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c. Emphasizes the responsibilities of the program manager, including establishing the needed program budget, obtaining the concurrence and approval of the various National Weather Service organizations for those program elements (including the needed budget) that are within their areas of responsibilities, acquiring and allocating the required funding, and accomplishing the program.

The unique, specialized equipment for use in the national centers -- National Meteorological Center (NMC), National Hurricane Center (NHC), National Severe Storms Forecast Center (NSSFC) -- is excluded from this chapter; however, operational equipment (e.g., the Automation of Field Operations and Services and related peripherals) installed at the national centers as part of a national implementation is not excluded. The NWS facilities intended to provide office space, operations space, and housing for NWS field personnel (even though they may also include space for equipment) are included in WSOM Chapter H-10 (and related WSOM chapters -- see 3.4 and Exhibit A-34-1). For National Data Buoy Center (NDBC) equipment, see 3.3.

2. Introduction. An equipment program shall be interpreted to include all: requirements, planning, budgeting, design, development, hardware, software (operating systems, applications, diagnostics, etc.), firmware, special facilities-type items (shelters, towers, radomes, mounting pads, etc.), communications (voice and data), logistics, consumables (paper, tape, floppy discs, chemicals, etc.), special test equipment, initial spares, configuration management, documentation (specifications, drawings, manuals, software, etc.), training (operations and maintenance), repair center support, supply center support, test and evaluation, site preparation, shipping and installation, transition from old to new system, commissioning (new system), decommissioning (old system), removal and disposition of old system, site restoration, and any other elements which are required for a complete installation and the establishment of the applicable operation and maintenance capabilities.

3. General. Each equipment program will be designated by the Assistant Administrator for Weather Services (hereafter referred to as the Assistant Administrator) as either a normal program, a major program, or an NDBC program. A normal program is any equipment program that has not been designated as either a major program or an NDBC program. A major program (major system acquisition), as defined by Department Administrative Order (DAO) 208-3, is any equipment program with an estimated cumulative total program cost of $100 million or more. In addition, the Assistant Administrator or the Under Secretary of Oceans and Atmosphere (NOAA Administrator) or the Secretary of Commerce may designate as a major program any other equipment program which is established to fill an NWS need. An NDBC program is any equipment program for data buoys and associated automated meteorological monitoring system technology.

3.1 Normal Program. The Assistant Administrator has delegated authority to the Director, Office of Systems Operations (OSO), for the accomplishment of all normal equipment programs unless otherwise directed by the Assistant Administrator (e.g., a specific program that includes substantive research and development).

3.2 Major Program. The Assistant Administrator has delegated authority to the Director, Office of Systems Development (OSD), for the accomplishment of assigned major equipment programs. The Assistant Administrator may establish a program office separate from other NWS offices for accomplishing a major program. For example, at this time, the major programs being accomplished by NWS are:

The AWIPS and ASOS programs were assigned to the OSD, with a separate program office established for accomplishing each program. For the NEXRAD program, a joint multiagency program for the Department of Commerce (NWS), the Department of Defense (U.S. Air Force and U.S. Navy), and the Department of Transportation (Federal Aviation Administration), a joint program office (staffed by all three agencies) was added to the Assistant Administrator's staff organization for accomplishing the program.

The AWIPS, ASOS, and NEXRAD programs were established to modernize the NWS. At the same time, the NWS planned to restructure the operating organization to more effectively and efficiently perform its mission. In order to satisfactorily integrate the modernization and restructuring activities, the Transition Program Office (TPO) was added to the Assistant Administrator's staff organization to accomplish the required interprogram planning, coordination, and integration. The TPO is not responsible for any specific equipment program; however, it is responsible for significant interprogram elements.

3.2.1 Transition to Office of Systems Operations. For each major program, or normal program initiated by an organization other than the OSO, the authority for its accomplishment shall be transitioned from the established responsible organization to the OSO. Normally, the transition shall occur after the equipment commissioning criteria for the initial site in the equipment commissioning process have been satisfied (see 6.4 and 6.4.1). The Assistant Administrator, with the concurrence of the established responsible organization and the OSO, shall establish the applicable time, event, or milestone for the transition to occur.

3.3 NDBC Program. The Assistant Administrator has delegated authority to the Director, NDBC, for the accomplishment of all NDBC equipment programs. In addition, the Assistant Administrator has delegated authority to the Director, NDBC, for establishing policies and principles, and assigning roles and responsibilities within the NDBC that are compatible with this WSOM chapter and applicable to the accomplishment of NDBC programs. For any NDBC equipment which interfaces with other NWS operational equipment, the policies of this chapter shall apply.

3.4 Related WSOM Chapters. Although this chapter incorporates all of the elements of an equipment program, some complex elements (e.g., configuration management) are more appropriately covered in detail in a separate, dedicated WSOM chapter. Exhibit A-34-1 lists in hierarchical order all WSOM Chapters and OMLs that apply to the equipment/facility program.

4. Roles and Responsibilities. The roles and responsibilities of the Assistant Administrator, the various NWS Headquarters' offices, and the regions are prescribed in Department Organizational Order 25-5. The roles and responsibilities applicable to equipment programs are summarized in 4.1 through 4.9.

4.1 Assistant Administrator. Shall manage the NWS and coordinate NOAA programs directly related to weather warnings and forecasting to ensure the compatibility and effectiveness of weather services. The NWS provides weather forecasts, hydrological and climatic data products, and warnings of severe weather to government, industry, and the general public; with appropriate support of the offices of other NOAA Assistant Administrators, acts as the NOAA focal point for participation in international meteorological, hydrological, and climatological activities, including, in part, the international exchange of data, services, products, and forecasts; is responsible for weather service support to the general public in time of civil emergencies and the cooperation between NOAA and the Department of Defense in time of a declared national emergency; maintains cognizance of weather-related activities of the National Ocean Service and the National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service (NESDIS) to ensure a coordinated NOAA program; and maintains cognizance of atmospheric programs of the Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research, and ensures that research results are used fully in planning programs and providing services.

4.2 Office of Meteorology (OM). Shall serve as the primary channel for coordination of NWS field services and the scientific aspects of atmospheric and oceanic programs, procedures, and requirements. The OM shall establish requirements and priorities for the observation, collection, processing, dissemination, and distribution of meteorological information and forecasts; arrange for applied service programs including those which provide advance warnings of severe weather situations, and those which are designed for specific users; inaugurate changes to these programs and recommend basic changes in policies and programs when required; identify requirements to the OSO for systems and facilities needed by the field offices and guidance centers in the areas of engineering, communications, data acquisition, and systems operation; identify requirements to the OSD for research and development efforts needed to improve operations; closely coordinate with the Office of Hydrology (OH) on all aspects of NWS operations and services; participate with supporting activities in other parts of NOAA, especially the Environmental Research Laboratories and the NESDIS, as well as other Governmental agencies to ensure effective weather and climate services are available to the public; recommend policies and coordinate plans for U.S. participation in international activities regarding all Federal and national weather programs; and establish and carry out cooperative programs with meteorological services of other nations.

4.3 Office of Hydrology (OH). Shall serve as the primary channel for coordination of the NWS field services and the scientific aspects of hydrologic programs, procedures, and requirements. The OH shall determine requirements for observing and collecting hydrologic data; establish policies and develop plans for processing hydrologic data for river and flood forecasts and warnings and water resources management forecasts, including research and development programs for improving field services; manage overall hydrologic field operations, and coordinate functions supporting these activities; and conduct surveys and policy review studies to determine the effectiveness of hydrologic field programs.

4.4 Office of Systems Operations (OSO). Shall manage, operate, and maintain systems for domestic and worldwide collection, exchange, display, and dissemination of oceanic, hydrologic$ and meteorological data. The OSO shall develop plans, policies, and procedures for the implementation, operation, maintenance, and support of operational systems, including basic observing systems, atmospheric sounding systems, weather radar systems, computer-based display and communications systems, satellite communications systems, and facsimile systems; coordinate and analyze system requirements for operational systems and monitor, analyze and evaluate the performance of operational systems; provide configuration management of operational systems; develop, update, and maintain software for operational systems in the field and for network and central communication facility computer systems; provide real-time direction, monitoring, and control of NWS operational systems and of national and international data communications networks; provide testing and evaluation of modifications and enhancements to operational systems, system interfaces, and telecommunications networks, field testing and validation of all major operational system improvements, and testing and evaluation of existing and new observational equipment and procedures; develop procurement, installation, and national maintenance standards, procedures, and specifications for operational systems and equipment, and provide for integrated logistics support of operational systems; and provide for the reconditioning, acceptance, testing, and inspection of equipment.

4.5 Office of Systems Development (OSD). Shall conduct planning and design studies and analyses, and conduct major systems acquisitions (when assigned) to ensure that the meteorological, hydrological, and oceanographic systems requirements of NWS are met in the most cost-effective manner. The OSD serves as the focal organization for the planning, specification, design, development, acquisition, and test of major systems for improving the NWS field operations and services; evaluate state of the art advances in the technological fields relevant to the operational systems and equipment programs of the NWS, evaluate requirements for the development of new techniques or equipment, and arrange for or sponsor applied research and development to improve instruments and equipment, and diagnostic weather information to be issued to the public and other user groups by field offices; formulate plans and coordinate development activities to resolve operational problems through systems solutions that facilitate transition to advanced capabilities with minimum disruption of continuing service; give special emphasis to the development of improved methods for prediction and warning of tornadoes and severe local storms; and direct other efforts for improving prediction techniques in the areas of marine, aviation, and agricultural weather.

4.6 National Meteorological Center (NMC). (The NHC and NSSFC are units of NMC.) Shall determine data requirements, optimum data processing techniques, and suitable presentation methods for products distributed to users of meteorological and oceanographic information. The NMC shall produce these products for dissemination to field offices of the NWS and distribution to the Air Force, Navy, FAA, and other Government and non-Government offices; produce, for distribution to foreign meteorological centers, products required of the World Weather Center (Washington, D.C.); maintain a continuous weather watch for thunderstorm activity and prepare and disseminate severe local storm watches for protection of life and property; produce national weather summaries for the general public and advisories of hazardous weather for aviation interests; provide satellite interpretation services to forecast offices and user communities in the Central and Southeastern United States; develop and produce oceanographic products; provide weather support for special aerospace and satellite operations; maintain a continuous weather watch for tropical cyclones on the Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea, and Gulf of Mexico and prepare hurricane watches and warnings for the general public and hurricane advisories for other marine, aviation, and military users; perform research and development to improve its meteorological, oceanographic, and climate products; and develop plans and provide direction for improving products; and advise the Assistant Administrator of new capabilities resulting from new techniques or procedures.

4.7 National Weather Service Training Center (NWSTC). Shall provide professional and technical training to employees to meet specific NWS needs and requirements. The NWSTC shall develop and teach performance-oriented courses for meteorological technicians, meteorologists, hydrologists, and electronics technicians; prepare and teach other types of technical, administrative, management, and supervisory training specified by NWS and NOAA Headquarters; administer correspondence courses and regionally based training programs as required by NWS; and make recommendations to the Assistant Administrator concerning NWS training and programs.

4.8 National Data Buoy Center (NDBC). Shall serve as the focal point for data buoy and associated automated meteorological monitoring system technology. The NDBC shall provide for systematic research, development, testing, and evaluation of data buoys and associated automated meteorological monitoring systems, together with data processing and communication systems, tailored to meet specific needs of NOAA programs; provide support for data buoy and associated automated meteorological systems to meet measurement needs for research programs and NOAA's long-term operational needs in marine and weather areas; and provide a technical advisory capability in buoy technology to meet national needs.

4.9 National Weather Service Regional Headquarters. Shall conduct the technical and service programs for their respective regions in accordance with NOAA and NWS policies. The regions shall manage the operational and scientific meteorologic and hydrologic programs of the region including observing networks, weather services, forecasting, and climatology and hydrology; conduct programs to review and upgrade the scientific programs and procedures at field offices; and monitor these services and adjust resources to provide the most effective weather warning services possible.

5.1.1 Normal Program. Unless otherwise directed by the Assistant Administrator, normal programs shall be managed and accomplished by the OSO (see 3.1), with appropriate support from: the OM, OH, and NMC, for specifying and establishing applicable requirements and priorities for the observation, collection, processing, distribution, and dissemination of meteorological and hydrological warnings, forecasts, and information; the OSD for accomplishing or assisting with any applicable research and development; the NWSTC for establishing any applicable operations and maintenance training; and the NWS regions for accomplishing or assisting with any applicable installation, system implementation, site preparation, operations, and maintenance.

Within the OSO, normal programs shall be managed either as an individual program or within a program area that includes several directly related programs. Each program or program area shall have an assigned program manager, organizationally located in either the Systems Integration Division (SID) or the Engineering Division, as appropriate, who is responsible for all elements of the program. In support of the program manager, each program or program area (which includes acquisition of operational equipment) shall have an assigned program engineer, organizationally located in the Engineering Division, who is responsible for equipment definition, systems engineering, specification, engineering development, acquisition, factory testing, test and evaluation, delivery, installation, acceptance testing, system and interface testing, initial logistics, initial maintenance training, continuing field support, etc. At this time, the program/program area responsibilities are as shown in Exhibit A-34-2.

5.1.2 Major Program. Major programs shall be managed by and accomplished by the OSD or other organization as directed by the Assistant Administrator (see 3.2 and 3.2.1). Each major program shall have an assigned program manager and program office. In addition to managing and accomplishing the program, the program manager shall be responsible for coordinating with all other appropriate NWS organizations and obtaining reviews, approvals, and support from: the OM, OH, and NMC for specifying and establishing applicable requirements and priorities for the observation, collection, processing, distribution, and dissemination of meteorological and hydrological warnings, forecasts, and information; the OSD for accomplishing or assisting with any applicable research and development; the OSO for specifying and establishing applicable documentation, implementation, testing, configuration management, operation, telecommunications, maintenance, logistics, support equipment, facilities, and training requirements; the NWSTC for establishing any applicable operations and maintenance training; and the regions for accomplishing or assisting with any applicable installation, system implementation, site preparation, operations, and maintenance.

5.2 A-109 Process. Major programs shall be accomplished in accordance with the policies, procedures, and responsibilities of DAO 208-3, "Major System Acquisitions for the Department of Commerce," which implements the provisions of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Circular A-109, "Major System Acquisitions," in the Department of Commerce. The process outlined in the A-109 guidelines is shown conceptually in Exhibit A-34-3. This process envisions five basic phases for each major program:

The Secretary of Commerce is the agency head designated to grant approvals for each major program to proceed to its next basic phase at each of the four key decision points (agency head approval) shown in Exhibit A-34-3. For each major program, the specific definition of the content of each basic program phase, the extent of competition, etc., shall be established by the program manager with the approval of the Assistant Administrator.

Although normal programs are not required to be accomplished in accordance with the provisions of OMB Circular A-109, the program manager should consider the appropriateness and applicability of some or all of the concepts of OMB Circular A-109 for the particular equipment program during its early formulation stages.

5.3 Mission Need. For each program, the mission need shall be established by the program manager and approved by the Assistant Administrator. For normal programs, this may be accomplished as a part of the program development plan or during the budget acquisition process or by other methods acceptable to the Assistant Administrator. For major programs, this shall be accomplished formally as a part of the first program phase (see 5.2). Determination of mission need shall be based on an analysis of the NWS mission reconciled with NWS capabilities, priorities, and resources. The mission need shall be defined in terms of the NWS mission, purpose, capability, NWS components involved, schedule and cost objectives, and operating constraints.

5.4 Requirements. The OM, and/or OH, and/or NMC, as appropriate (see 4.2, 4.3, and 4.6.) shall establish the requirements and priorities for the observation, collection, processing, distribution, and dissemination of meteorological and hydrological warnings, forecasts, and information that must be met in order for a program to satisfactorily meet its applicable mission need. The requirements and priorities shall be established in coordination with the OSD, OSO, and regions. For normal programs, the requirements may be established in a program requirements document or as a part of the program development plan or by other methods acceptable to the Assistant Administrator. For major programs, a formal program requirements document shall be prepared, approved by the Assistant Administrator, and published.

5.5.1 General. Normal programs will range from a simple modification for some existing operational equipment through a very complex, highly technical system which approaches the magnitude of a major program. The program manager shall implement those policies and procedures that are deemed appropriate to the specific program. Within the OSO, the SID has the overall responsibility for ensuring that the appropriate policies and procedures are implemented for each normal program, except the Emergency Power, Equipment Replacement, and Facilities programs. The diversity of normal programs prevents the establishment of any standardized lists of appropriate policies and procedures. As a result, the operational risk associated with implementation of each program in the field is a primary factor in establishing its required policies and procedures. The principal factors considered by the SID in assessing this risk are:

5.5.2 Program Development Plan. The program development plan (PDP) shall be the basic program document by which approval is granted to accomplish the applicable program. For major programs, the Assistant Administrator shall be the approving authority. For normal programs, the Director of the OSO shall be the approving authority unless directed otherwise by the Assistant Administrator. The contents of the PDP shall cover the following generic topics:

    a.     Mission need, purpose, goals, objectives, and constraints.
    b.    Program requirements.
    c.    Alternative concept considerations.
    d.    Acquisition strategy.
    e.    Facilities considerations.
    f.    Program planning documentation.
    g.    Program schedule.
    h.    Program cost.
    i.    Program Manager's charter.

The program manager is responsible for the preparation of the PDP. The approved PDP gives the program manager the authority and responsibility for accomplishing the applicable program. The program manager shall periodically update the PDP to keep it current with approved program changes.

5.5.3 Acquisition Planning. Planning for the one or more acquisitions (equipment, services, etc.) that are to be accomplished during the program is the responsibility of the program manager. This planning shall be accomplished in close coordination with the appropriate procurement personnel. Hardware and software documentation, software rights and licenses, and rights in data shall be acquired so that logistics replenishment and future system modifications can be accomplished independent of the original contractor over the life cycle of the system, unless specifically approved otherwise by the 050. Guidelines, policies, and procedures for acquisition planning are provided in the FAR Part 7.

5.5.4 Source Selection and Evaluation. For competitive negotiated procurements estimated at a value of $5,000,000 or more, the program manager shall follow the Source Selection Procedures of Commerce Acquisition Manual Issuance No. 4. In addition, the Assistant Administrator may designate any other competitive negotiated procurement for accomplishment in accordance with these procedures. The program manager is responsible for initiating the request for establishment of the appropriate Source Selection Official, the Source Evaluation Board, any applicable Technical and Business/Management Teams, and for obtaining the required approvals. The program manager is responsible for ensuring that the Source Selection Official, the Board, and the Teams have all the information required to perform their functions and for providing assistance to them as necessary.

5.5.5 Program Monitor and Control System. The program manager is responsible for establishing a program monitor and control system which will provide management information on the specific program. The monitor and control system shall include a work breakdown structure including all applicable elements of the program, a system to provide periodic management information for monitoring program progress, and a master program schedule to be used as the NWS schedule to show overall program progress. The program manager is responsible for providing periodic program progress reports to appropriate NWS management and other organizations, as required.

5.5.6 Configuration management. Policies and procedures for Configuration Management (CM) of operational systems are established by WSOM Chapter A-21. That chapter covers all elements of the CM process -- system definition, configuration identification, baseline, configuration control, proposed changes, configuration accounting, and configuration validation. The program manager is responsible for coordinating with the SID of the OSO to establish the appropriate CM elements that are to be applied to the specific program and the applicable schedule for implementing these elements.

5.5.7 Integrated Logistics Support (ILS) Planning. Policies and procedures for ILS planning for operational systems are established by WSOM Chapter A-31. That chapter covers all elements of the ILS process --maintenance, training, supply support, facilities, test and support equipment, computer resources support, technical data, transition, funding, and management information. To be cost-effective, the ILS process must be initiated early in the program accomplishment due to its impact on the design and the resulting life-cycle costs. The program manager is responsible for coordinating with the OSO to establish the appropriate ILS planning and the applicable schedule for initiating and implementing the appropriate ILS elements.

5.5.8 System Implementation. Policies and procedures for system implementation are established by WSOM Chapter A-35. That chapter covers all elements of the system implementation process -- risk assessment, field tests, implementation plans, and documentation. All new NWS operational systems, changes to existing NWS operational systems, and new interfaces to NWS operational systems must have the approval of the of the OSO prior to their implementation in the field. The program manager is responsible for coordinating with the OSO to establish the appropriate system implementation elements, establishing the appropriate schedule for accomplishing these elements, and obtaining the required approval of the OSO.

This transition (change) from the existing to the new can range from a minor modification in a maintenance handbook to the extreme of land acquisition; construction of new facilities; relocation of field offices; removal of replaced equipment and facilities; and major changes to the NWS organization, personnel, and funding. The program manager is responsible for coordinating with the OSO and all other applicable organizations, both internal and external to the NWS, to establish the appropriate transition elements, establish the responsible organization for accomplishing each element, establish the appropriate funding for each element, establish the schedule for accomplishing these elements, for obtaining the required approval of the OSO, and for managing the transition. For special situations, such as modernization and restructuring of the NWS, the Assistant Administrator may establish a dedicated organization to manage the transition (see 3.2).

5.5.10 Training. The training of NWS Headquarters, regional, and field personnel in the operation and maintenance of new or modified operational equipment is critical to the successful accomplishment of the NWS mission. Equipment operational training shall meet the requirements established by the OM and/or OH and/or NMC, as applicable, in addition to any basic operation requirements established by OSO. Equipment maintenance training shall meet the requirements established in WSOM Chapters A-31 and H-80. The program manager is responsible for the establishment and implementation of the operation and maintenance training (or modification of the existing operation and maintenance training).

5.6 Program Funding. The program manager is responsible for ensuring that the funds required to accomplish the program in accordance with the approved PDP, including any approved changes (see 5.5.2), are provided from the appropriate source(s). The program manager shall support the Assistant Administrator, the OSO, or other applicable organizations with all rationale and justifications for the funds, as required. The program manager is responsible for allocating funds to other participating organizations, as required, to accomplish the program.

5.7 Operation and Maintenance Funding. The program manager, in coordination with the OSO, is responsible for establishing the funds required for equipment operation and maintenance during the equipment life cycle. The funds shall be sufficient to cover operators and maintenance personnel, training, travel, software maintenance, hardware maintenance/repair/ calibration, communications, utilities, consumables, spares provisioning and replenishment, test equipment repair/calibration, and any other elements required to support the operation and maintenance of the applicable equipment. The program manager, with the assistance of the OSO, shall support the Assistant Administrator and other organizations with all rationale and justifications for the funds as required.

6.1 General. Equipment commissioning is the process which results in new equipment becoming a part of the complex of operational equipment officially used by the NWS in accomplishing its mission. The purpose of the process is to assure that the accomplishment of the approved plans for integrated logistics support (see 5.5.7), system implementation (see 5.5.8), transition (see 5.5.9), and training (see 5.5.10) have been successfully completed. The process includes planning, monitoring, and equipment commissioning. The program manager shall implement those policies and procedures that are deemed appropriate to the specific program (see 5.5.1). In special situations, for example -- NWS modernization and restructuring, the Assistant Administrator may establish additional policies to establish and control the commissioning process. In such situations, the program manager shall ensure that all required support is provided to successfully accomplish the commissioning process for the specific program.

6.2 Planning. Planning and scheduling all of the applicable implementation activities are critical to the success of a program. The program manager shall establish the required plans and related schedules and responsibilities with the coordination and approval of OM, OH, OSO, OSD, NMC, NWSTC, and the regions, as applicable. The plans that are established shall include such generic topics as: overall implementation and phase over; implementation of each individual site; national and regional transition; implementation of applicable NWS services to users; establishment of logistics, training, field maintenance, depot repair, and supply center support systems; and any other related topics applicable to the specific program. These plans and related schedules shall be a part of, not in addition to, the program monitor and control system required in 5.5.5.

6.3 Monitoring. The program manager shall provide periodic progress reports on the status of the commissioning process to the appropriate NWS management, the regions, and other organizations, as required (see 5.5.5). Information of completion shall be provided by the applicable Regional Director, the meteorologist in charge or hydrologist in charge or official in charge, and the area electronics supervisor.

6.4 Equipment Commissioning. Commissioning is the action by which new equipment becomes a part of the complex of operational equipment officially used by NWS in accomplishing its mission. For each new equipment program, commissioning shall be accomplished in the following three steps:

The determination to authorize the commissioning action for a particular step shall be based on all the criteria for that step, as specified in 6.4.1, 6.4.2, or 6.4.3, as applicable, having been satisfied. The Assistant Administrator shall make the determination or may delegate this authority, as appropriate. The program manager shall ensure that all required support is provided to the appropriate authority to accomplish the determination.

6.4.1 Initial Site. The initial site step is the most critical and comprehensive step in the commissioning process. This step shall include not only the initial site equipment, but also the other equipment, capabilities, and personnel, as applicable (whether provided by the specific equipment program or otherwise), which are required to establish communications; systems monitoring and control; and the training, maintenance, and logistics support systems. The initial site step shall include one or more NWS field sites as specified in the specific program system implementation plan (see 5.5.8). The criteria for the initial site step shall be as follows:

6.4.2 Follow-On Sites. The follow-on sites step shall include multiple steps, one step for each of the remainder of the sites, for the rest of the NWS field sites as specified in the specific program system implementation plan (see 5.5.8). The appropriate authority shall make a commissioning determination for each site. The criteria for each follow-on site shall be as follows:

6.4.4 Documentation. The completion of the commissioning action for each NWS field site shall be officially documented. At each site, the appropriate equipment information shall be added to the station documentation in accordance with WSOM Chapter A-11. For each site, the appropriate equipment information shall be entered into the Engineering Management Reporting System (EMRS) by the applicable personnel preparing and submitting WS Form H-28 in accordance with the instructions in Engineering Handbook No. 4.

6.5 Equipment Decommissioning. Equipment shall be decommissioned only upon receipt of specific authority from the OSO by the region involved. This may be either a blanket authorization for a particular class of equipment or a specific authorization for an individual item. The completion of the decommissioning action for each NWS field site shall be officially documented. At each site, the appropriate equipment information shall be removed from the station documentation in accordance with WSOM Chapter A-11. For each site, the appropriate equipment information shall be entered into the EMRS by the applicable personnel preparing and submitting WS Form H-28 in accordance with Engineering Handbook No. 4.

7. Equipment Replacement. Replacements shall be considered as equipment wears out or becomes obsolete; technological advancements bring offsetting economies in operating costs; or when equipment is destroyed or damaged beyond repair by vandalism or "acts of nature" such as lightning, fire, or flooding. Equipment replacement shall not include general office equipment, facilities equipment, and structures such as radar towers and domes.

General NWS policy is one of replacement-in-kind, not of expanding networks or systems. Modern technology shall not be considered the only valid justification for equipment replacement5 but rather a program or network benefit. Equipment upgrade in technology is to be accomplished where readily available and feasible, but only to the extent necessary and desirable, and only after replacement is warranted by service degradation or high maintenance costs. Large significant component or system overhauls, as well as modifications, shall be considered whenever cost-effective as an alternative to new replacement equipment.

WSOM Chapter A-36 provides the organizational roles, responsibilities, and policies for the Equipment Replacement Program which covers the replacement of equipment having a nominal unit cost (including procurement, installation, documentation, and initial logistics) of a maximum of $50,000. This nominal unit cost may be increased with the approval of the Equipment Replacement Review Board. The Equipment Replacement Program encompasses a significant percentage of the surface, hydrological, data acquisition, and communication equipment. Excluded from the scope of the Equipment Replacement Program are radar systems, upper air systems, AFOS equipment, and other major equipment which generally exceeds the nominal unit cost limits.

8. Field Equipment Procurement and Relocations. The NWS regional headquarters, in coordination with the OSO and other applicable NWS offices, may procure one-of-a-kind systems for evaluation; however, these systems shall not end up in the field, either individually or in significant quantities, as commissioned NWS systems unless they undergo appropriate evaluation and procedures for national implementation. The Regional Directors shall formalize the evaluation of this equipment and submit a comprehensive report to the OSO giving an operational and engineering evaluation of the system. The operational evaluation should report on the following:

    a.     Purpose.
    b.    Suitability and accuracy of data obtained from this equipment.
    c.    Usability of equipment from a nationwide operational standpoint.
    d.    Cost effectiveness analysis.
    e.    Logistics life-cycle requirements and cost analysis.

The engineering evaluation of results obtained should include:

    a.     Capability of equipment to meet operational requirements.
    b.    Systems reliability and maintainability criteria.
    c.    Environmental suitability for normal implementation.
    d.    Expected life of equipment.
    e.    Recommended logistics.
    f.    Completeness of documentation (operations and maintenance).

9. The Use of Loaned or Donated Equipment. WSOM Chapter A-33 defines and assigns responsibility for the acceptance by NWS of loaned or donated meteorological equipment and data products from state and local governments, private interest groups, companies, or individuals. The appropriate Regional Director shall review each offer and submit a recommended disposition to the OSO for decision. The final decision will be based principally on the direct benefit to the NWS, technical considerations, meeting operational requirements, impact on local and regional operations and national system, modernization plans, and required resources. Acceptance of donated or loaned equipment or products shall be in accordance with the policies and procedures of DAO 203-9. Acceptance of donated or loaned equipment or products is contingent upon no direct interfaces to NWS operational equipment. NWS testing of donated or loaned equipment shall not be conducted without approval of the applicable regional headquarters in coordination with the OSO.

A-34 Equipment/Facilities Program

A-20 AFOS Program Management (OSO Program Management)
A-21 NWS Configuration Management for Operational Systems
A-31 Integrated Logistic Support Planning
A-33 The Use of Loaned or Donated Equipment
A-35 Systems Implementation Process
A-36 Equipment Replacement
H-01 Engineering Program

H-10 Facilities Engineering Program

H-11 Facilities Planning and Programming

OML 12-83 Review and Approval of Facilities Projects

H-12 Emergency Power Program
H-13 Facilities Design Policies
H-51 Facilities Maintenance Program

H-50 Equipment Maintenance Program

A-14 Equipment Maintenance Document
H-52 NOAA Weather Radio Maintenance Policy
H-53 AFOS and RFC Peripheral Maintenance Policy

H-80 Engineering Training Program
H-98 Engineering Directives Subsystem

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