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LABS ACCOMPLISHMENTS

IT, networks, and facilities

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Sandia’s Facilities program completed several major projects in FY07, adding much-needed space for mission work and improving the site infrastructure. Projects included the Microsystems and Engineering Sciences Applications (MESA) complex, the Center for Integrated Nanotechnologies (CINT) Core Facility, the Test Capabilities Revitalization Phase 1 project, the Neutron Initiation Technology building, and the Exterior Communications Infrastructure Modernization project. The Innovation Parkway Office Center (IPOC), a new off-site leased facility, provides unclassified space for the Badge Office and other groups while freeing up classified space on site. (4800, 10200) IES

Computing Support Services (CSS), a virtual organization serving more than 12,000 desktop computing customers and resolving more than 135,000 trouble tickets each year, achieved ISO 9001:2000 certification in March 2007. This involved developing a quality management system and undergoing several audits prior to certification. As a result, CSS has improved a number of its primary processes, instituted an internal method by which CSS employees can suggest process improvements, and improved how its five organizations (representing several centers) collaborate to support desktop computing. (9300, 9500, 8900) IES

The current technologies for building extremely large network switching infrastructures for supercomputing environments suffer from fundamental limitations. A Sandia team initiated a consortium of leading network vendors to demonstrate the effectiveness of dynamic routing for scalable switching infrastructures. They also demonstrated the efficiency of new lightweight protocols over standard Ethernet™ that compares well with more complex specialty hardware for cluster interconnects. These technologies will provide a high-speed Ethernet switching infrastructure that should scale to the thousands of ports required by future petascale computing environments. (9300, 8900)

Sandia’s Energy Management Program continues to ensure that utility systems are reliable and efficient and energy management is institutionalized. Energy intensity for regular buildings decreased 0.41 per cent from FY06 to FY07, and metering requirements for 99 percent of Sandia facilities were met five years ahead of schedule. Energy- and water-saving efforts, critical in preparation for the anticipated doubling of electricity costs in January 2009, resulted in a Federal Energy Management Program award for Bldg. 833’s photovoltaic roof and US Green Building Council certification for four Sandia facilities. (4800) IES

An Extended Enterprise was developed in FY07. Its premise is to retain an IT resource base that can expand or contract quickly to staff new and existing projects using off-site personnel. The benefits include maximizing the amount and types of work provided to customers while minimizing the costs of administering individual contracts. With Sandia Delegated Representative approval, the entire Laboratories can use these software engineering contracts. Other IT organizations are encouraged to use the Extended Enterprise to reduce costs and overhead Labs-wide. (9500) IES

DOE Headquarters requires Sandia to submit ES&H/environment-related liability reports for inclusion on DOE’s FY07 financial statements. Sandia completed a comprehensive review of prior-year submissions across the entire site on legacy materials disposition and the long-term stewardship program. This effort required coordination among DOE/HQ, the Sandia Site Office, and several Sandia organizations. Sandia’s submission was validated by KPMG auditors as part of their annual financial audit. IES

The Counterintelligence Awareness Program continues to focus on the insider threat to Sandia. Malicious outsiders can do only limited damage to a well-protected institution without the cooperation of a malicious insider. However, an insider assisted by a sophisticated foreign intelligence service can defeat even the best physical or cyber defense. Thus, deterring insiders is critical to effective and cost-efficient security. Data collected during recent surveys shows a marked improvement in staff awareness of this issue. (301) ITS

To describe the results of inspections of all of Sandia sites’ physical security areas this year, DOE Office of Independent Oversight inspectors used the phrase “phenomenal performance.” Sandia’s self-assessment program was recognized as “a model for the entire complex.” Inspectors noted the consistent upward trend in protection program/posture effectiveness like this: “The general levels of security-related knowledge among the site population and the swift response to issues identified during this inspection also reflect management’s support for the safeguards and security program and the recognition of that support by laboratory employees.” (4200, 8500) NW

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