................................Treaty Monitoring Systems Division

U.S. ......................................................................United States

USAEDS ..............................................................United States Atomic Energy Detection System

US NDC ...............................................................United States National Data Center

TTBT....................................................................Threshold Test Ban Treaty