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**LEGACY UPPER AIR SYSTEM**

**DISPOSAL PLAN**

February 2008

Prepared by:

# U.S. Department of Commerce

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

National Weather Service

Office of Operational Systems / Engineering and Acquisition Branch

**1.0 INTRODUCTION**

The disposal of the NWS legacy upper air system components will be
accomplished in accordance with the decommissioning and disposal policy
requirements of Weather Service Operations Manual (WSOM) Chapter A-74,
[Systems Decommissioning Policy]{.underline}. This plan details how the
NWS meets the site component disposal requirements of WSOM Chapter A-74.
These requirements ensure that the legacy upper air equipment located at
the field site is removed from operational use and disposed of without
adversely impacting the installation efforts for the RRS.

NWS has developed a replacement upper air sounding system identified as
the Radiosonde Replacement System (RRS) to replace the legacy upper air
ground tracking system (ART or W9000), and an RRS Workstation System
(RWS) computer to replace the obsolete micro-ART computers. Deployment
of the RRS is scheduled for completion in Fiscal Year 2009. The RRS will
be deployed to most, but not all, of the existing NWS upper air sites.
At these sites, the TRS will replace the current ART-1 and ART-2 systems
in their entirety. The Weather Forecast Office and region Systems
Operations Division Chiefs are responsible for decommissioning and
subsequent disposal of the ART-1/2 units and their associated adjunct
equipment.

**1.1 Purpose**

The purpose of this plan is to define the process and procedures to
dismantle and dispose of currently deployed NWS legacy upper air ART-1,
ART-2 and W9000 equipment. This plan also defines the events prior to
each stage of the dismantling and disposal process.

This plan is for dismantling and disposal of the National Weather
Service (NWS) legacy upper air systems to allow installation of a
replacement system. The majority of the legacy systems consist of
Automatic Radiotheodolite (ART) Model 1 and Model 2 ground tracking
systems, MICRO-ART computers and adjunct equipment, however there are a
small number of sites which use the W9000 LORAN-based system.

**1.2 Laws and Regulations**

The W9000 systems are being transferred (vice disposed of), and
therefore are not covered in this plan in detail.

The decommissioning and disposal of the NWS ART-1/2 and adjunct
equipment will be accomplished in accordance with all applicable Federal
and State laws and regulations. The applicable Federal laws are 40
U.S.C. 483 and 40 U.S.C. 484 which contain general requirements of
handling property of the Federal Government and 40 U.S.C. 486(c) which
contains environmental requirements related to Federal property. These
laws are implemented by 41 CFR part 101 subparts 41 through 48, 41 CFR
part 102 subparts 36.5 through 102, and 41 CFR part 335 for general
property management and 41 CFR part 101 subpart 42 respectively. This
plan is written to comply with all known Federal requirement issues
applicable to the ART-1/2 dismantling and disposal. Some states have
more stringent environmental requirements than Federal requirements.
Although no known environmental issues remain, the NWS Regions and the
WFO are responsible for ensuring that State requirements are also met.
If a region or WFO becomes aware of anything in this plan inconsistent
with a State requirement, the region or WFO must contact the NWS
Headquarters OPS 11 immediately.

The ART-1 or ART-2 ground tracking equipment located on site must be
removed prior to installation of the RRS Telemetry Receiver System
(TRS). The National Reconditioning Center (NRC) has determined certain
Line Replaceable Units (LRUs) of the ART systems must be removed and
returned to the depot to support the ART systems remaining in service.
The NOAA Property Manager has authorized "certain parts to be
cannibalized out of the systems that are taken out of service to
maintain those systems that will remain in service while the RRS is
being deployed."

The contents of the letter from the NOAA Property Management Officer
authorizing cannibalization and disposal of excess ART ground tracking
equipment is found in Appendix A of this document.

**1.3 Definitions**

[Decommissioning]{.underline} is the result of technical and
administrative judgments identifying how and when individual operational
equipment or site components at NWS sites can be taken out of service.
Decommissioning is not included in this plan, but is a prerequisite for
several dismantling and disposal steps.

[Disposal]{.underline} is the set of actions removing decommissioned
components from the NWS property inventory.

[Dismantling]{.underline} is the set of actions that disconnecting the
various parts of ART-1/2, adjacent equipment and sets them aside for
later disposal.

[System]{.underline} is the totality of equipment, facilities, and
supporting functions (e.g., maintenance, logistics, and communication
networks) required to provide the operational capabilities.

[Excessing]{.underline} is the act of removing ART-1/2 equipment that is
not being returned to NRC. These parts include scrap metal, racks, and
some cables.

[Site Component]{.underline} is the portion of a system providing a
required system function. A given system may have variations in its site
components.

[Equipment]{.underline} is a stand-alone or one-of-a-kind device at a
given NWS site. For the purposes of this plan, the terms "system" and
"site" component will include equipment.

[NWS Site]{.underline} is a location containing NWS site component(s).

[Support Functions]{.underline} are those activities or capabilities
supporting equipment or system operations. Such functions include field
maintenance, depot repair, logistics and software support,
communications, training, technical monitoring and control, program
management, system operations, and backup among sites.

[Cannibalize]{.underline} is the act of removing and placing in stock at
NRC usable ART-1/2 equipment. These are considered Line Replaceable
Units (LRUs) determined by NRC and will be used as spare parts for
ART-1/2 systems that are in use.

**1.4 Disposal Assumptions and Policies**

This document assumes knowledge of the necessary procedures for the
disposal of systems and associated support functions, the requirements
of WSOM Chapter A-74, and procedures for obtaining approval for
decommissioning of systems at specific sites. Documents of such
knowledge for applicable compliance are:

> 1\. [Weather Service Operations Manual, Chapter A-74]{.underline},
> September 30, 1992.
>
> 2\. [NOAA Environmental Compliance Program (revised)]{.underline},
>
> October 4, 2000.

[Further assumptions are]{.underline}:

> 1\. The constraints imposed upon the timing of decommissioning and
> disposal strategies by the RRS Program Manager may change.
>
> 2\. Coordination between WFO personnel, contract personnel and NWS
> headquarters personnel must be maintained in a fashion that will allow
> effective planning for the installation of the RRS and disposal of
> decommissioned NWS upper air systems.
>
> 3\. Current systems can and will be maintained until their
> decommissioning, assuming adequate spare parts are available.

[Further policies are]{.underline}:

> 1\. Each system being decommissioned will be supported operationally
> until its last operational site component is decommissioned. Sparing
> support shall be provided through the cannibalization then
> rehabilitation of decommissioned site components.
>
> 2\. Notification of the intention to decommission a system will be
> provided by NWS to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
> (NOAA) Property Office in accordance with their policies for such
> notifications.
>
> 3\. Users directly involved with the site component to be
> decommissioned will be notified by the Regions in a manner that
> provides the user with sufficient time to make provisions for access
> to data products from the new site component or other alternate source
> of data or service.

5.  **Organization of Plan**

This plan is organized in major sections as follows:

1.  **Introduction,** Section 1.0, introduces the plan\'s organization,
    assumptions, and purpose describes the terminology used, and a
    description of the decommissioned equipment.

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2.  **Description of Components**, Section 2.0, describes the
    decommissioned equipment and support items associated with each
    site. A site-specific list of equipment and site components such as
    test equipment, spare units, documentation, vehicles, training
    software, and manuals to be decommissioned and replaced by the RRS.

3.  **Disposal of Local Components,** Section 3.0, describes the
    disposal actions removing decommissioned site components and
    associated items (e.g., training, software, manuals, spare parts,
    etc.) from the NWS property inventory and restore the site to a
    condition agreed to by all parties.

4.  **Disposal Responsibility and Process**, Section 4.0, gives specific
    instructions for the disposal and monitoring of the system
    components/equipment for WSH and the Regional Offices.

5.  **Summary of Authorities, Roles, and Responsibilities**, Section
    5.0, identifies the organizations responsible for system disposal
    activities.

6.  **Phasedown of Support**, Section 6.0, describes the examination of
    the support functions as the equipment is removed from service.

**2.0 DESCRIPTION OF SYSTEM COMPONENTS**

The NWS currently operates approximately 90 upper air stations, each one
having an ART or W-9000 ground tracking system located in a radome, a
Micro-ART computer (workstation), an interconnection cable umbilical,
and sundry support equipment. The ART-1 systems are considered to be
portable and can be disassembled into several individual mobile parts.
The ART-2 design, consisting of tracking antenna and fixed pedestal
weighs 2,600 pounds and cannot be disassembled. The ART-2 will be
dismantled to bring the weight of its heaviest component down to 1600
pounds. This weight will be further reduced by mechanically cutting up
the components. The ART-2 is typically located about atop the WFO's
Upper Air building approximately 40 feet above ground.

Certain parts of the ART ground tracking system and the PC-X**T**
computers will be cannibalized in order to build up the support stock at
the NRC. The NRC has identified the list of LRUs to be returned for this
purpose. (Reference Appendix B of this plan)

Upon decommissioning of the equipment, the remainder of the ART
equipment not returned to NRC will be excessed. Once the specified LRUs
are removed from the ART, regional and/or WFO personnel will remove the
communications cable. Because of the risk of damage to the radome, the
ART ground tracking equipment will be removed without moving or lifting
the radome.

After cannibalization, the TRS contractor (International MET Systems)
will be responsible for removal of the remaining ART ground tracking
equipment from the upper air Radome. In the case of the ART-1 equipment,
the contractor will disassemble the ART-1 and completely remove the
ART-1 equipment from the radome. Forecast office and/or regional
personnel will then excess all other non-reusable equipment to include
residual components in the office, and the Remote Control Unit (RCU).
For purposes of this document, reusable equipment refers to expendable
supplies (radiosondes, printer supplies, etc.) and reusable support
equipment (battery testers, etc.).

Contractor personnel will disassemble ART-2 equipment to the maximum
extent practical, however the antenna dish, yoke, and pedestal must be
cut apart to be removed. The Contractor is responsible for performing
all efforts including safety and OSHA requirements, to cut the equipment
apart, remove the equipment from the radome, and lower the equipment to
the ground.

The W9000 systems are not installed in radomes, and therefore will not
interfere with installation activities for the RRS system components.
The W9000 systems will be disassembled, packed, shipped, and transferred
to OPS22 by the office personnel.

Reusable supplies will be retained within the region by distribution to
other sites retaining the legacy ground tracking equipment. The regional
headquarters will determine which supplies are required, and where the
supplies are to be sent. All non-retained supplies will be excessed.

**2.1 List of Site Components**

Site components included in this plan are shown below:

-   Pedestal Assembly (ART-1 or ART-2)

    -   All items mounted on the Pedestal Assembly (e.g., parabolic
        reflector antenna, pylon assembly, yoke with drive motors, RF
        assembly, range antenna, transmitter, phase comparator, and
        receiver/antenna control unit).

-   Master Control Console (MCC)

    -   Includes all rack-mounted electrical equipment located in the
        office area (e.g., Time, Azimuth and Elevation Display panel,
        Master Control Unit panel, Power Control Unit panel, sundry
        support and related equipment located in the MCC).

    -   Various cables used with the MCC equipment.

-   Micro ART Computer System

    -   Central Processor Unit box

    -   Color display

    -   Keyboard

    -   Dot-matrix printer

    -   Sundry expendables (e.g., printer ribbon, 5.25 inch floppy
        disks)

    -   Various cables used with the computer system

-   Remote Control Unit (RCU)

    -   The RCU panel is mounted at the inflation building and/or radome
        in a location allowing access during balloon launch

    -   Various cables used with the RCU

-   Cabling unique to the above equipment including communication cable
    connecting equipment in office to equipment in the radome.

-   Expendable supplies not used with the RRS, including

    -   Radiosondes (Sippican B2, Vaisala RS 80), Flexible disks,
        printer ribbons, etc.

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-   Fielded support equipment (may not be available at all sites)

    -   RF Signal Generator (Marconi Model 2024)

    -   Legacy system target antenna tower

    -   Legacy system target antenna

    -   Radiosonde battery tester

    -   Frequency counter (Optoelectronics 3000 series)

    -   Oscilloscope (Tektronix or equivalent)

    -   Multi meter (Fluke 328 or equivalent)

    -   Balloon conditioner

    -   Slip ring tester

    -   Sundry hand tools

NOTE: The radome is to be used with TRS and is [NOT]{.underline} to be
disposed of.

3.  **DISPOSAL OF LOCAL COMPONENTS**

This section describes the procedure for disposition and/or removal of
each element of the legacy upper air system. The general procedure will
be:

1)  Removal of LRUs to be returned to NRC for re-use.

2)  Removal and excessing of the remaining ART-1/2 ground tracking
    equipment from the radome including RCU.

3)  Removal and excessing of the remaining MCC equipment from the
    office.

The following paragraphs provide specific direction for each of these
areas.

**3.1 Activity to Address Hazardous Waste**

**3.1.1 Verification of Incorporation of EHB-9 Mod. Note 19**

The ART-1 and ART-2 Ranging Unit Transmitter/Comparator System and the
original ART-2 Transformer Chassis Assembly contained ballast
transformers and capacitors which contained polychlorinated biphenyls
(PCB). PCBs have been identified as a hazardous substance. To eliminate
the hazardous material from the ART-1 and ART-2 systems, ART
Modification Note 19, and Revision A were issued. The purpose of this
modification was to remove the LRUs containing the PCBs, and install
safe replacements.

At this time, [ALL]{.underline} ART-1 and ART-2 systems in the field
should have had the hazardous material removed by Modification Note 19.
Prior to disposal of the ART-1 and ART-2 ground tracking system,
verification [MUST]{.underline} be made that ART Modification Note 19
has been incorporated. Refer to Table 3 of the modification note for a
description of the LRUs containing the hazardous material. If
Modification Note 19 has not been incorporated, or if an original
Transformer Chassis Assembly and/or Ranging Unit Transmitter/Comparator
System is found on-site, contact the NWS Maintenance Branch (W/OPS12)
for instructions.

2.  **Labeling of ART-1 Equipment**

The paint used on the ART-1 pedestal contains lead (Pb)in concentrations
of 141,000 parts per million. Although handling of this equipment poses
no immediate danger, labeling must be placed on the ART-1 pedestal to
identify lead to anyone who may be involved in scrapping the equipment.

The ART-1 pedestal will be labeled by region/WFO personnel to identify
the lead content of the paint after removal from the radome.

1.  **Disposal of Legacy Upper Air System Components**

**3.2.1 Disposal of ART 1 and/or ART 2 Ground Tracking Equipment**

The ART equipment disposal steps:

1.  The WFO Meteorologist in Charge (MIC), in coordination with site and
    regional electronic and facility staff, will identify a proposed
    decommissioning date for the legacy ART equipment. In determining
    this date, the MIC will consider the effort anticipated to prepare
    the site for RRS installation to include removal of ART
    communication cables from underground conduit, and removal of ART
    LRUs which are to be returned to NLSC.

2.  The RRS Deployment Manager will coordinate with the NOAA Warehouse
    Manager and GSA for on site delivery of a salvage container
    (dumpster) to receive the excess ART-1/2 equipment. The intent is
    for the salvage container to arrive at the site co-incident with the
    proposed decommissioning date.

3.  The RRS Deployment Manager will coordinate with NLSC to provide
    reusable shipping containers to be used to return the appropriate
    LRUs to NLSC. The intent is for the shipping containers to arrive at
    the site co-incident with the proposed decommissioning date.

4.  The legacy upper air system will be decommissioned by the region SOD
    Chief. **No disposal activities can commence until the legacy
    equipment is declared to be non-operational.**

5.  WFO personnel will remove LRU's identified in the Site Installation
    Plan (SIP) from ART-1/2 in preparation for packing and return to
    NRC. Appendix A of this document contains a complete list of
    candidate LRUs, however the SIP may specify a subset. The LRUs need
    not be packed at this time, however it is required that they be
    removed from the radome.

> **Note that ONLY THOSE ITEMS SPECIFIED IN THE SITE INSTALLATION PLAN
> are to be returned to NLSC.**

6.  WFO personnel will disconnect and remove the communications cable
    interconnecting the ART pedestal located in the radome to Master
    Control Console located in the forecast office operations room.
    Connectors will be cut from cable ends and returned to NRC. The
    electrical cable can be placed in the salvage container.

7.  The Installation Contractor will remove all remaining ART 1/2 ground
    tracking system equipment by placing it in the salvage container. In
    the case of ART-2 systems, the contractor will mechanically dissect
    the equipment by torch and saw cutting.

8.  WFO personnel will generate an inventory of all legacy system
    components not scrapped, including LRUs and expendables for site
    records.

9.  Contractor personnel will remove remaining ART ground tracking
    system components such as Remote Control Unit and place in salvage
    container.

10. WFO personnel will disconnect and remove all remaining legacy
    equipment in the operations room and place in salvage container.

11. WFO personnel will remove all disposable ART and MICRO-art
    expendable supplies and coordinate with regional upper air focal
    point for disposition.

**3.2.2 Disposal of on-site support items**

On-site support items, including special test equipment, special tools,
spare kits, and documentation vary from site to site. Follow the
guidelines set forth in the NOAA property disposal guidelines and the
GSA property regulations for the excessing of the following items:

> 1\. Special Tools and Test Equipment
>
> With the exception of the Marconi RF Signal Generator all other
> special tools and test equipment specifically provided for supporting
> the legacy systems will be redistributed within the region to support
> upper sites where the RRS has not yet been installed. The
> redistribution of this equipment will be coordinated with the Regional
> Headquarters. The RF Signal Generator will be retained at the site for
> the RRS program. Any special support equipment not retained by the
> site or redistributed within the region may be disposed of. General
> purpose test equipment is not to be considered part of the system
> being disposed of according to this plan.
>
> 2\. On-Site spares
>
> In general, on-site spares have been limited to ART pylons and ARCTIC
> printed wiring boards. All on-site spares are considered part of the
> system to be excessed and therefore are to be processed in accordance
> with the relevant instructions provided herein. Note that LRUs will be
> returned to NRC as applicable.
>
> 3\. Documentation
>
> Each site has various technical manuals, NWS maintenance and
> modification notes, test procedures, and handbooks. Disposal of these
> types of documents are the responsibility of the site.
>
> 4\. Training Materials
>
> Disposal of on-site training materials for the legacy systems are the
> responsibility of the site.

**3.2.3 Disposal of Local Reusable (Expendable) Supplies**

The NWS will have a requirement to operate the legacy upper air
equipment for an extended period of time because: 1) installation of the
RRS at candidate sites is scheduled to require five years, and 2) all
sites may not receive the RRS equipment. The legacy MICRO-art computer
system uses expendable supplies (printer ribbons, large flexible
diskettes and tractor-feed paper) that are of limited availability. All
legacy upper air sites use expendable Vaisala or Sippican radiosondes
not used with the RRS system. Any expendable supplies that are unused
and in like new condition will be re-used within the region. NWSHQ
Observing Systems Branch (OSB) Chief will coordinate with regional
headquarters to redistribute the expendable items in the specified
region that will continue to operate the ART-1/2 system.

**3.2.4 Disposal of Logistical Support Elements at NRC/NLSC**

There is no impact on logistical support elements at NRC/NLSC. NRC/NLSC
will retain logistical support elements in stock for non-decommissioned
ART-1/2.

**3.2.5 Disposal of Local Components at Non-Operational Sites**

The NWS will have a requirement to support the legacy upper air systems
and system users for the foreseeable future, therefore non-RRS sites
will continue to use the legacy systems until such time as all legacy
sites are decommissioned. The non-operational sites are defined to be
the NWSTC, the NRC and the SRDC.

**3.2.6 Disposal of W9000 LORAN Upper Air Equipment**

The W9000 LORAN upper air equipment is currently limited to three sites
(Albany NY, Charleston SC and Wallops Island VA). At these sites, upon
decommissioning of the equipment it will be disassembled, packed, and
sent to the SRDC (by the office personnel) at the following address:

National Weather Service

Sterling Research and Development Center

43741 Weather Service Road

Sterling, VA 20166-9603

Attn: James Fitzgibbon W/OPS22

PH: (703) 661-1243

FAX:(703) 471-1374

**4.0 DISPOSAL RESPONSIBILITY AND PROCESS**

The organizations responsible for ensuring the disposal activities are
completed are shown below:

Responsible NWS Organizations:

> 1\. Maintenance, Logistics and Acquisition Division (W/OPS1)
>
> a\. Engineering and Acquisition Branch (W/OPS11)

i.  RRS Program Manager

ii. RRS Deployment Manager

iii. Upper Air Legacy System Disposal Manager

> b\. Maintenance Branch (W/OPS12)

c\. National Reconditioning Center (W/OPS16)

i.  Weather Equipment Repair Section (W/OPS162)

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1.  Field Systems Operations Center (W/OPS2)

> a\. Observing Systems Branch (W/OPS22)

i.  Decommissioning Manager

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2.  NWS Regional Headquarters

    i.  Regional Property Manager

3.  Local NWS Forecast Office (to be determined)

    i.  Electronics staff

    ii. Property custodian

Responsible NOAA Organizations:

> 1\. National Logistics Supply Center (NLSC)
>
> 2\. Administrative Services Division (OA330)
>
> a\. Personal Property Section (OA3332)
>
> 3\. Regional Administrative Support Centers
>
> a\. Eastern Administrative Support Center
>
> b\. Central Administrative Support Center
>
> c\. Southern Administrative Support Center
>
> d\. Western Administrative Support Center

Other Government Organizations:

> 1\. General Services Administration (GSA)

**4.1 NOAA Property and GSA Coordination**

All NWS property to be disposed of will be sold, if applicable, in
accordance with the GSA property regulations (41CFR101:41 through 48). A
cover letter should be provided explaining any special considerations to
which GSA needs to be aware of with regards to site access or HAZMAT
associated with a particular piece of equipment.

Once dissected by the Contractor, the ART-2 equipment will have little
or no commercial value, therefore the dissected ART-2 ground station
equipment will be placed in a salvage container provided by NOAA
Warehouse Manager. Likewise, adjunct equipment or material destroyed by
the removal process (e.g., cables) will also be placed in the salvage
container.

The RRS Deployment Manager will complete a paper CD-50 and forward to
the NOAA Warehouse Manager and site property custodian 30 days prior to
the anticipated excess date. The NOAA Warehouse Manager will coordinate
with GSA in identifying an appropriate salvage firm and providing a
salvage container. All components of the legacy upper air system to be
excessed through GSA will be placed in the salvage container. GSA will
arrange for removal of the salvage container. At that time, a GSA
representative will receive the CD-50, signed by the site property
custodian, and process the CD-50 to remove the system from the
custodian's property list.

**4.2 Engineering Management Reporting System (EMRS)**

Property that is reported through the EMRS must be reported on the
Engineering Management Reporting System Maintenance Record W Form A-26
as \"DEACTIVATED\". This will aid Regional and Headquarters personnel to
track the deactivation and disposal process.

**4.3 Monthly Regional Status Reporting**

At the request of the Decommissioning Manager, the RDM will provide a
monthly status report. The status report will contain information on
each site currently involved in the disposal process. Information to be
included for each site includes the following:

> 1\. Description of which disposal steps have been completed
>
> 2\. Problems encountered and recommended solutions

3\. Estimate completion data

**5.0 AUTHORITIES, ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES**

The NWS authorities, roles, and responsibilities for disposal are
presented below by organization and official.

**5.1 NWS Headquarters**

At the WSH level, the major decommissioning functions are executed by
the Assistant Administrator for Weather Service (AA), the Deputy
Assistant Administrator for Modernization (DAAM), the Directors of the
Office of Operational Systems (OPS), Office of Climate, Water and
Weather Services (OS).

1.  **Assistant Administrator for Weather Services**

The AA for the Weather Services is the authorizing official for the NWS
system decommissioning function and the authority for determining the
applicability of this policy to the decommissioning of a given system
and its associated equipment.

**5.1.2 Director, OPS**

The Director, OPS, has the authority to manage, design, and implement
the decommissioning effort. Specifically, the responsibilities include,
but are not limited to following:

1\. Maintenance and Management of the phasedown of system support
functions at the national level, and support of the phasedown of
regional and site-specific portions of such support systems.

**5.1.3 Decommissioning Manager (DM) OPS 22**

The DM is responsible for coordinating decommissioning activities in
preparation for disposal of legacy system equipment.

**5.1.4 Directors of OPS, and OS**

The Directors of OPS, and OS are responsible for support to the
Director, OPS, in the following capacity:

> 1\. Development of guidelines and procedures for execution of the
> Systems Decommission Policy
>
> 2\. Provide updates to this policy
>
> 3\. The Disposal Plan and Decommissioning Plan for each replaced
> systems
>
> 4\. Updates to these plans

**5.1.5 W/OPS11 Engineering and Acquisition Branch (W/OPS11)**

The OPS Chief is responsible for coordinating disposal actions with the
Engineering and Acquisition Branch (W/OPS11) and the OPS Director.

**5.1.5.1 NWSHQ Disposal Mananger**

The Disposal Manager has the following responsibilities:

> 1\. Coordinate all disposal actions through the WSH Commissioning
> Manager, WSH Decommissioning Manager, and the WSH RRS Deployment
> manager
>
> 2\. Acts as the focal point for all disposal activities at NWS WFO.
>
> 3\. Coordinates with the RDM to execute this plan in a timely fashion.
>
> 4\. Provides the RDM with any updates to the plan.
>
> 5\. Coordinates with GSA and NOAA Property to ensure that all required
> steps of equipment disposition are met.
>
> 6\. Collects and tracks necessary data for the execution of the plan.
>
> 7\. Coordinates with the Special Projects Leader (SPL), NRC, and the
> NWSTC to ensure support of remaining systems still in operation during
> decommissioning.
>
> 8\. Coordinates with the NRC for the shipment and storage of
> cannibalized component containers.
>
> 9\. Maintains a file of specific sites that have unusual circumstances
> that prevent parts of this plan from being carried out.
>
> 10\. Coordinates with the Maintenance Branch.

**5.2 Regional Headquarters**

The Regional Headquarters decommissioning functions are carried out by
the Regional Directors. Their responsibilities are:

1.  Support of the Director, OPS, in development of guidelines and
    procedures for execution of the Systems Decommissioning Policy, of
    updates to this policy, and of the SDP and decommissioning plan for
    the equipment replaced by the RRS.

> 2\. Implementation of site component decommissioning decisions and
> disposal actions, in coordination with the Director, OPS.

**5.2.1 Regional Disposal Manager**

The Regional Director will designate an RDM, to coordinate all disposal
activities needed in the Region. Upon designation, the RDM will contact
the headquarters disposal focal point for preliminary instructions.

The RDM will ensure timely execution of the equipment disposal in
accordance with this plan. The RDM will act as the liaison between the
site and the headquarters focal point by tracking regional disposal
activities and providing monthly status reports. The RDM will be
responsible for coordinating with the appropriate Regional safety
specialist to ensure that all (if any) hazardous material situations are
identified and be in charge of writing, coordinating, and procuring all
contracts and memorandum of understanding or agreements (MOU or MOA)
between other Government agencies.

The specific areas of RDM responsibility are the following:

> 1\. Coordinates with the WFO or site personnel and NWSHG Disposal
> Manager to ensure a timely execution of the plan.
>
> 2\. Acts as the focal point for all regional disposal activities.
>
> 3\. Interfaces with NOAA Property, the ASC, and NOAA Warehouse Manager
> to accomplish all necessary documentation and actions to dispose of
> all equipment replaced by the RRS.
>
> 4\. Coordinates with regional safety specialists to develop an
> environmental hazard assessment study to identify and inform the FPDA
> of any new HAZMAT found during any process of the equipment disposal
> process.
>
> 5\. Arranges for the shipment of any system identified by this plan as
> being returned to the NRC.
>
> 6\. Coordinates with the Maintenance Branch to identify any adjunct or
> support equipment to be transferred to other NWS activities.

**5.3 Field Offices**

The appropriate Meteorologist in Charge (MIC) executes system
decommissioning and disposal responsibilities. The responsibilities are
the following:

> 1\. Inclusion of appropriate site component decommissioning and
> disposal activities for their field office.
>
> 2\. Implementation of decommissioning decisions and disposal actions
> as directed by the appropriate regional director.

**5.3.1 Property Custodian**

The property custodian will be responsible for coordinating the disposal
of any equipment listed as NOAA property. The property custodian
responsibilities are as follows:

1.  Coordinates with NOAA Warehouse Manager the removal of excessed
    equipment.

2.  Signs CD-50 and forwards to NOAA Warehouse Manager for approval of
    disposal.

**5.3.2 Site Disposal Manager**

The site Station Manager will designate one person to act as the SDM for
the disposal of the equipment being replaced by RRS at that site. The
SDM will coordinate with the appropriate regional contact, RDM and all
contractors necessary for equipment disposal and site restoration in
accordance with this plan.

The specific areas of SDM responsibility are as follows:

> 1\. Acts as the focal point for all site disposals.
>
> 2\. Coordinates disposal action and site restoration as necessary with
> the RDM and private contractors.
>
> 3\. Coordinates with the RDM and NWSHQ Disposal Manager to ensure
> timely execution of the plan.
>
> 4\. Coordinates the shipment of any reclaimed system equipment with
> the RDM and NWSHQ Disposal Manager if applicable.
>
> 5\. Arranges for or removes any part containing HAZMAT as identified
> in Section 5.1 and arranges for its disposal. Any new HAZMAT not
> identified previously shall be reported to the RDM.
>
> 6\. Packs, crates, or prepares for shipment of any parts,
> subassemblies, or support equipment covered in this plan.
>
> 7\. Coordinates with the Property Custodian to contract for the
> removal of all excessed equipment.
>
> 8\. Reports disposition actions on the appropriate EMRS form(s).

**6.0 PHASEDOWN OF SUPPORT**

Support for the ART-1/2 program will continue during the installation of
the TRS systems. Phasedown of this support will begin with the
decommissioning of the first site component.

The rate of phasedown is determined by the RRS installation schedule.
The phasedown period will span approximately 5 years, given the current
deployment.

**6.1 Depot Maintenance**

Processing of repairable equipment by the NRC will continue as directed
by the SPL, until all systems have been decommissioned and no further
support requirements exist.

**6.2 Logistics**

The Maintenance Branch of the OPS Maintenance, Logistics and Acquisition
Division will coordinate the phasedown of logistics support for ART-1/2.
Logistics support for the ART 2 will continue during the installation of
the RRS systems.

The Logistics Branch and Maintenance Branch of OPS will coordinate with
the NRC Weather Instrument Repair Section to determine which ART-1/2
parts should be saved for later use as spares. The Logistics Branch will
complete the CD-52 (Report of Review of Property) for the spares.
Support requirements will be examined by the SPL throughout the service
life of the remaining systems to ensure that stock levels are adequate
for the operational needs of the UA program. These requirements will be
adjusted as the numbers of ART-1/2 diminish.

**6.2.1 ART-1/2 Support**

The OPS Maintenance, Logistics and Acquisition Division will investigate
problems of availability of parts for the ART-1/2 and will identify
parts that will have a high potential of becoming unavailable prior to
decommissioning. When absolutely necessary, purchases of these parts
will be made to satisfy the support requirements for the remaining
systems.

6.2.2 National Logistics Supply Center (NLSC) Radar and Radar Adjunct
Spares and Consumables

Maintenance Branch personnel throughout the phasedown period will adjust
spares and consumable stock levels for the ART-1/2 at the NLSC. When the
last operational ART-1/2 has been decommissioned, the SPL will
coordinate the surplus or scrap of all remaining radar spares and
consumables with the Logistics Management Section.

**6.2.3 Field Support Equipment**

The Maintenance Branch will phase down the quantities of test equipment
to be repaired as necessary for ongoing site support. When the last
ART-1/2 has been decommissioned, the NRC will transfer to GSA or dispose
all remaining test equipment not needed for other NWS programs as
determined by the RPM and GSA.

**6.3 Training**

Training on ART-1/2 will continue through much of the phasedown period.
The NWSTC will adjust the number and size of classes they offer on the
current radars each year to correspond with the needs expressed by the
regions and WSH.

When the last operational ART-1/2 has been decommissioned, the NWSTC
will transfer disposed training materials and equipment dedicated to
ART-1/2 training as determined by this plan.

**6.4 National Reconditioning Center**

When the last operational ART-1/2 has been decommissioned, the NRC will
begin the disposal process of all material and equipment dedicated to
the ART-1/2 as appropriate.

**APPENDIX A**

**LETTER FROM NOAA PROPERTY AUTHORIZING CANNIBALIZATION AND DISPOSAL OF
ART LEGACY EQUIPMENT**

Number range CHAPTERMEMORANDUM FOR: Frank Kelly

> Mark Paese, Acting Director

Maintenance Logistic and Acquisitions Division

FROM: Carolyn Lopez-DeMatteo

NOAA Property Management Officer

SUBJECT: Disposition of National Weather Service Legacy Upper Air
Systems

Per the information contained in the undated memo directed to the me as
NOAA's Property Management Officer, and the emails received
subsequently, the National Weather Service (NWS) is in the process of
procuring and deploying a state-of-the art upper-air sounding system at
designated field sites. This new system is called the Radiosonde
Replacement System (RRS). The deployment of this equipment necessitates
the removal and disposal of the legacy Automatic Radio-Theodolite (ART)
equipment, specifically, the ART-1 and ART-2 Ground Tracking Systems and
the MicroART computer.

The NWS has determined that certain parts of the ART ground tracking
systems will be required to be cannibalized out of the systems that are
taken out of service to maintain those systems that will remain in
service while the RRS is being deployed. The ART systems will be in the
NWS inventory until the last RRS has been installed, with a number of
units held in service several years beyond for climate comparison
studies. This could push requirements for spares at least 10 (ten)
systems into years 2008-2009.

The Department of Commerce Personal Property Management Manual spells
out three conditions which must be satisfied before cannibalization is
permitted:

> A.) "Repair of the broken or worn parts is not possible, or not
> cost-effective;" It is intended that replacement parts be cannibalized
> out of the ART systems because the parts which must be replaced can
> not be repaired economically. For example, the equipment can only be
> repaired a limited number of times after which time they would have to
> be produced new through a reverse-engineering process. Also, it is
> difficult to get companies to contract for repairing components such
> as the azimuth/elevation bearings, hysteresis clutches and pylon
> motors because the technology is old, because of the low volume and
> quick turn-around requirements, and because they are unwilling to
> undergo the National Reconditioning Center's necessary quality control
> verification procedures.
>
> B.) "Required parts are not available from other units previously
> cannibalized;" The NWS will use all parts available from an ART that
> has already been cannibalized before cannibalizing a different ART.
>
> C.) "The benefit realized from cannibalization exceeds the estimated
> trade-in or sale value of the unit being considered for
> cannibalization." The NWS will be able to keep the current ART systems
> up and running through the period of time that the replacement systems
> are being deployed by using cannibalized parts. If cannibalized parts
> were not used, the cost of repairing the current ART systems would be
> prohibitive. For example, pylon motors that originally cost \$760 had
> to be replaced with ones that cost \$4200. The value of a
> non-cannibalized ART to a potential buyer is minimal because of the
> problems they would have finding parts to maintain the equipment.
> Furthermore, the radiosondes which this equipment was designed to work
> with will no longer be economically manufacturable once the NWS stops
> using them, and the radio-frequency spectrum used by this equipment is
> no longer available. Therefore, the benefits from cannibalization far
> exceed any estimated trade-in or sale value.

Consequently, under my authority as Property Management Officer for
NOAA, I hereby certify that the cannibalization of the NWS ART-1 and
ART-2 Ground Tracking equipment is the most beneficial and
cost-effective use of this equipment and authorize the cannibalization
as deemed appropriate by the NWS. The MicroART is basically an old
1970\'s IBM Micro Computer. Since it is not being considered for
cannibalization, it will be excessed through normal procedures.

In addition, I hereby further authorize the NWS to dispose of the
remaining equipment locally.

The Federal Management Regulations state:

§ 102-36.305. May we abandon or destroy excess personal property without
reporting it to GSA?

Yes, you may abandon or destroy excess personal property when you have
made a written determination that the property has no commercial value
or the estimated cost of its continued care and handling would exceed
the estimated proceeds from its sale. An item has no commercial value
when it has neither utility nor monetary value (either as an item or as
scrap).

§ 102-36.310. Who makes the determination to abandon or destroy excess
personal property?

To abandon or destroy excess personal property, an authorized official
of your agency makes a written finding that must be approved by a
reviewing official who is not directly accountable for the property.

The ART-2 assembly employs a large, heavy (\>2100 lbs) steel pedestal
structure installed in an elevated radome structure. The NWS cannot
remove the ART-2 pedestal from the top of the inflation building without
either lifting the radome or cutting the pedestal into several pieces in
order to remove it through the radome door. The NWS has determined that
it would be too risky and expensive to try to lift the radome so the
pedestal structure could be removed. Therefore, I am hereby authorizing
the NWS to disassemble the pedestal by cutting it into pieces.

What will be left after the disassembly of the ART-2 pedestal and the
cannibalization of parts from both the ART-1 and the ART-2 will have no
commercial value either in terms of its utility nor its monetary value
(either as an item or as scrap).

I am also authorizing the NWS to dispose of the remaining equipment
components of the ART-1 and ART-2 locally in accordance with the Federal
Management Regulations, Article 102-36.

This does not, however, preclude the Property Custodians from informing
the appropriate Regional Property Manager when the equipment has been
removed from service and disposed of. Though no Board of Review action
is required, a CD-52 form must be completed to document the disposition
of the ART equipment. The face of the form must indicate the Property
Identification Number (barcode number) and the serial number of the
equipment being disposed of as well as the date the equipment was taken
out of service. The reverse side of the form must describe the action
taken to dispose of the equipment in the Disposition of Property section
and give the date of actual disposition, and must be signed and dated by
the responsible official.

If there are any questions please contact Brian Mason in the Personal
Property Office at

\(301\) 713-3530, ext. 165.

[Signed by Carolyn Lopez-DeMatteo]{.underline} [September 26,
2002]{.underline}

Approved Date

**APPENDIX B**

**ART-1/2 SPARE PART CANNIBALIZATION/RECOVERY - MODIFIED FEBRUARY 2008**

+-----------------------------------------+--------------+-------------+
| **[Description]{.underline}**           | **[ART-1]{.  | *           |
|                                         | underline}** | *[ART-2]{.u |
|                                         |              | nderline}** |
+=========================================+==============+=============+
|                                         | **ASN**      | **ASN**     |
+-----------------------------------------+--------------+-------------+
| RF assembly                             | []{.mark}    | J170-1A1A1  |
|                                         |              |             |
|                                         | J170-1A1A1   |             |
+-----------------------------------------+--------------+-------------+
| Target Oscillator                       | J206-4       | J206-4      |
+-----------------------------------------+--------------+-------------+
| Target Dipole Antenna                   | J206-1       | J206-1      |
+-----------------------------------------+--------------+-------------+
| Vaisala Radiosonde Battery Tester       | J208-3       | J208-3      |
+-----------------------------------------+--------------+-------------+
| VIZ/Sippican Radiosonde Power Supply &  | J208-4       | J208-4      |
| Battery Tester                          |              |             |
+-----------------------------------------+--------------+-------------+
| XT computer: (w/ all cards, PS, &       | M003-1       | M003-1      |
| Drives inside):                         |              |             |
+-----------------------------------------+--------------+-------------+
| ARTIC card                              | M003-1A1A1   | M003-1A1A1  |
+-----------------------------------------+--------------+-------------+
| SPU-11 interface card                   | M003-1A1A4   | M003-1A1A4  |
+-----------------------------------------+--------------+-------------+
| Controller, Fixed Disk                  | M003-1A1A5   | M003-1A1A5  |
+-----------------------------------------+--------------+-------------+
| Controller, Floppy Drive                | M003-1A1A6   | M003-1A1A6  |
+-----------------------------------------+--------------+-------------+
| Power Supply                            | M003-1PS1    | M003-1PS1   |
+-----------------------------------------+--------------+-------------+
| Color Monitor                           | M003-2       | M003-2      |
+-----------------------------------------+--------------+-------------+
| Keyboard                                | M003-3       | M003-3      |
+-----------------------------------------+--------------+-------------+
| Theodolite                              | J600         | J600        |
+-----------------------------------------+--------------+-------------+
| ART Data Printer (PAOZZ)                | J170-4B      | J170-4B     |
+-----------------------------------------+--------------+-------------+

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