NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE Operations Manual
                                                    SILVER SPRING, MARYLAND 20910 Letter 7-93

Date of Issue: August 13, 1993         Effective Date: August 13, 1993

In Reply Refer To: W/OSO32          File With: A-20

Subject:      Revised Policy on AFOS System Management

Reference(s): WSOM-Chapter A-20, TM 84-16, dated November 5, 1984

Purpose. The purpose of this directive is to ensure direct involvement of the NWS electronics staff in automation of field operations and services (AFOS) system management work. The intent is to prepare electronics staff to fully assume Electronic Systems Analyst (ESA) responsibilities including primary functional systems management responsibility in the modernized NWS.

Policy. NWS field managers shall actively involve electronics staff in AFOS system management functions. Where possible, a team concept shall be employed to efficiently transfer relevant knowledge and skills to the electronics staff. On-the-job training (OJT) shall be used to the maximum extent possible to reduce the need for costly formal resident training. Operational aspects of AFOS system management remain within the purview of station operations personnel. Care shall be taken to ensure that implementation of this policy is not disruptive either to current programs or to the NWS modernization and associated restructuring.

Benefits. Benefits include recognizing and sanctioning a backup for the AFOS system manager (ASM), enabling ASMs to emphasize their primary duties, providing multiple resources to help troubleshoot complex system problems, and providing system management experience for the electronics staff--the very background needed for the modernized NWS.

Regional Responsibility. Regions are responsible for developing and implementing station-specific system management policy. Flexibility shall be stressed since staff, skill mix, etc., will change.

Training. Many Weather Service Forecast Offices (WSFO) senior electronics technicians (SET) and ESAs have received AFOS system management-related training in various maintenance courses. These individuals are encouraged to work closely with the resident ASM and receive OJT to develop and apply needed skills and knowledge. At a Weather Service Office (WSO), an AFOS-knowledgeable electronics technician should receive OJT from the resident AFOS Program Leader (APL) or remote terminal for AFOS (RTA) Program Leader (RPL), as appropriate.

Implementation. Regions shall target the responsibility-sharing process to be implemented within 1 year after OML publication.

AFOS System Management Responsibilities. A suggested profile for sharing AFOS responsibilities is summarized below.

ASM. The ASM retains primary responsibility for functions clearly operational in nature. The WSFO ASM is typically a meteorologist or meteorological technician (hydrologist at a River Forecast Center (RFC) and has responsibility for operations and support [primarily applications and operational software (as opposed to diagnostic/maintenance software)] of the AFOS system. Specific responsibilities include operations training, maintaining operational and applications software and related documentation, testing of new software packages to ensure no impact on normal and back-up system operations, managing an AFOS procedures library, originating Requests for Change, and checking the proficiency of AFOS users.

SET/ESA. A WSFO or RFC SET/ESA shares responsibility with the ASM for AFOS system operations and support. The SET/ESA is responsible for AFOS system hardware, software, and telecommunications. Related duties include installing authorized AFOS and real-time disk operating system (RDOS) software updates, analysis of proper system operation, verifying proper system structure, and back-up and restoring AFOS and RDOS software. The SET/ESA performs analyses on complex interface problems (hardware, software, telecommunications, etc.), runs local diagnostic software, repairs and maintains the on-station AFOS equipment, provides technical and logistical support to all AFOS technicians in the maintenance area, reconfigures hardware, provides technical assistance and consulting services to the ASM and system users, interfaces with contractor staff for maintenance of leased communications services, and maintains system hardware and software configuration records.

There shall be an assigned APL at each AFOS-equipped WSO or RPL if RTA-equipped. The APL shall work in close coordination with the WSFO ASM and SET/ESA to provide system support for the service office. If other than an electronics technician is selected as the APL, then an electronics technician, if available, shall be designated by the office manager as back-up APL.

In practice, with a computer/communications system such as AFOS, it is often difficult initially to isolate problems as purely hardware, software, or communications. Therefore, the ASM and SET/ESA need to maintain a continuing technical exchange and work as a team to maintain the network and site operations effectively. In fact, other station personnel may have knowledge and skills in specialty areas that will benefit a team effort; participation should be encouraged. Depending on the computer/ communications background of the ASM and SET/ESA and established station operating procedures, either individual may be assigned lead responsibility for:

* software--assisting others in the technical operation of the system and in development work;

* working and back-up operational disks, operational software, and station-specific files maintenance; and

* software failure resolution.

Assign primary responsibility to either the ASM or the SET/ESA to provide for the total needs of the station; designate the other individual as backup.

The attached table provides guidance on the sharing of AFOS system management functions.

 

 

Elbert W. Friday, Jr.
Assistant Administrator
for Weather Services

Attachment