Background:

GAMA-1 provides NWS Information Technology Systems Administration and Engineering services. In support of the OPSNet and NWSTG, GAMA-1 provides mission critical 24/7/365 network engineering services and support for NWS’ Enterprise MPLS network connecting over 150 sites nationwide and numerous overseas sites. We provide system administration, database, and software development services for the NWS Telecommunications Gateway which is responsible for receiving, processing, and disseminating weather-related data and products to public and private customers.

Solution:

GAMA-1 supports the NWS OPSnet/NWSTG and the NWS’ reorganization and the Line Office’s goal to transform NOAA’s shared dissemination of information capabilities into an enterprise-wide dissemination service. We are currently working with NWS to improve the system architecture, infrastructure, software and system development, security, and product delivery and dissemination with minimal operational risks and cost constraints. Our team is currently engaged and working with NWS IDP leadership on the analysis, planning, and design of the next generation NWS enterprise network; which will be larger in scale, scope, and capabilities.  Upon integration with NWS’ NCO into the new OneNWSnet integrated network, the team provided network design and engineering for IDP virtual environment and infrastructure to support the online presence of weather.gov and various other NWS provided online services, including the following projects: 

1. For the OneNWSnet project we re-architected/redesigned the network, defining technical requirements, assisting with equipment specifications, configuring new equipment, coordinating installation and activation of equipment and circuits (logistics, equipment prep, shipment, circuit scheduling and activation with telcos and other NWS offices, project management, coordination with over 125 NWS sites, etc.), cutover of services, and operations and maintenance support. In addition, the project also entailed decommissioning old equipment and circuits. This was a major project that spanned over two years, and, when completed, was recognized by Dr. Uccellini, NWS Administrator, as a major accomplishment bringing a significant increase in network capacity, reliability, and provided increased capability for NWS to complete its mission.
2.  In support of the NWSTG Migration, GAMA-1 supported several major activities including: conducting comprehensive inventories of the equipment installed at original primary and backup locations (NWS HQ and Fairmont, WV, respectively); preparing a project plan for relocating the NWSTG primary and backup locations from NWS HQ and Fairmont to College Park, MD, and Boulder, CO; updating and patching the NWSTG system; coordinating packing and shipping of equipment, coordinating installation of equipment at new locations, configuring systems for new locations and bringing them back online. The relocation of the NWSTG primary and backup systems was phased to minimize system downtime and risk.
3. Over a two-year period, GAMA-1 supported a major Network Optimization effort to consolidate and optimize network infrastructure and services across the NWS enterprise by consolidating and cross-training network engineering and administration teams across two major contracts (OPSnet and WCCIS).

Outcomes:

Major accomplishments include the reduction of NWS’ IT footprint through the successful migration of OpsNet to OneNWS, the migration of the NWSTG to College Park and Boulder, migration of the Hurricane Hotline and consolidation and optimization of the NWS network infrastructure.

These consolidation efforts helped deliver more standardized services and support to NWS’s internal and external customers, established common processes and procedures, improved documentation and network diagrams, expanded network project capacity and capabilities, and consolidated resources and priorities. These efforts have resulted in the completion of numerous network modernization and optimization efforts, improved visibility and management across the enterprise network, centralized customer support, and standardized operations and maintenance support.  

With over 500 managed devices interconnecting 5 carrier backbones, this centrally managed enterprise class network is the core network supporting the mission of the NWS, its many programs and partnering organizations. GAMA-1 developed the design solutions, implemented and supported the high availability network design solutions that provide “end to end”, geographically diverse services with no common single point of failure.