National Weather Service Headquarters Structure
and New Field Organizations
index
OFFICE OF THE ASSISTANT ADMINISTRATOR
FOR WEATHER SERVICES (W)
OFFICE OF THE DIRECTOR (W)
54-20-01
WA000
The Assistant Administrator for Weather Services
(The Director) is responsible for overall management of the organization.
The National Weather Service (NWS) makes observations and measurements
of atmospheric phenomena as required for climatological, hydrologic,
meteorological, and oceanographic services. The NWS develops and
distributes forecasts of weather conditions and warnings of severe
storms and other adverse weather conditions for protection of life
and property. It collects and disseminates weather and climatic
information. The NWS operates the climatological field program.
It maintains continuous watch over river stages and those weather
conditions which produce floods; provides warnings of impeding
floods; furnishes regular forecasts of overflow and stage as well
as seasonal water supply; and participates with other Federal agencies
in hydro-meteorological investigations for overall planning and
development for water resources. The NWS makes observations and
measurements of ocean conditions as required by marine interests.
It develops and distributes forecasts and warnings of waves, tsunamis,
sea ice, and other ocean conditions for protection of life and
property and efficiency of marine operations. The NWS collects
and disseminates ocean information. It develops, disseminates,
and improves procedures and techniques for the national meteorological,
climatological, hydrologic, and oceanographic service systems measurements
and forecasts. The NWS develops techniques for the application
of climatological data to meet user requirements. It manages the
implementation of Federal Government policies and regulations regarding
equal employment opportunity and affirmative action.
Equal Employment Opportunity (Staff)
Office (W/EEO)
54-20-01-0000-03
WA0300
The EEO staff advises and assists the Assistant
Administrator in carrying out NWS's responsibilities relative to
Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended;
the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967; the Rehabilitation
Act of 1973; as well as Executive Orders, regulatory guidelines,
and other nondiscrimination laws within the Federal Government
including equal employment opportunity (EEO) and/or affirmative
action policy recommendations, objectives, and progress in meeting
goals. Provides leadership, direction, and policy guidance for
EEO Program development. Monitors and evaluates NWS-wide Affirmative
Employment Program Plans to promote equal employment opportunities.
Conduct studies on systemic employment problems, assesses the effect
of policies and practices on equal employment, identifies employment
barriers, recommends solutions and develops written guidance for
management. The staff provides guidance to all NWS officials and
managers concerning all aspects of NWS EEO programs. The Program
provides resolution of discriminatory allegations by working toward
eradicating prejudice and discrimination from the agency's personnel
policies, practices, and working conditions. In addition, the EEO
Program office serves as the NWS education outreach coordinator
for area schools and coordinates the student intern program.
International Activities (Staff)
Office (W/IA)
54-20-01-0000-04
WA0400
The International Activities Office promotes
the international interests of the U.S. meteorologic and hydrologic
communities improving the levels of science, technology, operations,
and services worldwide. It represents the relevant interests of
the National Weather Service and other parts of NOAA in international
activities, especially those that advance short-term warning and
forecast services. The Office strives to improve seasonal and inter-annual
climate forecasts, and predicts and assesses decennial-to-centennial
change. Serve as the focal point in the United States for national
meteorological and hydrologic services of other countries. The
Office administers foreign assistance in line with this mission.
It seeks to improve international observing and telecommunications
networks and to build national capabilities (through capacity building
and technology transfer) in developing countries as a means to
improve overall levels of products and services. The Office participates
actively in the activities and meetings of the World Meteorological
Organization (WMO) and supports the Permanent Representative to
the WMO from the United States. Assist other countries in crisis
with meteorological and hydrologic support.
Strategic Planning and Policy (Staff)
Office (W/SP)
54-20-01-0000-05
WA0500
The Strategic Planning and Policy Office
provides support to the Assistant Administrator for Weather Services
and Deputy Assistant Administrator through the development and
implementation of an integrated approach to NWS policy, strategy,
and long-range planning processes. The Office develops NWS-wide
long-range policy objectives and develops and manages the NWS strategic
planning process including internal communications and awareness
activities. The Office conducts research, program evaluation, and
economic assessments serving as the basis for the identification
of future national level requirements for weather services and
the development of plans and programs to respond to those requirements.
Responsible for effective external relations, programs, and policies
related to NOAA commercial weather support. Acts as ombudsman for
the private sector on matters related to external users of hydrometeorological
data and services, developing and recommending NOAA and NWS policy
on industrial meteorology, and on NWS and private sector roles,
activities and relationships.
Communications (Staff) Office
(W/COM)
54-20-01-0000-06
WA0600
The Communications Office provides a comprehensive
and proactive nationwide information program for the National Weather
Service to help educate a variety of audiences, including employees,
media, legislators and special interest groups. The goal of this
Office is to create an understanding of, and support for, the NWS
mission and operations. The Office facilitates communication activities
for senior management, and coordinates with NOAA Public Affairs,
NOAA Legislative Affairs, the NWS Office of Strategic Planning
and Policy and others in the organization who conduct external
communication programs. The Office ensures a continuous, reliable
flow of messages and information that showcase the quality of NWS
services as well as the expertise of the NWS's most important resource,
its employees. It advises senior management on all communication
issues and provides guidance and communication strategies for often
complex, controversial or politically sensitive aspects of the
agency's programs, policies or positions. The Office identifies
communication needs and themes, and coordinates the development
of information tools that help employees, at all levels, tell the
NWS story to a variety of publications. The Office recommends and
coordinates communication policy, strategies and activities with
leadership to guide the NWS information program.
Executive Affairs (Staff) Office
(W/EA)
54-20-01-0000-07
WA0700
The Executive Affairs Office serves as focal
point within the National Weather Service for liaison with members
of Congress, other Departments and agencies of the Executive Branch,
and the general public. The Office is the control point for all
correspondence addressed to the Assistant Administrator or Deputy
Assistant Administrator of the National Weather Service, or prepared
for higher officials' signatures, ensuring that complete staff
work and coordination has been accomplished. Serves as focal point
for security matters within the NWS and as coordinator for the
emergency preparedness activity. It conducts special studies concerning
NWS management plans and policies, as assigned. The Office is responsible
for miscellaneous executive, management, and administrative support
duties, as assigned.
OFFICE OF THE CHIEF FINANCIAL
OFFICER/CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER (W/CFO)
OFFICE OF THE DIRECTOR (W/CFO)
54-20-01-0001
WA1000
The Office of the CFO/CAO, headed by the
NWS's Chief Financial Officer/Chief Administrative Officer, obtains
and manages financial, physical, information and human resources
to enable the NWS to fulfill its mission. The Office serves as
the primary channel of communication and coordination with NWS
headquarters offices and regions for all non-technical management
activities, and establishes priorities and requirements for those
activities. The Office formulates and executes the NWS annual budget;
allocates and provides accounting for resources necessary to support
the offices and regions; develops and implements a program for
business process improvement; and develops and manages the implementation
of NWS-wide human resources, labor-management, and organizational
development policies and practices. The Office develops and manages
assigned sections of the radio frequency spectrum. The Office also
provides systems support for office automation, financial, and
administrative systems, and provides computer network management
and support. The Office also provides miscellaneous administrative
support activities to NWS headquarters and other NWS elements located
in the Washington, D.C. metro area as needed.
BUDGET FORMULATION AND PROGRAM ANALYSIS DIVISION (W/CFO1)
54-20-01-0001-01
WA1100
The Budget Formulation and Program Analysis
Division is the focal point for budget formulation and associated
planning activities within the National Weather Service. The Division
develops multi-year funding requirements and coordinates all aspects
of budget formulation, justification, and presentation within the
NWS. The Division develops the narrative budget justifications
and other supporting documentation for the annual budget submissions
to NOAA, DOC, OMB, and Congress. The Division tracks agency funding
levels and performs analyses of various project proposals, budget
reductions, and legislation. The Division coordinates NWS activities
related to the Congressional budget process, including tracking
legislation, preparing appeal statements, preparing and presenting
budget briefings, and developing written testimony and responses
to Congressional inquiries. Supports the NWS and NOAA strategic
planning processes, prepares and tracks the Five-Year Program Implementation
Plan, NWS Annual Operating Plan, and the NOAA Quarterly Program
Reviews to ensure integration with the NWS overall budget and strategic
plans. The Division serves as a focal point for integrating information
technology plans into the budget planning process.
COMPTROLLER DIVISION (W/CFO2)
54-20-01-0001-02
WA1200
The Comptroller Division serves as the focal
point within the NWS for the distribution of all fiscal resources
to Financial Management Centers. The Division is responsible for
all aspects of NWS budget execution, including the development
of Financial Operating Plans, allowance advices, reimbursable task
planning, and financial management for National Logistics Supply
Center accounts. The Division is responsible for financial accounting,
reporting, and analysis, including the development and implementation
of cost accounting methodologies and financial statements, conducting
liaison for financial audits, and for analyzing and developing
financial systems requirements. The Division also tracks and reports
financial commitments to assure an accurate status of available
funds.
MANAGEMENT AND ORGANIZATION DIVISION (W/CFO3)
54-20-01-0001-03
WA1300
The Management and Organization Division
manages all NWS human resources policy activities, controls and
allocates staffing and FTE resources, manages organizational design
and position management activities, and provides organizational
development support. The Division conducts and coordinates organizational
studies and cost analyses designed to meet current and future mission
needs in the most efficient and cost-effective manner. The Division
coordinates national level labor-management relations and labor
partnership matters within the NWS. The Division is the liaison
with the General Accounting Office, Office of the Inspector General,
and other investigative agencies, coordinates activities to provide
reasonable assurance that NWS programs are free from waste, fraud
or abuse. Assures compliance with Federal contracting out initiatives.
The Division provides general executive and administrative support
to include: management of the NWS directives systems; headquarters
facilities and space management; purchasing, travel, and relocation
support; Freedom of Information Act and Privacy Act implementation;
and time and attendance system and property management support.
HEADQUARTERS SUPPORT SERVICES BRANCH (W/CFO31)
54-20-01-0001-03-01
WA1310
The Headquarters Support Services Branch
manages the NWS Headquarters LAN/WAN and nationwide e-mail systems,
and also provides computer system support to NWS components in
the functional areas of web publishing, office automation, work-station
repair and maintenance, management and executive information systems
and human resources and financial management systems.
OFFICE OF THE CHIEF INFORMATION
OFFICER (W/CIO)
OFFICE OF THE DIRECTOR (W/CIO)
54-20-01-0002
WA2000
The Office of the Chief Information Officer
provides the key information technology (IT) planning and evaluative
activity for the NWS, to include coordination and development of
the annual NWS IT Operating Plan, the NWS Strategic IT Plan, and
coordination and implementation of all NWS IT security and critical
IT infrastructure activities. The Office conducts a comprehensive
program of IT systems investment, planning, and review to insure
high quality, cost-effective IT initiatives. The Office develops,
monitors, and coordinates the overall NWS systems architecture
in close concert with the weather system architecture activities
of the Office of Science and Technology and develops hardware and
software management policies and standards for the NWS. The Office
provides overall planning and policy oversight for the NWS use
of the Internet, and develops NWS telecommunications policies and
guidance. The Office also hosts the Department of Commerce's Spectrum
Management Team, which analyzes and allocates radio frequency within
the Department.
OFFICE OF CLIMATE, WATER, AND WEATHER
SERVICES (W/OS)
DIRECTOR'S OFFICE (W/OS)
54-20-02
WB0000
The Office of Climate, Water, & Weather
Services (OCWWS) supports the NWS mission by striving for operational
excellence. It oversees delivery of hydrometeorological and climate
services and the design and implementation of future products and
services. OCWWS provides NWS liaison with service partners, defines
and validates national requirements for ongoing scientific and
technical advancements and for effective new technologies to derive
and disseminate critical hydrometeorological and climate information
to users. It also ensures the ongoing professional development
and continuing education of the NWS staff. The OCWWS conducts customer
and partner outreach; validates and states service requirements;
develops, coordinates, and issues national service and operations
policy; and works through NWS integrated work teams to develop
long-term service improvement strategies and proposals. The office
develops, implements and oversees service delivery performance
measures; evaluates operational service efficiency, effectiveness,
and customer satisfaction; develops NWS policy delineating NWS's
mission and its public sector responsibility to produce and disseminate
information and the resulting public-private sector roles. These
activities require active coordination and collaboration with all
members of the climatological, hydrometeorological, and oceanographic
communities as well as all weather-sensitive constituent communities
including other Federal, state, and local government agencies;
the media; the private weather information sector; universities;
non-governmental organizations; constituent organizations; and
the public.
RESOURCE MANAGEMENT (STAFF) (W/OSx1)
54-20-02
WB0000
The Resource Management Staff is responsible
for financial management of the OS programs and human and real
property resource management. They are responsible for property
inventory, office administration, management of computer resources,
budget formulation and tracking, financial resource allocation
and status accounting, and for leading personnel training, performance
and awards programs. They are also responsible for tracking all
office incoming and outgoing correspondence. The staff works closely
with the CFO/CAO and CIO staffs to ensure organization and program
activities adhere to established policy procedures.
OPERATIONS and REQUIREMENTS DIVISION
(W/OS1)
54-20-02-0000-01
WB0100
The Operations Requirements Division ensures
effective nation-wide operational implementation and integration
of NWS climate and hydrometeorological forecast and warning services
and manages a coordinated NWS requirements process responsive to
service deficiencies and needs. It also manages the NWS change
management process and is the approving authority for requests
made within that process. Each of its two branches has broad responsibilities
spanning the agency's national and international mission and goals.
INTEGRATED OPERATIONS BRANCH (W/OS11)
54-20-02-0000-01-01
WB0110
The Integrated Operations Branch (IOB) develops
plans and policies for common or integrated operations and service
functions including:
- Data acquisition and quality control;
- Meteorological analysis and decision support systems;
- Interactive Forecast Preparation System (IFPS) operations;
- Internal warning and forecast coordination (including WFO,
RFC, and NCEP Service Center operational procedures and interactions);
and
- Communication infrastructure (including dissemination, and
service back up).
IOB is the lead element in the OS to facilitate
and coordinate service program changes and the impacts on service
effectiveness and operational efficiency. In addition, IOB facilitates
and ensures coordination and integration of common service needs
and proposals for solutions to those needs.
REQUIREMENTS/CHANGE MANAGEMENT BRANCH (W/OS12)
54-20-02-0000-01-02
WB0120
The Requirements/Change Management Branch
(RCMB) defines and leads the NWS's requirements and change management
processes. It develops and implements service requirements process,
policy and procedures, and facilitates development, validation,
and documentation of NWS internal and external customer service
requirements. RCMB tracks actions to resolve pending service requirements
and supports the agency Integrated Work Teams (IWT) tasked with
those actions. Directly, or through IWTs, they audit new system's
development and the integration and implementation of changes to
existing systems to ensure applicability to, and compliance with,
documented requirements.
RCMB also establishes change management (CM) policy and procedures
for NWS systems. It works with the Office of Operational Systems
(OOS) to maintain CM discipline on all operational NWS systems
in the field and at the OOS's Systems Operations Center. RCMB ensures
integration of new systems with the existing CM process; manages,
tracks, directs and verifies implementation of operational system
changes by OOS. In addition, the RCMB provides the Secretariat
(staff support) for the following: NWS requirements review process;
the NWS CM Board; the NEXRAD Program Management Committee; the
ASOS Program Management Committee and Configuration Control Board;
the Systems Coordination Council; and the AWIPS Configuration Control
Board. It provides the Chair and Secretariat for the NWS Data Review
Group. The RCMB also acts as the focus for establishing systems
interfaces to external users and NWS field offices; requirements
and CM support to, and NWS representation on, technical working
groups and agency IWTs; coordination of special impact analyses
of planned modifications to existing systems; and participation
in operational tests and evaluations of approved changes.
METEOROLOGICAL SERVICES DIVISION
(W/OS2)
54-20-02-0000-02
WB0200
The Meteorological Services Division provides
oversight of the provision of meteorological services to the nation.
It is the lead organizational unit for overseeing National Weather
Service meteorological and oceanographic warning and forecast operation
plans, policies, and procedures. It is the primary link to the
public and to those segments of the public engaged in operations
with increased vulnerability to weather. The Division identifies
and validates service needs to mitigate weather-related disasters,
and establishes operational requirements for meteorological observations.
It leads the design, validation, and implementation of new products
and services; establishes and maintains customer partnerships;
and establishes the strategic vision for meteorological services.
It establishes field operating policy and procedures; defines and
validates service and mission needs; solicits user feedback in
evaluating whether new products and services meet their needs;
and is the lead organizational unit to approve final product design.
The Division also helps prioritize requirements-driven science
and technology development to facilitate improvements in products
and services. It provides oversight and requirements for meteorological
warning and forecast training within the overall NWS training program.
The Division represents the NWS at interagency, national, and international
groups and forums on matters concerning climatological, hydrometeorological,
and oceanographic policy, plans, products, and services.
MARINE AND COASTAL WEATHER SERVICES BRANCH (W/OS21)
54-20-02-0000-02-01
WB0210
The Marine and Coastal Services Branch is
the meteorological lead for the provision of the nation's marine
and coastal weather services. Its programs include the warnings,
forecasts, and advisories for coastal waters, Offshore, High Seas,
and the near-shore and open waters of the Great Lakes. It leads
the tropical cyclone, coastal flood, severe convective coastal
weather, and coastal hazards (i.e., heavy surf, rip tides) programs.
The branch also provides program support to other NWS and NOAA
organizational units for the Tsunami Warning Program. In addition,
this branch will lead provision of a range of weather services
focused on the expanding and weather-sensitive U.S. coastal population
and those responsible for its safety.
The Branch oversees the delivery of marine
and coastal weather products and services from the coastal WFOs
the Marine Prediction Center, and the Tropical Analysis and Forecast
Branch of the Tropical Prediction Center. It develops, coordinates
and issues the policies and procedures for their operations. It
is the primary focal point for collaboration with the OCWWS's Training
Division to identify and ensure marine and coastal forecast training
needs are met; with the Office of Science and Technology (OST)
to prioritize marine and coastal science and technology development
and approve new or improved product designs; and with the OOS to
ensure the collection of marine and coastal observations and the
delivery of marine and coastal products to users. The Branch establishes
partnerships internally and externally to collect and validate
marine and coastal service and mission needs, solicit feedback
on marine and coastal products and services, and validate whether
the products meet the needs.
The Branch serves as the primary focal point
for collaboration with NOAA's National Ocean Service (NOS), the
U.S. Navy (USN) and the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) on the provision
of ice warning and advisory services; the USN, the USCG, the Maritime
Administration, and the Corps of Engineers (COE) to operate the
nations' Marine Transportation System safely; the Department of
Defense, Federal Emergency Management Agency, U.S. Geological Survey,
and the American Red Cross on the provision of tropical cyclone
services; with the USCG, USN, Air Force, and private entities on
dissemination of weather to mariners; the NOS on the PORTS and
TIDES programs; and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO)
on the provision of marine and coastal weather services to the
international community.
FIRE AND PUBLIC WEATHER SERVICES BRANCH (W/OS22)
54-20-02-0000-02-02
WB0220
The Fire and Public Services Branch is the
program lead for meteorological forecast, warning, and weather-support
response services to the nation for wildland fires, environmental
hazard events, and land management activities. It also leads the
NWS programs for providing public weather services to the nation.
Public weather services include the severe weather (convective
and non-convective) advisory, watch, and warning products, and
the zone, state, Nowcast, and recreational weather (including inland
lakes and waterways) forecast products.
Branch programs include products and services
provided to the general public; to those responsible for local
and county public safety; to Federal, state, and local land management
agencies during wildfires; to Federal agencies for smoke management,
and for fire and non-fire land management activities; and to the
lead Federal agencies for nuclear hazard events.
The Branch is the primary NWS focal point
for collaboration with:
- the U.S. Forest Service and U.S. Department of Interior managers
on the provision of fire weather services;
- the lead Federal agencies for the provision of nuclear weather
support services;
- the WMO on the provision of fire and public weather services
by and for other countries within the international community;
- federal transportation agencies on weather issues related to
surface transportation;
- federal and private entities on the Ultra-Violet Index program;
and
- the OCWWS Training Division to identify and ensure public,
fire weather, and related micro-scale forecast training needs
are met.
The Branch oversees the provision of fire,
public, and environmental hazards response weather services by
NWS WFOs and NCEP service centers. It develops the policy and procedure
documents for NWS operations. It leads and/or participates on service-oriented
IWTs to prioritize fire and public weather-related service development,
to approve new or improved product designs, to ensure the collection
of fire weather observations, and to ensure the delivery of public,
fire weather, and environmental hazard event products to users.
The Branch establishes partnerships internally and externally to
collect and validate fire weather, Public, and environmental hazard
event service and mission needs, solicits feedback on its products
and services, and evaluates whether these meet the needs.
AVIATION WEATHER SERVICES BRANCH (W/OS23)
54-20-02-0000-02-03
WB0230
The Aviation Weather Services Branch is
the program lead for aviation weather services to the nation. Its
programs include products and services provided to the domestic
and international aviation communities in the terminal, en route,
and oceanic airspace systems. Program services include airport
warnings and forecasts, route forecasts, aviation area forecasts,
In-flight Advisories, and the Center Weather Service Units (CWSU).
The Branch is the primary focal point for collaboration on the
provision and dissemination of aviation weather services with:
- The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA);
- The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO); and
- The World Meteorological Organization (WMO).
It is the primary focal point for collaboration
with the OCWWS Training Division to identify and ensure aviation
forecast training needs are met. It leads or participates on service-oriented
Integrated Work Teams (IWTs) to prioritize development of relevant
science and technology solutions to program requirements; approve
new or improved product designs; and ensure the collection of aviation
observations and the delivery of aviation products to users.
The Branch oversees the provision of aviation
weather products and services from WFOs, CWSUs, the Aviation Weather
Center, and the Alaska Aviation Weather Unit. It develops, coordinates,
and issues the policy and procedure documents for NWS aviation
weather operations. The Branch establishes partnerships internally
and externally to collect and validate aviation service and mission
needs, solicit feedback on its products and services, and evaluate
whether they meet the needs.
CLIMATE SERVICES DIVISION (W/OS4)
54-20-02-0000-04
WB0400
The Climate Services Division is the lead
organizational unit overseeing National Weather Service climate
prediction operations plans, policies, and procedures. It is the
primary link to the public and the climate prediction constituent
community to identify and validate climate service needs, mitigate
climate related disasters, and establish operational requirements
for climate observations. The division leads the design, validation,
and implementation of new products and services; establishes and
maintains customer partnerships, and establishes the strategic
vision for climatological services. The Division provides overall
management for the provision of climate prediction services to
the nation. It establishes field operating policy and procedures,
defines and validates service and mission needs, solicits user
feedback in evaluating whether new products and services meet their
needs, and is the lead organizational unit to approve final product
design. The Division also helps prioritize requirements-driven
science and technology development to facilitate improvements in
products and services. It provides oversight and requirements for
climate prediction training within the overall NWS training program.
Program leadership includes oversight of
operational climate forecast services such as El Niño and
La Nina event forecasts, seasonal outlooks, and coordination of
climate impact forecasts associated with weather and water outlooks
produced at the National Centers for Environmental Prediction.
The Division monitors the effectiveness of its program services
and coordinates interregional activities to assure proper technical
content and consistency. Its diverse user community ranges from
the utilities and commodities companies to insurance and engineering
firms and other weather-sensitive industries. The Division provides
NWS representation on climate issues, coordinates with other Federal
agencies, participates on the National Climate Extremes Committee,
and participates and provides U.S. representation and/or policy
positions in international organizations such as WMO and the Intergovernmental
Panel on Climate Change.
The Division is the focal point for collaboration
with other components of NOAA, the Environmental Protection Agency,
Department of Interior, the U.S. Department of Agriculture on the
provision of climate services; the Office of Science and Technology
to prioritize climate related science and technology development;
and with the Office of Operational Systems to ensure the collection
of climate observations and the delivery of products to users.
HYDROLOGIC SERVICES DIVISION (W/OS3)
54-20-02-0000-03
WB0300
The Hydrologic Services Division (HSD) consists
of the Hydrologic Services Administration Branch, the Hydrologic
Field Support Branch and the National Operational Hydrologic Remote
Sensing Center. HSD is the lead organizational unit for overseeing
National Weather Service hydrologic warning and forecast operation
plans, policies, and procedures. HSD is responsible for identifying
and validating service needs and establishing operational requirements
for hydrologic observations and forecasting applications. The Division
provides overall management and support for hydrologic services
to the nation. The Division also helps prioritize requirements-driven
science and technology development to facilitate improvements in
products and services. It provides oversight and coordinated requirements
for hydrologic training within the overall NWS training program.
The Division represents the NWS on interagency, national, and international
groups and at forums on matters concerning hydrology and water
management.
SERVICES BRANCH (W/OS31)
54-20-02-0000-03-01
WB0310
Services Branch oversees the National Weather
Service hydrologic warning and forecast program providing overall
management for hydrologic services to the nation. This Branch establishes
operating policy and procedures and coordinates the design, validation,
and implementation of new products and services. Establishes and
maintains customer partnerships and establishes the strategic vision
for hydrologic services. This Branch also represents the NWS on
interagency and national forums on matters concerning hydrology
and water management. The Branch coordinates requirements for hydrologic
training within the overall NWS training program. The Branch works
with other groups to support hydrologic customer awareness and
education.
SUPPORT BRANCH (W/OS32)
54-20-02-0000-03-02
WB0320
The Support Branch is the lead organization
providing operational support for the delivery of hydrologic products
and services to the Nation. The Branch provides real-time, operational
support and maintenance for nationally-delivered hydrologic applications.
It leads the effort to define and establish operational requirements
for hydrologic observations and hydrologic forecasting applications.
The Branch works with NWS field offices to solicit user-feedback
on forecast applications techniques, and to prioritize requirements-driven
science and technology developments in order to improve products
and services.
Field Organization
NATIONAL OPERATIONAL HYDROLOGIC REMOTE SENSING CENTER
(W/OS33)
54-20-02-0000-03-93
WB9330
The National Operational Hydrologic Remote
Sensing Center (NOHRSC) provides satellite and airborne remote
sensing services for the Nation. NOHRSC provides remotely sensed
and modeled snow cover data sets and products for operational,
developmental, and research hydrology programs conducted at local,
regional, and national scales. The NOHRSC provides various products
and services to NWS field offices and to other federal, state,
and local officials responsible for hydrologic forecasting, water
resource operations, and public safety.
The NOHRSC operates and maintains the Airborne
Snow Survey and Satellite Snow Cover Estimation Programs. This
service includes the real-time ingestion, processing, analysis,
and assimilation of a wide variety of satellite, airborne, and
ground-based data. The Center produces numerous snow products for
the coterminous U.S., Alaska, and those portions of southern Canada
that drain into the U.S. The NOHRSC delivers these products electronically,
in near-real time, to numerous federal, state, and local agencies;
and to the public.
PERFORMANCE AND AWARENESS DIVISION
(W/OS5)
54-20-02-0000-05
WB0500
The Performance and Awareness Division (PAD)
consists of the Performance Branch (PB) and the Awareness Branch
(AB). The Division is responsible for ensuring the NWS remains
focused on customer and partner needs. The division assesses NWS
performance and customer satisfaction, measures the accuracy and
timeliness of NWS products, and conducts reviews following extreme
events to enhance effectiveness and promote efficiencies. PAD is
the liaison to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the 27
Federal Agencies supporting the Federal Response Plan, the 19 Federal
agencies that make up the Office of Science and Technology Policy's
Subcommittee for Natural Disaster Reduction, the emergency management
community, the media, non-government organizations such as the
American Red Cross, and volunteer groups to ensure a coordinated
response to extreme weather, water, and climatic events. The division
works with the above mentioned Federal agencies and other hazard
related organizations to create awareness and preparedness materials
to assist local officials and the public to prepare and respond
to warnings for extreme events. PAD works with the Operations and
Requirements Division to set policy on the delivery of services
through NWS and other dissemination systems to ensure NWS products
and services receive the necessary distribution. PAD is also a
conduit for government and private weather data and information
requests. PAD works with government attorneys and oversees preparation
of NWS statements and witnesses in support of major accident investigations
and weather-related litigation activities involving the Federal
government.
AWARENESS BRANCH (W/OS51)
54-20-02-0000-05-01
WB0510
The Awareness Branch (AB) provides guidance
and creates materials to apprize customers and partners of NWS
capabilities, educate them on how best to use available services,
ensure that NWS dissemination systems get information to those
who need it when they need it, and advise them on safety and preparedness
actions. The branch provides leadership and establishes policy
for the NWS awareness, preparedness, external warning coordination,
technical user education, dissemination and communication, and
customer notification programs.
In support of these activities, the branch
is the NWS point of contact for all Federal Response Plan issues
including coordinating national drills with FEMA, creating consistent
awareness and preparedness materials with other partnering Federal
Agencies and the American Red Cross, conducting seasonal awareness
campaigns to heighten public awareness and test media and community
warning systems, and conducting partner and customer forums with
all NWS user groups to identify needed service improvements. The
branch briefs senior NWS, NOAA, DOC, and White House officials
plus members of Congress and the media on NWS services during extreme
events. AB provides leadership and policy for the delivery of NWS
services through traditional and evolving dissemination systems
including NOAA Weather Radio, the Emergency Manager's Weather Information
Network, NOAA Port, the Family of Services, the Weather Wire, pagers,
the Local Data Access and Dissemination System, and state and local
redistribution networks.
The branch serves as the initial point of
contact for service related issues and directs concerns to the
appropriate OCWW+S program managers for resolution. The AB works
with the Office of Policy and Strategic Planning to articulate
the roles of the NWS versus the private hydrometeorological community
and to resolve public private sector issues. AB notifies customers
and partners of upcoming service changes and coordinate service
change within the agency.
PERFORMANCE BRANCH (W/OS52)
54-20-02-0000-05-02
WB0520
The Performance Branch (PB) provides the
foundation for all NWS service improvement activities by measuring
performance and assessing customer satisfaction with service delivery.
The branch provides the leadership and establishes policy for the
verification service assessment, customer satisfaction and forensic
services programs.
The verification program measures the accuracy
and timeliness of all NWS services including warnings and forecasts
for the public, aviation, marine, fire weather, and emergency management
communities. This provides a baseline for the establishment of
performance measures as mandated in the Government Performance
and Results Act. The NWS evaluation program uses teams established
at each NWS service delivery point to assess needed improvements.
The branch uses these finds to suggest national changes to OCWWS
program managers. Following extreme events, the branch fields teams
to assess the level of performance and make recommendations for
increased effectiveness and efficiencies. Many recommendations
affect NWS partners in the delivery of services including the media,
local officials, emergency managers, and private hydrometeorological
services. The branch works with contract organizations to create
customer satisfaction indices and assists OCWWS program managers
in translating results into service improvements.
The branch establishes policy for archiving
NWS data and products that are used by the public, weather sensitive
economic sectors, and academia for both research and legal purposes.
Information contained in the NWS natural hazards database is the
only official repository for natural hazard statistics and is used
by agencies such as FEMA, the EPA, USGS, and organizations such
as the Institute for Business and Home Safety to suggest mitigation
strategies. The branch provides policy on how the NWS should respond
to litigation requests and counsels employees before testimony
and depositions. Forensic support is also provided to the Justice
Department and the DOC General Counsel to prepare for weather related
legal cases and claims against the government.
TRAINING DIVISION (W/OS6)
54-20-02-0000-06
WB0600
The function of the Training Division is
to ensure NWS staff receives the training required to attain/maintain
proficiency in providing accurate and timely forecasts and warnings
to the public. The process for determining training requirements,
and effecting their implementation in a prioritized manner and
within available budgets, is specified by the NWS National Strategic
Training and Education Plan (NSTEP).
The Division staff at NWS Headquarters is
responsible for overall program control and administration. Their
functions include coordinating training requirements with the NSTEP
Field Requirements Group (FRG) on an annual cycle, organizing these
requirements within available budgets, advocating unfunded training
requirements to upper management for consideration, and working
with the entire NSTEP Team to ensure training techniques and technologies
are appropriate and upgraded as needed.
The Division articulates and distributes
training requirements to the NSTEP Heads of Training Group (HOTG)
via annual Implementation Plans for Training. The HOTG is comprised
of the three NWS training facilities, the NWS Training Center (NWSTC),
the NWS/Cooperative Program for Operational Meteorology, Education,
and Training (NWS/COMET) Branch, and the Warning Decision Training
Branch (WDTB). Once provided with requirements via the annual plans,
the HOTG assumes responsibility for developing and providing needed
training in the areas described therein.
Field Organization
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE TRAINING CENTER (W/OS61)
54-20-02-0000-06-91
WB9610
The primary mission of the National Weather
Service Training Center NWSTC is to provide professional and technical
training to enable NWS employees to reach optimum performance in
present assignments and future responsibilities. NWSTC develops
and teaches performance oriented courses for hydrometeorological
technicians, meteorologists, hydrologists, electronic technicians,
and managers. Other technical, administrative, management and supervisory
courses as specified by NWS and NOAA headquarters are taught as
well. NWSTC also serves as a consultant to answer questions for
NWS and NOAA offices. NWSTC's goal is to teach job-specific and
practical skills; integrate systems so the whole, instead of individual
parts of the problem can be recognized; emulate the NWS working
field environment; and provide students the ability to work and
experiment with concepts or equipment as part of learning. To accomplish
this mission, NWSTC is divided into two groups: The Engineering
and Electronics Training Section (EETS), and the Hydrometeorology
and Management Training Section (HMTS). Each teaches a wide range
of courses to provide quality job-related training.
ENGINEERING AND ELECTRONICS TRAINING SECTION (W/OS612)
54-20-02-0000-06-91-02
WB9612
The Engineering and Electronics Training
Section (EETS) presents maintenance courses on the highly specialized
equipment used by NWS such as, upper-air equipment, radar, surface
observing systems, radio transmitters and the console replacement
system. Other courses concentrate on developing proficiency in
various operating systems and computer languages for use in AWIPS
and other field systems which use computer systems to process and
provide data and information. Special courses to operate sophisticated
equipment, such as AWIPS, are also developed and taught.
METEOROLOGY AND MANAGEMENT TRAINING SECTION (W/OS611)
54-20-02-0000-06-91-01
WB9611
The Meteorology and Management Training
Section (MMTS) teaches a wide array of meteorological and hydrological
courses which specialize in new advances in technology and science,
explain meteorological concepts used in various forecasting scenarios,
use of new software, and speciality courses as they are needed.
Management and supervisory skills are taught through residence,
correspondence courses, and other specialized courses in cooperation
with other agencies. All courses are reviewed to ensure they agree
with NWS policy, operational procedures, and scientific accuracy.
NWS/COMET BRANCH (W/OS63)
54-20-02-0000-06-93
WB9630
The NWS's Cooperative Program for Operational
Meteorology, Education, and Training (COMET) Branch provides training
and education to operational personnel in areas related to hydrometeorological
science in order to fully utilize the benefits of the modernized
NWS. These goals are accomplished via two programmatic components--the
Outreach Program and the Training and Education Program.
The purpose of the NWS/COMET Outreach Program
is to advance applied research in mesoscale meteorology. The program
facilitates collaboration between the academic research community
and operational forecasters with a focus on developing partnerships
in applied operational research activities which depend on the
efforts and expertise of project participants.
The focus of the NWS/COMET Training and
Education Program is to offer a complete spectrum of scientific
education for operational forecasters. To accomplish this goal,
the program develops instruction using CD-ROM, teletraining, the
World Wide Web, computer-based learning modules, and case studies.
This is in addition to advanced scientific classes offered for
selected operational personnel at the COMET classroom in Boulder,
Colorado. Future plans for the program include enhancing education
in quantitative precipitation forecasting, integrated sensing,
mesoscale and micro scale phenomena, aviation weather hazards forecasting,
Climate prediction, hydrology, and public safety/emergency management.
WARNING DECISION TRAINING BRANCH (W/OS62)
54-20-02-0000-06-92
WB9620
The Warning Decision Training Branch (WDTB)
develops and delivers initial and advanced WSR-88D operator training
to improve skills, knowledge, and abilities of Government personnel
in applying Doppler radar-based observations to warnings and forecasts.
WDTB develops and delivers training materials for the data integration
environment brought about by AWIPS with emphasis on the use of
radar data in conjunction with other remote sensor data.
The main focus of the training is on the
warning process within a forecast office and includes warning decision
making, situation awareness, warning methodology, and office strategies.
Training is also developed and delivered for baseline software
changes and NEXRAD Product Improvement radar system changes. Training
is principally provided by distance learning methods (teletraining,
Internet, and computer-based modules on CD-ROM) as well as a limited
number of train-the-trainer workshops. These workshops provide
Scientific Operations Officers (SOOs), Focal Points, and Lead Forecasters
the latest information on new warning technology and science while
refining existing skills and fostering scientific discussions of
warning issues faced in a forecast office environment.
OBSERVING SERVICES DIVISION (W/OS7)
54-20-02-0000-07
WB0700
The Observing Services Division (OBSD) develops
and maintains plans, policies, procedures, and standards for Surface
and Upper Air observing services provided by, or requiring the
approval of NWS. OBSD manages the NWS Cooperative Observer Program.
OBSD monitors and ensures field operation compliance with established
policies, procedures and standards. It oversees the development
and implementation of observing systems and system enhancements
to ensure compliance with standards and applicability to service
requirements. The Division coordinates with the other OCWWS service
and operations divisions and leads one or more NWS cross-cut observing
IWTs in developing observation user requirements and defining agency
solutions. OBSD provides guidance to OOS and the office of Science
and Technology regarding their development of system functional
specifications, designs, prototypes and operational tests. OBSD
recommends changes in networks or facilities to meet data requirements;
and develops plans for implementation of operational data acquisition
systems. The Division monitors test programs, evaluates reports,
and submits recommendations on the adoption of equipment and procedures
for NWS use. In coordination with OOS elements, it identifies and
analyzes operational problems, develops proposals to remedy identified
deficiencies, and sets priorities for correcting deficiencies.
OFFICE OF SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(ST)
OFFICE OF THE DIRECTOR (W/ST)
54-20-05
WE0000
The Office of Science and Technology (OST)
plans, develops, demonstrates, and integrates scientific techniques
and system capabilities in response to service requirements of
National Weather Service warning and forecast operations at field
offices and national centers. The Office analyzes service requirements
and identifies and recommends potential system and scientific solutions.
In cooperation with other NWS elements and the research community,
the Office establishes and promotes science priorities in response
to weather, water, and climate program needs. The office formulates
and maintains a comprehensive research and development plan in
response to these priorities; conducts associated applied research
and development; and sponsors research and development at NOAA
laboratories and centers, universities, and private sector organizations.
The Office monitors and assesses advances in the relevant technologies
and plans infusion of new technology in response to service requirements
consistent with system architecture goals. OST conducts and/or
sponsors planning and design studies and analyses, prepares technical
specifications for selected systems and system interfaces, and
manages the acquisition of developmental systems and support services.
Special emphasis is given to observing systems to ensure in-situ
and remote sensing technologies provide the optimum benefit to
climate, water, and weather services.
The OST Principal Scientist is a recognized
expert in the scientific field(s) of climatology, meteorology,
and/or oceanography. Serves as a principal point of focus on issues
requiring definition from a scientific standpoint. Assists the
Director, OST, in defining broad areas of cutting edge research
and new technologies which provide office organizational direction
in research and development.
RESOURCE MANAGEMENT (STAFF) (W/STx1)
54-20-05
WE0000
The Resource Management Staff is responsible
for financial management and human and real property resource management
for all OST programs and organizational elements. Related organizational
functions include budget formulation and its programs; financial
resource allocation and status accounting; property inventory;
personnel training, performance, and awards; and office administration.
The staff works closely with NWS CFO/CIO/CAO staff to ensure organizational
and program activities adhere to established policies and procedures.
The staff prepares and presents status briefing and responses to
inquiries for the Director of OST and higher management, as required.
The staff office includes a Program Control Staff responsible for
ensuring programs are designed and developed in accordance with
established policies and standards, along with monitoring the performance
of all technology infusion programs. Related organizational functions
include scheduling and schedule tracking, identifying and monitoring
objective measures of program progress, and monitoring contractor
technical and financial performance.
PROGRAM AND PLANS DIVISION (W/ST1)
54-20-05-0000-01
WE0100
The Program and Plans Division (PPD) serves
as the primary organization for assessing technical opportunities
and alternatives, examining the feasibility and cost, proposing
solutions, and developing plans to meet service requirements set
forth by the OS. PPD also manages improvement and development programs
required to meet the goals of the NOAA and NWS Strategic Plans.
It carries out cross-program analyses and proposes policy for major
NWS Program activities to assure compatibility and consistency
in reaching individual program goals. It serves as the lead for
Product Improvement Program management for the AWIPS, NEXRAD, and
ASOS. It formulates plans for NOAA/NWS's integrated observing and
dissemination systems and in coordination with the CIO and other
NWS elements develops Information Technology Plans for OST programs.
The Division works with the broad scientific and technical communities,
internal and external to the government to seek opportunities to
meet service requirements. It leads high-level, inter-Line Office
scientific and technical discussions on issues facing NOAA for
research and development. The PPD works with the OS&T's Technology
Evolution and Meteorological Development Laboratories, other NWS
headquarters offices, NCEP, the NWS Regions, OAR and NESDIS, science
programs (e.g., U.S. Weather Research Program and U.S. Global Climate
Change Program), and universities in the execution of its duties.
Additionally, the Division participates in task teams set up to
cross-cut various service requirement issues and implementation
planning.
PROGRAM MANAGEMENT BRANCH (W/ST11)
54-20-05-0000-01-01
WE0110
The Program Management Branch (PMB) serves
as the primary organization for planning for the evolution of a
wide variety of systems, including product improvement for the
NEXRAD, AWIPS, and ASOS systems. It focuses on in-situ and remotely
sensed observing systems through Branch participation in the North
American Observing System (NAOS) Program, and other related NWS,
NOAA and other Federal agency activities. The Branch is involved
in planning for the development and enhancement of systems such
as the radiosonde, radar, polar and geostationary satellites, including
global positioning systems, ASOS, surface and meso-networks, cooperative
observers, aircraft, ships, buoys, profilers, and lightning detection
systems. Its prime focus will be to bring an integrated perspective
to the role of each system, identify new opportunities for measurement,
and plan for testing, demonstration, and evaluation activities
required, recommend tradeoffs, and present the case to management
for further implementation. The Branch is responsible for continuous
review and proposed revision of NWS dissemination plans in response
to new mission requirements, trends in the telecommunication industry,
and changes in NWS systems. The Branch establishes and maintains
mechanisms which provide the basis for decision making on the alternatives
and options available for specific observing system development.
It works with the Systems Engineering Center, other NWS Offices,
NOAA laboratories, NESDIS, and universities to arrange for appropriate
testing, coordination on planning and implementation issues, and
demonstration activities which will assist in formulating decisions
on system development.
SCIENCE PLANS BRANCH (W/ST12)
54-20-05-0000-01-02
WE0120
The Science Plans Branch (SPB) is responsible
for defining, planning, and supporting the execution and implementation
of science activities necessary to reach NWS product and service
improvement goals in a timely and efficient manner. This responsibility
involves working closely with other NWS units in particular, and
external groups when appropriate to define science requirements
and priorities, to explore and analyze the feasibility of various
science solutions, and to plan and coordinate the execution of
NOAA and external R&D to meet science requirements. Major activities
of the branch include collaboration with NOAA R&D units (including
NWS Offices and Laboratories and the NCEP/Environmental Modeling
Center) and the external community to bring emerging science into
operations, and to ensure that this science meets quality standards
before implementation. The Branch also promotes NWS Science priorities
and facilitates scientific exchange by serving as NWS focal points
for the external science community, by providing science leadership
in National Programs (e.g., U.S. Weather Research Program, etc.),
and by coordinating and managing NWS-sponsored external science
activities including those through the Collaborative Science, Technology
and Applied Research (CSTAR) Program, Cooperative Program for Operational
Meteorology, Education, and Training (COMET) Outreach Grants, U.S.
Weather Research Program, OAR laboratories, and NOAA Cooperative
Institutes.
Field Organization
METEOROLOGICAL DEVELOPMENT LABORATORY (W/ST2)
54-20-05-0000-92
WE9200
The Meteorological Development Laboratory
(MDL) conducts and sponsors applied research and development for
the improvement of diagnostic and prognostic weather information;
data depiction and utilization; warning and forecast product preparation;
and data and forecast evaluation. Projects involve modern physical,
dynamical, and statistical techniques implemented on operational
computers. Emphasis is placed on integrated suites of guidance
and final products for Weather Forecast Offices, River Forecast
Centers, and National Centers. The Laboratory collaborates with
other laboratories and centers within and outside of NOAA and actively
seeks to identify new techniques in response to NWS mission requirements.
The Laboratory provides meteorological support to other elements
of the Office of Science and Technology, as required.
MESOSCALE PREDICTION BRANCH (W/ST21)
54-20-05-0000-92-01
WE9210
The Mesoscale Prediction Branch conducts
applied research and development aimed at improving very short
range weather forecasting. Techniques are developed and refined
for producing automated analyses of data, especially from high
density data sets, that make maximum use of both spatial and temporal
qualities of the data. A full suite of guidance products is produced
for projections of an hour to a few hours. Emphasis is placed on
weather elements of importance to aviation including ceiling height,
visibility, cloud layer amount and height, and strong surface winds.
Numerical models targeted for use at WFOs are either developed
by the Branch or are adapted from other organizations and infused
into WFO operations and interpreted in terms of local weather and
WFO-produced products.
STATISTICAL MODELING BRANCH (W/ST22)
54-20-05-0000-92-02
WE9220
The Statistical Modeling Branch conducts
applied research and development aimed at producing a full suite
of meteorological weather analysis and guidance products for use
at Weather Forecast Offices (WFO); some products are also appropriate
for River Forecast Centers and National Centers. The forecast projections
of such products range from a few hours to several days. The weather
elements the guidance is produced for, the data and techniques
used, and frequency of production are appropriate to the forecast
projection. Emphasis is placed on high priority weather elements
including quantitative precipitation and turbulence at aircraft
flight level. Emphasis is also placed on weather elements of importance
to climate prediction. Numerical models specifically for forecasting
storm surge are developed and implemented. The Branch provides
the primary Science and Technology contact with other groups concerned
with the marine environment.
DECISION ASSISTANCE BRANCH (W/ST23)
54-20-05-0000-92-03
WE9230
The Decision Assistance Branch develops
and implements techniques to synthesize, display, and manipulate
data and guidance from various sources to aid the Weather Forecast
Office (WFO), River Forecast Center and National Center forecasters
and other users in interpreting the wealth of information available
at the WFO. Such methods and displays incorporate algorithms from
other laboratories as well as those developed in the Meteorological
Development Laboratory, and lead the forecaster through a decision
process appropriate for the specific weather situation being addressed.
Such advanced interpretation and display techniques are integrated
onto NWS operational workstations. Techniques for automatically
monitoring weather observations and forecasts are developed and
implemented to alert the forecaster of the need to update warning
and forecast products, especially for dangerous weather. Prototyping
of promising techniques in an operational setting is done to identify
those best suited for implementation.
PRODUCT GENERATION BRANCH (W/ST24)
54-20-05-0000-92-04
WE9240
The Product Generation Branch explores,
develops, and implements techniques for use at field offices and
National Centers in generating user products. Products include
compilations of current observations; watches and warnings; and
public, aviation, marine, and fire weather forecasts. Sophisticated
techniques for interactively modifying guidance to produce the
official forecasts are developed and implemented. Techniques are
developed to facilitate the coordination of forecasts across the
boundaries between areas of responsibility. Prototyping of promising
techniques is done to identify those best for implementation. All
such techniques are implemented in software on NWS operational
platforms and maintained as those systems evolve.
EVALUATION BRANCH (W/ST25)
54-20-05-0000-92-05
WE9250
The Evaluation Branch assists the Agency
in evaluating data quality, models, and forecasts. Techniques are
developed for assessing the quality of observations from various
sources, including ASOS and cooperative networks. Archives of observations
and forecasts are used to produce verification scores to support
the National Verification Program. Analysis and forecast techniques
and models developed within the Laboratory or in other NOAA organizations,
universities, or the private sector are evaluated in terms of quality
of forecasts and resource requirements for possible inclusion in
the AWIPS software suite. Specialized studies are conducted to
support service assessments carried out by other NWS organizations
and to assess societal impacts of use of forecasts and of forecast
improvements.
SYSTEMS ENGINEERING CENTER (W/ST3)
54-20-05-0000-93
WE9300
The Systems Engineering Center (SEC) manages
and conducts systems engineering, development, integration, and
testing supporting the NOAA systems architecture to meet the objectives
of NOAA and NWS Information Technology Plans. It provides the principle
NWS systems engineering leadership and is responsible for implementation
of applicable aspects of the NWS architecture defined by the Chief
Information Officer. It approves all engineering changes to existing
systems, leads reviews of current systems' performance, and identifies
needs for system modifications. The Center reviews and evaluates
new technology to determine its applicability to unmet requirements,
and its potential for increased efficiency and future cost avoidance.
It leads multi-office assessments of proposed system enhancements
to determine performance impacts/requirements, support of the target
architecture, projected development and life cycle cost, and benefit
to mission needs. The Center manages the development of enhancements
to NWS systems including AWIPS, ASOS, and NEXRAD, and directs risk
reduction activities to ensure development efforts match operational
needs. It develops and maintains the human and physical infrastructures
necessary for successful technology development activities.
ANALYSIS BRANCH (W/ST31)
54-20-05-0000-93-01
WE9310
The Analysis Branch analyzes, designs, develops,
procures, and tests proposed new systems or modifications in support
of the NWS mission and architecture. It applies systems engineering
expertise to NWS information processing, environmental sensing,
communications, software development, configuration management,
system performance testing, and life cycle support preparation.
The Branch conducts technical assessments of proposed enhancements
to determine feasibility, cost, schedule, and impact to existing
systems; defines and manages risk reduction activities; defines
and manages system interfaces and related documentation; and specifies
and procures developmental systems, system enhancements, and support
services. The Branch's scope includes all systems supporting the
NWS systems architecture with special emphasis on field operations
and the communications networks which interconnect them. The Branch
collaborates with other Office of Science and Technology elements,
other Weather Service Headquarters offices, the National Centers
for Environmental Prediction, other NOAA offices and laboratories,
and other federal agencies.
DEVELOPMENT BRANCH (W/ST32)
54-20-05-0000-93-02
WE9320
The Development Branch is responsible for
all development activities needed to complete major system enhancements
through development and demonstration. The emphasis is on AWIPS,
NEXRAD, and ASOS systems. Working with NOAA and NWS offices, laboratories
and contractors, the Branch develops detailed system specifications,
schedules, work assignments, project reviews, and metrics. The
Branch proposes new projects in response to mission requirements
and architectural objects, and to leverage technological opportunities
for improved operational effectiveness. The Branch's scope includes
all new development and enhancement of algorithms, sensors, processing
hardware, software, and communications subsystems. The Branch collaborates
closely with the Product Improvement Managers to ensure that development
efforts are consistent with program goals and objectives; and collaborates
with the OS, the Office of Hydrological Development, and field
representatives to ensure proposed products and functional capabilities
are consistent with operational concepts. The Branch collaborates
closely with the Office of Operational Systems to define and execute
an effective sensor test program at multiple OOS test facilities.
The Branch supports the OOS in formal Systems Acceptance Testing,
Operational Test and Evaluation, documentation, training and implementation.
The Branch works closely with the Systems Engineering Branch to
implement the target NWS systems architecture; including allocation
of functional requirements, management of processing resources,
and technical assessments of feasibility, cost, schedule, and impacts
to existing systems. Additionally, the team interacts with industry
and weather services of foreign countries to exchange observing
and processing technological information.
SUPPORT BRANCH (W/ST33)
54-20-05-0000-93-03
WE9330
The Support Branch provides all technical
support for developmental activities of the Office of Science and
Technology. This support includes change and configuration management
activities, development system administration and support, development
of operational user's guidance and system technical documentation,
and implementation planning support. The Branch is responsible
for maintaining a development and test facility to support AWIPS
and NEXRAD development activities, and collaborates with cooperating
development organizations (such as the Forecast Systems Laboratory,
the National Centers for Environmental Prediction, and the AWIPS
prime contractor) to facilitate testing of mutual benefit. Additionally,
the Branch collaborates closely with the Office of Operational
Systems to maximize the mutual benefit to be gained from their
combined testing assets and facilities.
OFFICE OF HYDROLOGIC DEVELOPMENT
(W/OHD)
OFFICE OF THE DIRECTOR (W/OHD)
54-20-03
WC0000
The Office of Hydrologic Development (OHD)
serves as the primary interface between the National Weather Service
(NWS) Headquarters and technical aspects of NWS hydrologic programs.
The Office, in cooperation with other NWS Headquarters offices,
identifies requirements for the development, testing, and support
of hydrologic forecast algorithms/tools and hydrologic data to
improve efficiency and effectiveness of NWS hydrologic operations
and services. Based upon these requirements, the Office develops
plans and coordinates their implementation with the Hydrology Laboratory
(HL). The Office provides oversight management of HL, provides
program management for the development and implementation of these
technologies, and serves as advisor and consultant to the Assistant
Administrator for Weather Services on scientific and technical
hydrologic matters, both nationally and internationally.
The OHD Principal Scientist is a recognized
expert in the scientific field(s) of hydrology, hydrometeorology,
engineering, and/or water resource management. As such, the office
acts as a principal point of focus on issues requiring definition
from a scientific standpoint. The office assists the Director,
OHD, in defining broad areas of cutting edge research and new technologies
which provide office and organizational direction in research and
development.
RESOURCE MANAGEMENT (STAFF)(W/OHDx1)
54-20-03
WC0000
The Resource Management Staff is responsible
for financial management of all OHD programs and organizational
elements, and human and real property resource management. Related
organizational functions include budget formulation for OHD and
its programs; financial resource allocation and accounting; property
control and accounting; personnel training, performance and awards;
and office administration. The staff works closely with CFO/CIO
staff to ensure organization and program activities adhere to established
policies and procedures. The staff prepares and presents status
briefings and responses to inquiries for the Director, OHD and
higher management as required.
Field Organization
HYDROLOGY LABORATORY (W/OHD1)
54-20-03-0000-91
WC9100
The Hydrology Laboratory (HL) provides and
supports centrally developed NWS hydrologic application software,
analysis techniques and tools, and data products. The HL coordinates
development of applications at River Forecast Centers. In cooperation
with other NWS offices, HL transforms program level requirements
into user and implementation level requirements. It applies the
sciences of hydrology, hydrometeorology, and hydraulics to develop
analysis tools and techniques. In cooperation with other NWS offices,
it delivers analysis tools and techniques in the form of software
applications to be used by Weather Forecast Offices and River Forecast
Centers to fulfill program level requirements. The HL develops
and maintains systems for providing ground based data products
and remotely sensed snow water equivalent and snow cover data products
to NWS operations. The HL provides the probable maximum precipitation
and rainfall intensity/frequency/duration estimates that are used
as U.S. design standards.
HYDROLOGIC SOFTWARE ENGINEERING BRANCH (W/OHD11)
54-20-03-0000-91-01
WC9110
The Hydrologic Software Engineering Branch
(HSEB), prepares implementation level requirements for and implements,
tests, documents, controls, and maintains applications and database
software to be used by field offices to conduct the hydrologic
services program. HSEB establishes the processes used within the
HL for software and database engineering and is responsible for
quality assurance of software developed in the HL. The HSEB maintains
the workstation and desktop software development and office automation
environment of the Hydrology Laboratory and the OHD. The HSEB coordinates
development of applications at RFCs.
HYDROLOGIC SCIENCE AND MODELING BRANCH (W/OHD12)
54-20-03-0000-91-02
WC9120
The Hydrologic Science and Modeling Branch
(HSMB) applies the sciences of hydrology, hydrometeorology, and
hydraulics to NWS systems. It works with other components of the
HL to apply these sciences to application software and data products
developed within the HL and as a consultant to other NWS organizations.
The HSMB works with research and development organizations in the
government, private, and academic sectors to advance and secure
the science necessary for the conduct of the hydrologic services
program. HSMB applies its scientific expertise to training material
developed cooperatively with the OS and OST.
HYDROLOGIC DATA SYSTEMS BRANCH (W/OHD13)
54-20-03-0000-91-03
WC9130
The Hydrologic Data Systems Branch (HDSB)
develops, maintains, and provides user support for data collection
systems and prepares data products for use both in NWS operations
and by external users. HDSB provides access to historical data
for use in calibration of hydrologic models and development of
hydrometeorologic techniques as well as ensuring the capture and
provision of needed data not collected by other agencies. Within
the HDSB the Hydrometeorologic Design Studies Center (HDSC) prepares
and publishes U.S. design standards and estimates on behalf of
the Federal Government, for probable maximum precipitation and
precipitation frequencies.
OFFICE OF OPERATIONAL SYSTEMS
(W/OPS)
OFFICE OF THE DIRECTOR (W/OPS)
54-20-06
WG0000
The Office of Operational Systems (OOS)
manages operational weather systems. It provides system engineering,
software management, facilities engineering services, communications,
and logistical services. It supports Department of Defense, and
Federal Aviation Administration weather radars. Develops policy
for implementation, operations, support, and evaluation of operational
weather systems. Provides depot reconditioning and logistics support
and develop maintenance policy and guidance for the triagency weather
radar and Automated Surface Observing System as well as for all
NWS-only systems. It conducts integrated planning for the operation
and support of operational weather systems and represents the National
Weather Service on related issues at international and interagency
organizations and forums. The Office also provide comprehensive
configuration management and testing of triagency and NWS systems
and upgrades.
RESOURCE MANAGEMENT (STAFF) (W/OPSx1)
54-20-06
WG0000
The Resource Management staff formulates
and executes the Office operating budget. It provides short-term
and strategic planning for field implementation, operations, support,
and evaluation of operational weather systems. It manages administration
of Office operations including training, performance plans, awards,
property management et al. It develops integrated systems management
policies and plans for operational hydrometeorological and telecommunications
systems both in the field and in WSH. It prepares and conducts
comprehensive technical reviews of OOS programs; develops and implements
comprehensive budgets for operations and maintenance of operational
weather systems; and plans and coordinates OOS support of systems
owned by other agencies. It conducts studies and manages special
projects that cross-cut NWS systems operations. Manage interagency
and non-Federal memoranda of agreements. Major focal point for
coordinating regional concerns/issues. Develop plans for integrating
new systems into field operations and information technology activities,
including understanding technological improvements to fielded and
future systems. Perform operations research to improve or enhance
field and OOS operations. Supports the preparation and coordination
of requirements initiatives and supporting programmatic documentation
for budget initiatives. Prepares input for the Strategic Plan,
NOAA, NWS, and OOS Implementation Plans, and mission-related activities.
Manages the Management Information System. Serves as liaison to
federal and non-federal committees and organizations where OOS
representation is required.
OPERATIONS DIVISION (W/OPS1)
54-20-06-0000-01
WG0100
The Operations Division provides fundamental
engineering and acquisition services for improvement of operational
NWS systems. It develops maintenance, logistics, acquisition, engineering,
configuration management, and safety/environmental compliance policies,
procedures, and directives. It provides integrated planning for
field evaluation, implementation, operation, and support of operational
observing systems, weather information systems, communications
systems, and system interfaces. The Division plans and performs
system acceptance and integration testing to simulate actual operating
conditions and evaluate pre-field operational performance of modifications,
enhancements, upgrades, and replacements. It plans and conducts
field site testing to assure proper operation of system changes
in a field environment prior to national implementation. The Division
establishes both field and depot level maintenance policy and procedures,
and plans NWS integrated logistics support for operational weather
systems and NWS facilities. It insures essential logistics stock
is available for deployed weather systems for field offices, the
U.S. military, and the Federal Aviation Administration.
ENGINEERING AND ACQUISITION BRANCH (W/OPS11)
54-20-06-0000-01-01
WG0110
The Engineering and Acquisition Branch serves
as the primary engineering focal point for operational implementation
of new methodologies. In support of operations, it establishes
measured performance baselines for the operational employment of
atmospheric and surface sensors and data collection devices. The
Branch serves as the primary source of design and test information
during the development of operational methodologies, conducts design
feasibility and functional analyses, renders specialized seasonal
and regional assistance, assesses operational employment changes,
and develops techniques to streamline work load. Existing equipment
designs are modified to increase operating personnel safety, reduce
preventive maintenance and corrective maintenance actions, and
lower life-cycle performance variations. In support of modernization
and sustaining performance programs, the Branch conducts engineering
analyses to translate operational methodologies or meteorological
requirements into technical descriptions for new electro-mechanical
systems, or enhancements to existing systems. Analyses form the
basis for program formulation and acquisition strategies. The Branch
develops specifications for equipment acquisition or modifications
for integration into operational equipment. Branch personnel may
act as acquisition program managers, Contracting Officer's Technical
Representative, contract managers, or as technical consultants
to evaluate commercial and private sources of supply; review manufacturer's
proposals; ensure compliance with operational concepts and contractual
requirements; coordinate logistics; maintenance and training functions;
develop installation and transition plans; and assess system performance
after implementation. The Branch provides redesign, reprocurement
drafting, and technical support for all NWS equipment programs.
MAINTENANCE BRANCH (W/OPS12)
54-20-06-0000-01-02
WG0120
The Maintenance Branch develops and establishes
National Weather Service and multi-agency wide electronics maintenance
policies and directives. Serves as the primary NWS focal point
for engineering support of all mission critical operational systems
and equipment. Monitors the performance of NWS systems maintenance
programs; develops maintenance support plans, policies, and directives;
manages the systems maintenance quality assurance program; writes
specifications for contract maintenance; and provides oversight
on maintenance contracts. Promotes and oversees technical and professional
development of field electronics and computer specialist staff.
Conducts computer-based maintenance modeling, trade off and cost-benefit
studies, and in-house versus contract support analyses. Maintenance
policies and directives are maintained in weather service operations
manual chapters, engineering handbooks, maintenance notes, and
modification instructions. Supports factory inspection and acceptance
of supportability modifications, provides technical assistance
to field electronics and computer specialist staff.
CONFIGURATION BRANCH (W/OPS13)
54-20-06-0000-01-03
WG0130
The Configuration Branch develops national
configuration management policies and guidance and establishes
configuration baseline information for operational systems. Provides
guidance and directs CM requirements for all NWS operational systems.
Directs product identification, configuration control, auditing,
and status accounting for all systems that are under formal configuration
management processes. Establishes and enforces configuration management
policy, reviews configuration changes, supports and performs baseline
documentation validation, performs site-specific impact analysis
of proposed changes, assures proper identification schemes are
applied, validates changes through audit processes, and creates
ad hoc reports to assist with management decisions. Operates and
maintains the Engineering Management Reporting System, the Configuration
Management Information System, and the National Weather Service
Location Identifier system.
LOGISTICS BRANCH (W/OPS14)
54-20-06-0000-01-04
WG0140
The Logistics Branch provides overall management
of the NWS logistics program. Responsibilities include developing
national logistics policy and guidance; integrated logistics support
planning for new systems; inventory management; procurement initiation;
repair ordering; cataloging; source, maintenance, and recovery
coding; modifications; customer support and obsolescence programs.
It implements computerized systems that interface with military
and Governmental systems for logistics data, parts issues, parts
receipts and funds transfers. The Branch is the NWS focal point
for multi-agency logistics management and serves as a designated
Primary Inventory Control Activity (PICA) for the Department of
Defense and the Federal Aviation Administration on NEXRAD and ASOS
programs.
FACILITIES MANAGEMENT BRANCH (W/OPS15)
54-20-06-0000-01-05
WG0150
The Facilities Management Branch develops
policies and standards for facilities modernization and maintenance,
safety and environmental compliance, prepares and defends budgets,
maintains records and performs analyses. The Branch formulates
and manages major facilities projects affecting WFOs, RFCs and
National Centers, and manages completion of WFO construction and
retrofit of previously-built facilities. It establishes national
level safety and environmental compliance programs, policies, and
procedures. It develops policies and procedures for facilities
maintenance and replacement, provides centralized engineering,
and acquisition support for common systems and other NWS programs,
and manages national contracts. It reviews and evaluates regional
maintenance plans; allocates funding; maintains workload and estimating
models; manages the computerized facilities maintenance management
system; and performs analyses to optimize life-cycle costs and
performance. The Branch manages the Sterling, VA facilities program.
Field Organization
NATIONAL RECONDITIONING CENTER (W/OPS16)
54-20-06-0009-01-06
WG0160
The National Reconditioning Center provides
depot-level repair, reconditioning, and modifications; conducts
quality assurance testing, inspection, and acceptance for depot
stock. It ensures essential logistics stock of the National Weather
Service is made available in a cost-effective manner for issue
to National Weather Service field offices, the U.S. Military, and
Federal Aviation Administration. The Center provides logistics
and depot maintenance planning for proposed systems, and provides
complete logistics management and supply support for all operational
systems. It also maintains operations in the following areas: technical
support of automatic test equipment and computer support systems;
procurement and accounting for purchases of new items and repair
services; staging operations for equipment processing and distribution;
and performs engineering studies and cost analyses.
TECHNICAL INSPECTION AND MATERIAL RECEPTION BRANCH (W/OPS161)
54-20-06-0000-01-96-01
WG9161
The Technical Inspection and Material Reception
Branch provides quality assurance testing, technical inspection
and material receipt acceptance for all NWS equipment and supplies
intended for warehouse stock. The Section ensures technical stock
meets procurement specifications and functional requirements of
the National Weather Service including accuracy requirements. It
is the point of Government acceptance for newly purchased or contractor
repaired/reconditioned stock. The section maintains a laboratory
with field equipment, special chambers, and general test equipment.
It prepares quality assurance and technical inspection procedures;
performs technical studies on deficiencies; and recommends actions
for specification or engineering changes.
WEATHER SYSTEMS REPAIR BRANCH (W/OPS162)
54-20-06-0000-01-96-02
WG9162
The Weather Systems Repair Branch provides
depot level repair, reconditioning and modification of National
Weather Service field equipment or weather equipment of the Department
of Transportation to restore it to like new operating condition.
The Section also performs equipment shipping and receiving, inventory
management and tracking, warranty tracking, equipment excessing
and first-look maintenance functions for equipment that may be
contractor repaired. It conducts studies to determine most cost-effective
approaches to in-house or contract repair. The section maintains
a laboratory with test beds, general test equipment and Automatic
Test Equipment for effecting repairs. It develops depot level repair
procedures, including Automatic Test Procedures. It identifies
and investigates high failure rate components, tests and develops
proposed engineering enhancements, and makes cost-effective recommendations
for replacing/enhancing the components.
NEXRAD REPAIR BRANCH (W/OPS163)
54-20-06-0000-01-96-03
WG9163
The NEXRAD Repair Section provides depot
level repair, reconditioning and modification of National Weather
Service Doppler weather radar equipment or similar equipment used
by the Departments of Defense and Transportation to restore it
to like new operating condition. Test equipment used in support
of National Weather Service field operations is also repaired and
calibrated on a contract basis. The Section provides first-look
maintenance for equipment that may be contractor repaired. Studies
are conducted to determine the most cost-effective approach for
repair, i.e. in-house versus contract repair. The Section also
maintains a laboratory with test beds, general test equipment and
extensive Automatic Test Equipment for effecting repairs. It develops
depot level repair procedures, including Automatic Test Procedures.
It identifies and investigates high failure rate components, tests
and develops proposed engineering enhancements, and makes cost-effective
recommendations for replacing/enhancing the components.
FIELD SYSTEMS OPERATIONS CENTER
(W/OPS2)
54-20-06-0000-92
WG9200
The Field Systems Operations Center provides
overall National Weather Service management, direction, systems
operations support, and software engineering for operational surface
and upper air observing systems, Advanced Weather Interactive Processing
System (AWIPS) and other weather information processing systems,
and their system interfaces. It implements systems throughout the
NWS. It serves as the principal management liaison with the regions
and field offices for their systems operations support and site
systems management activities and provides operations requirements
for planned improvements to field systems. It develops operating
standards, procedures, and documentation; manages quality control
of surface and upper air observations; and represents the NWS at
international and interagency organizations and forums. It designs,
develops, maintains, and documents software for NWS field operational
weather systems and develops special equipment and network systems
applications.
AWIPS SUPPORT BRANCH (W/OPS21)
54-20-06-0000-92-01
WG9210
The AWIPS Support Branch provides operations
support for the AWIPS program. This includes operations and maintenance
budget formulation and provision of COTR services for the prime
operations and maintenance support contract. It prepares and coordinates
system guidance to the field and prepares installation procedures.
It is the principal liaison with the regions and field offices
for their systems operations support and site system management
activities. On a continuing basis, works with the Network Control
Facility staff to diagnose site operations problems and to coordinate
corrective actions and notification of the field sites of the problem
resolution. Is responsible for the validation and testing of major
AWIPS software release installation procedures and providing Software
Installation Manager services. Provides technical support to NOAAPORT
and AWIPS local data acquisition and dissemination interface specifications
and procedures development in coordination with the Engineering,
Logistics, and Acquisition Division and Office of Science and Technology.
The Branch is responsible for developing AWIPS system operations
directives for use by the NWS field staff. Represents OOS in the
coordination with the Offices of Services, Science and Technology,
and Hydrologic Development for the changes in the requirements
for AWIPS system operations and its planned product improvements.
OBSERVING SYSTEMS BRANCH (W/OPS22)
54-20-06-0000-92-02
WG9220
The Observing Systems Branch serves as the
primary office for supporting upper air and observing systems and
related computer processing systems. It is responsible for the
management of operational implementation and commissioning of new
observing and related computer systems as well as enhancements
to existing systems. The Branch develops procedures for ensuring
an effective transition of these systems into field operations.
It maintains performance measures regarding operation of field
systems, and serves as the focus for coordinating problems and
issues with operational observing systems through interaction with
regional/field/WSH units. The Branch maintains a record of network
configurations, and monitors the reporting of station histories.
The Branch ensures proper logistics and maintenance procedures
are in place to sustain operation of field systems.
SOFTWARE BRANCH (W/OPS23)
54-20-06-0000-92-03
WG9230
The Software Branch provides technical software
services in support of NWS field operations. These services include
development of software enhancements and maintenance fixes for
existing NWS observation and dissemination systems, supports development
of new software systems, providing software technical support to
field users, and general user software support. The Branch supports
development of innovative computers, communications, and network
systems that provide cost-effective means for dissemination of
NWS products, collection of weather observations, or internal data
distribution. Responsibilities include maintaining core knowledge
of current technology in computers, communications, networking,
software development, computer operating systems, and computer
languages.
TEST AND EVALUATION BRANCH (W/OPS24)
54-20-06-0000-92-04
WG9240
The Test and Evaluation Branch is responsible
for system acceptance testing and field/operational testing of
new systems or modifications to existing operational systems prior
to field deployment in support of NWS meteorological and hydrologic
operations and services. The Branch specifically has responsibility
for independent testing of "in-house" developed improvements; and
for Operational Test and Evaluation (OT&E) at a limited number
of operational sites prior to integration into NWS operations and
services. The Branch conducts system acceptance tests of "in-house" developed
software for functional capabilities in a simulated operational
environmental/test bed. The Branch develops official test plans
documenting test configurations; limitations/boundaries; test schedules;
test team structure and responsibilities; evaluation methodology
and criteria; and test procedures and surveys. The Branch prepares
test reports documenting test results, conclusions and recommendations.
TELECOMMUNICATION OPERATIONS
CENTER (W/OPS3)
54-20-06-0000-93
WG9300
The Telecommunication Operations Center
maintains, operates, and develops enhancements to the National
Weather Service Telecommunication Gateway (NWSTG), supports the
major NCEP network connectivity, initiates communication acquisitions,
and manages telecommunication networks and facilities to meet the
mission of the NWS in national and international communication
connectivity areas. The operation of the NWSTG includes central
performance monitoring, data exchange activities, AWIPS Network
Control Facilities operations, and systems management. The NWSTG
is a 24 hour a day 7 days a week operation. The Center develops
telecommunication and dissemination systems and associated software
which includes local area networks design and development, system
operations, server services, major data switching services, communication
service acquisition, systems and LAN security, systems configuration
change management, and data flow management of major centralized
automated dissemination systems. The TOC operates the resources
used to perform the functions of the WMO Regional Telecommunications
Hub of the Global Telecommunication System (GTS), the aviation
weather communication dissemination functions of the ICAO World
Area Forecast System, and serves as the communications interface
between both the AWIPS NCF systems and the NCEP remote system LAN
resources and also serves with all other major government organizations
and the general public.
OPERATIONS SUPPORT AND PERFORMANCE MONITORING BRANCH (W/OPS31)
54-20-06-0000-93-01
WG9310
The Operations Support and Performance Monitoring
Branch measures the performance of the major switching and data
exchange systems, supports NWSTG physical facility operations and
changes, and provides hardware maintenance for the systems and
components, plans and implements changes to the system hardware
suite. The TOC systems configuration change activities are controlled
by this staff. The security management of the NWS major systems
are accomplished by this branch, including AWIPS WAN and firewall
policy. Manages the contract support of the AWIPS Network Control
Facility and NOAAPORT services.
DATA DISSEMINATION BRANCH (W/OPS32)
54-20-06-0000-93-02
WG9320
The Data Dissemination Branch provides national
program management for the NOAA Weather Wire Service, the NOAA
Weather Radio, and the International Satellite Communication System
programs. Manages the NWS Family of Services program. Performs
data management and system and performance analysis for all NWS
Telecommunication Gateway dissemination systems. Maintains the
Gateway master switching directory which controls the data content
exchange of all communication links. This Branch supports national
and international NWS activities in data and products codes, and
establishes and administers meteorological and hydrological product
identification headers based on national and international standards.
The Branch conducts the monitoring of the exchange of data on the
GTS under the direction of the WMO.
TELECOMMUNICATION GATEWAY OPERATIONS BRANCH (W/OPS33)
54-20-06-0000-93-03
WG9330
The Telecommunication Gateway Operations
Branch operates the systems of the NWSTG including the AOMC, the
Gateway, SMCC, and the Gateway Tech Control center on a 24 hour
- 7 day a week basis. It monitors all communications of the various
major dissemination systems. It operates the Regional Telecommunications
Hub of the Global Telecommunication System in support of the WMO
World Weather Watch program for the NWS, the ICAO OPMET Data Bank
and ISCS Broadcast for the FAA, and server services. Provides Help
Desk services.
TELECOMMUNICATION SOFTWARE BRANCH (W/OPS34)
54-20-06-0000-93-04
WG9340
The Telecommunication Software Branch designs,
develops, and implements the software of the Gateway, including
the server services. Designs the system configurations and enhancements
to the Gateway, server services, and networks of the NWSTG. The
architectural design changes of the file and web services are also
developed and implemented by this branch. Researches and proposes
designs for hardware and software, configures the hardware and
software to meet telecommunication standards, international data
and product format standards, LAN server configurations, and FTP
and HTTP Web standards.
TELECOMMUNICATION INFRASTRUCTURE BRANCH (W/OPS35)
54-20-06-0000-93-05
WG9350
The Telecommunication Infrastructure Branch
provides acquisition and management of telecommunication facilities
and services needed to support the extensive national and international
data exchange operations of the NWS. This Branch provides support
for the Center and all NWS-wide communications. Plans and acquires
both national communication networks and international network
facilities directly under contract by the NWS. Provides administrative
and financial management for telecommunication services. The Branch
establishes cooperative agreements with other Government agencies
to share telecommunication facilities.
RADAR OPERATIONS CENTER (W/OPS4)
54-20-06-0000-94
WG9400
The Radar Operations Center provides life-cycle
support for the tri-agency radar network. It coordinates operating
policies for the Doppler weather surveillance radar (WSR-88D) and
provides centralized management and control of support to fielded
equipment operated by the NWS, the U.S. Air Force, the U.S. Navy,
U.S. Army, and the FAA. The Center is responsible for resolution
of technical and operational anomalies and implementation of hardware,
software, and algorithm improvements necessary to meet mission
requirements for system performance and availability. It identifies
technical requirements in response to mission needs; evaluates,
develops, tests, and implements solutions to requests for change;
maintains the WSR-88D baseline; and ensures system integrity. The
Center coordinates support requirements for fielded systems including
field and depot-level maintenance and technical data management
with tri-agency engineering and logistics support organizations.
It plans and manages near-term technical transfer activities and
long-term system improvement work to meet unmet technical needs.
OPERATIONS BRANCH (W/OPS41)
54-20-06-0000-94-01
WG9410
The Operations Branch provides continuous,
comprehensive technical guidance and consultation on all aspects
of WSR-88D operations, applications, network communications and
maintenance to all sites worldwide through the WSR-88D hotline.
The Branch provides on-site depot-level corrective maintenance,
on-site restorative assistance for complex system problems, and
assistance in optimizing system performance. It administers contract
support services, warranty, and mobile depot-level preventive maintenance
to field sites. It maintains, schedules, operates, and controls
the configuration of the OSF's WSR-88D test bed systems. It conducts
formal system, operational, and beta tests of system software and
hardware enhancements. It also supports the kit proofing of hardware
modifications. The Branch collects and analyzes system status and
performance data from field sites and monitors the collection of
archived data sets from field sites.
PROGRAM BRANCH (W/OPS42)
54-20-06-0000-94-02
WG9420
The Program Branch performs WSR-88D baseline
hardware and software configuration management functions, generates
and issues technical documentation, deploys software and map releases,
manages the modification and retrofit program including the procurement
of kits, provides project tracking and contract monitoring, and
resolves WSR-88D safety and environmental issues. Evaluates proposed
hardware and software changes for impact to logistics support,
system documentation, baseline configuration, cost, and schedule.
The Branch conducts tri-agency Configuration Control Board activities
and administers proposed system changes. The Branch develops, validates,
publishes, and distributes operations and field/depot-level maintenance
technical manuals. It also provides information resource management
in support of WSR-88D operational data bases.
ENGINEERING BRANCH (W/OPS43)
54-20-06-0000-94-03
WG9430
The Engineering Branch provides sustaining
engineering to correct deficiencies and address hardware obsolescence.
It provides project management for changes to the WSR-88D system
and associated interfaces. This includes developing engineering
change proposals, configuration change requests, technical documentation,
and test plans; identifying resource requirements; and developing
implementation schedules. It maintains design integrity by analyzing,
designing, developing, prototyping, integrating, testing, and documenting
system changes required to meet user requirements and correct deficiencies.
It develops and maintains WSR-88D baseline applications and support
software. This includes managing the process to define software
build content, estimating costs, and conducting preliminary and
critical design reviews for software changes. The Branch also manages
the development and implementation of long-term system improvements
to the software and hardware to meet WSR-88D mission needs.
APPLICATIONS BRANCH (W/OPS44)
54-20-06-0000-94-04
WG9440
The Applications Branch identifies, validates,
and implements new operational algorithms to meet new and existing
mission requirements; consolidates and prioritizes unmet meteorological
algorithm and weather product mission needs; recommends operational
applications for emerging technology; develops, tests, optimizes,
and validates meteorological algorithms; and optimizes meteorological
algorithm adaptable parameter values. The Branch manages: portions
of the WSR-88D Common Operations and Development Environment; near-term
technical transfer activities and long-term system software improvement
work to meet the WSR-88D mission needs; and portions of the Federal
Meteorological Handbook, FMH-11.
NATIONAL DATA BUOY CENTER (W/OPS5)
54-20-06-0000-95
WG9500
The National Data Buoy Center manages the
development, operations, and maintenance of the national data buoy
network. It serves as the NOAA focal point for data buoy and associated
meteorological and environmental monitoring technology. It provides
high quality meteorological/environmental data in real time from
automated observing systems that include buoys and a Coastal-Marine
Automated Network (C-MAN) in the open ocean and coastal zone surrounding
the United States. It provides engineering support, including applications
development, and manages data buoy deployment and operations, and
installation and operation of automated observing systems installed
on fixed platforms. It manages the Volunteer Observing Ship (VOS)
program to acquire additional meteorological and oceanographic
observations supporting NWS mission requirements. It operates the
NWS test center for all surface sensor systems. It also maintains
the capability to support operational and research programs of
NOAA and other national and international organizations.
ENGINEERING BRANCH (W/OPS51)
54-20-06-0000-95-01
WG9510
The Engineering Branch provides life-cycle
engineering support for NDBC data acquisition and distribution
systems. It manages systems engineering, test and development,
data processing and dissemination. It conducts directed development
or studies for equipment replacement and technology refreshment;
evaluates emerging technologies; and assesses their potential application
to long-term operation in the marine environment. It manages the
structured process to transfer new equipment or capabilities into
the operational network. The Branch manages NDBC information resources,
and identifies and coordinates information technology (IT) requirements.
It manages data products, scientific and business decision support
systems, and defines requirements for NDBC IT systems. It is responsible
for IT systems interfaces with all elements of the NDBC data delivery
system. The Branch conducts comprehensive sensor test and evaluation
for all surface sensors for NWS. The Branch performs environmental
studies to improve data quality control processes and application
of NDBC data in NWS operations.
OPERATIONS BRANCH (W/OPS52)
54-20-06-0000-95-02
WG9520
The Operations Branch manages operation
of the NDBC industrial facilities; and plans, manages, and executes
the NDBC buoy network and C-MAN field operations and maintenance.
The Branch serves as liaison and coordinates activities between
NDBC and the US Coast Guard (USCG) or other entities providing
marine, air, and other mission support services to NDBC. The Branch
identifies system problems and initiates corrective efforts. Systems
Operations executes timely delivery of high quality environmental
observations to NWS field offices, the national archive centers,
and NDBC's other partners. It coordinates and executes plans for
operational test and evaluation (OT&E) of NDBC observing systems
and sensors. It provides external project liaison, coordinates
project activities, and evaluates whether project requirements
are being met. The Branch manages the NWS Voluntary Observing Ship
(VOS) program. It manages the NDBC safety and environmental compliance
programs.
RESOURCES BRANCH (W/OPS53)
54-20-06-0000-95-03
WG9530
The Resources Branch manages and coordinates
current year planning, finance, procurement support, contract administration,
facilities support, telecommunications support, personnel support,
and coordinates public outreach. It serves as liaison and leads
negotiations with the resident host agency. It executes current
year budget processes, and assists in the preparation of out year
budgets. The Branch coordinates funding priorities, prepares and
monitors financial plans and budgets, develops current year program
documentation, and represents the NDBC to NWS on current year budget
matters. It provides NDBC procurement support, including contract
awards and administration. It manages evaluation and control of
NDBC contracts. It is the interface between NDBC, and other government
agencies and NOAA elements for program support and services. It
is the focal point for facilities management, office equipment,
and other equipment to support the operational network. It manages
the NDBC publications and document control system. It provides
property administration, inventory administration, vehicle management,
logistics support, consumables, and shipping and receiving.
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