**Radiosonde Replacement System (RRS)**

**Deployment Plan**

**March 2006**

**V9.8d**

# Table of Contents

1.0 Purpose/Introduction. 3

1.1 Scope 3

1.2 RRS System Description 3

1.3 RRS Deployment Strategy 4

2.0 Deployment Activities 6

2.1 Prior to TRS Installation 6

2.1.1 Points of Contact (POC) 6

2.1.2 Site Installation Plans (SIP) 6

2.1.3 NCEP/RRS Operations Transition 6

2.1.4 Site Access/Equipment Permits 7

2.1.5 Site Preparation 7

2.1.6 RSOIS Installation 7

2.1.7 GPS Equipment Installation 7

2.1.8 Workstation Installation/Operator Training 8

2.1.9 Maintenance and Maintenance Training 8

2.1.10 Supply Support 8

2.1.11 Hazardous Material Removal 8

2.2 During TRS Installation 9

2.2.1 Legacy System Decommissioning 9

2.2.2 Legacy System Removal and Disposal 9

2.2.3 TRS Shipment to Site 10

2.2.4 TRS Installation and Checkout (INCO) 10

2.2.5 RRS Subsystem Integration and Checkout 10

2.2.6 RRS System Verification and Acceptance 11

2.2.7 Supplemental Operator Training 11

2.2.8 RRS System Turnover 11

2.3 After TRS Installation 12

2.3.1 RRS Commissioning 12

2.3.2 Post System Turnover Support 12

3.0 Other Information 12

3.1 Documentation 12

3.2 Maintenance and Logistics 13

3.3 Property and Inventory 13

3.4 Installation Schedule 13

3.5 Data Continuity Evaluations 13

3.6 RRS Deployment
Website.........................................................................14

**[1.0 Purpose/Introduction]{.underline}**

The purpose of the Radiosonde Replacement System (RRS) Deployment Plan
is to describe and document the strategy for the installation and
deployment of the RRS and its transition into operations. It provides a
means to inform RRS program participants of this strategy and to obtain
their coordination and approval of the key activities required to
implement the RRS into NWS operations.

## 1.1 Scope {#scope .unnumbered}

This plan addresses the activities and organizational responsibilities
required to successfully implement the RRS at NWS field sites. This
includes site/facility preparation; legacy system decommissioning,
removal and disposal; RRS equipment installation and checkout (INCO) and
commissioning; operations and maintenance training; and follow-on
operations, maintenance, and logistics support. More detailed
information and procedures will be provided in the Site Installation
Plans discussed later in paragraph 2.1.2.

RRS implementation at the various NWS support centers (Sterling Test
Center, National Reconditioning Center, and the NWS Training Center)
will be accomplished directly with these centers. The effort to
implement RRS at these locations is not included in this plan.

## 1.2 RRS System Description {#rrs-system-description .unnumbered}

The National Weather Service (NWS) operates a network of upper air
weather observing stations in the contiguous United States, Alaska, and
the Pacific Islands. At each station, a balloon borne instrument called
a radiosonde is sent aloft twice daily to measure atmospheric profiles
of the temperature, pressure, humidity, and winds. These radiosonde
flights form the backbone of weather forecasts and research for a
variety of consumers including domestic and international aviation, and
the general population through national and local weather forecasts and
warnings. The NWS will replace its current, aging network of upper air
observing systems with modern, more reliable systems that will provide
soundings with increased resolution and accuracy. The RRS is a leap
forward from previous sounding systems. It will introduce a
state-of-the-art ground tracking system and a Global Positioning System
(GPS) based radiosonde in response to validated system obsolescence and
a reduced operating frequency allocations.

The RRS hardware consists of the following:

-   A new GPS-based radiosonde to aid in wind data calculation

-   A new ground tracking system, the Telemetry Receiver System (TRS),
    to acquire and track the radiosonde signal

-   A Signal Processing System (SPS) that uses differential GPS data to
    pre-process and format pressure, temperature, and humidity values,
    wind, and position data for the workstation.

-   A Radiosonde Surface Observation Instrumentation System (RSOIS) that
    contains a suite of equipment for providing surface readings during
    pre-flight.

-   A Precision Digital Barometer (PDB) that provides surface pressure
    during pre-flight.

-   A RRS Work Station (RWS) computer to run the flight application,
    control flight operations, support limited telemetry analysis,
    provide local and NCDC archival, and transmit messages to AWIPS.

-   A GPS repeater system to facilitate indoor radiosonde instrument
    baseline activity.

.

Figure 1

The RRS System is depicted in Figure 1.

## 1.3 RRS Deployment Strategy {#rrs-deployment-strategy .unnumbered}

The RRS program deployment strategy is driven by the system's
acquisition strategy, the urgent need to replace the MicroART system,
and the desire to minimize the time each upper air site is out of
operation. The RRS acquisition strategy called for a modular system
design that allowed the various RRS subsystems to be procured
separately, maximizing the competition potential for each subsystem. Due
to development issues with several of the subsystems, it was not
possible to keep all subsystem schedules synchronized such that their
deliveries occurred simultaneously. During the course of the program,
several subsystems became (or will become) available for installation
prior to the availability of the remaining subsystems. This creates the
possibility of an incremental (early) installation and, more
importantly, the opportunity to significantly reduce the installation
schedule and risks when the remaining subsystems are installed. This
incremental installation has, in fact, begun with the deployment of the
RSOIS. Another subsystem that will be subject to early installation is
the GPS repeater. This will be discussed in more detail later.

The RRS deployment will require the close coordination and cooperation
of a number of NWS organizations. Overall management and oversight for
[final subsystem installation]{.underline} and [RRS system-level
acceptance]{.underline} will be provided by the government's RRS
Deployment Manager. The RRS Deployment Manager is a government employee
from the Office of Operational Systems (OPS). The RRS Deployment Team
will be responsible for installing the workstation and connecting it to
the RSOIS and PDB, and providing connectivity to AWIPS. International
MET Systems, Inc. (IMS), the TRS contractor, will remove the legacy
upper air system from the radome; perform the TRS INCO, including the
installation of the Digital Communications Equipment (DCE) in the office
and radome, install the fiber optic cable in the conduit, install the
Government furnished Signal Processing System (SPS) into the TRS
pedestal, and install the Government furnished GPS base antenna in the
radome. Specific IMS and Government roles and responsibilities for the
final RRS subsystem installations and system-level acceptance are shown
in the following table.

+------------------------+----+----+-----+---+------------------------+
| **Activity**           | *  | *  | *   | * | **Comments**           |
|                        | *I | *O | *Re | * |                        |
|                        | MS | PS | gio | S |                        |
|                        | ** | ** | n** | i |                        |
|                        |    |    |     | t |                        |
|                        |    |    |     | e |                        |
|                        |    |    |     | * |                        |
|                        |    |    |     | * |                        |
+------------------------+----+----+-----+---+------------------------+
| Prepare Site           | S  | P  | S   | S | Distribute 90 days     |
| Installation Plan      |    |    |     |   | prior to install       |
| (SIP)                  |    |    |     |   |                        |
+------------------------+----+----+-----+---+------------------------+
| Site Preparation       |    |    |     | P | Complete facility      |
|                        |    |    |     |   | readiness checklist    |
+------------------------+----+----+-----+---+------------------------+
| Site access permits    |    | P  |     | S | Prepare and submit FAA |
|                        |    |    |     |   | Form 7460              |
+------------------------+----+----+-----+---+------------------------+
| Ship TRS to site (from | P  |    |     |   | Ship 1 week prior to   |
| IMS)                   |    |    |     |   | TRS install            |
+------------------------+----+----+-----+---+------------------------+
| Ship installation kits |    | P  |     | S | Ship 1 week prior to   |
| (from NLSC)            |    |    |     |   | TRS install            |
+------------------------+----+----+-----+---+------------------------+
| ART decommissioning    |    | P  |     | S | Conducted by OPS22     |
+------------------------+----+----+-----+---+------------------------+
| Cannibalization of ART |    |    |     | P | Guidance from OPS12    |
| LRUs                   |    |    |     |   |                        |
+------------------------+----+----+-----+---+------------------------+
| ART removal            | P  |    |     | S | Under contract with    |
|                        |    |    |     |   | OPS                    |
+------------------------+----+----+-----+---+------------------------+
| ART disposal           |    |    |     | P | IAW approved           |
|                        |    |    |     |   | procedures             |
+------------------------+----+----+-----+---+------------------------+
| WL9000 removal and     |    | S  |     | P | IAW guidance from      |
| disposal               |    |    |     |   | OPS22                  |
+------------------------+----+----+-----+---+------------------------+
| Survey GPS related     | P  | S  |     | S | Includes TRS & PDB     |
| locations              |    |    |     |   | positions              |
+------------------------+----+----+-----+---+------------------------+
| Install RSOIS (prior   |    |    |     | P | Mod note from OPS12    |
| to TRS install)        |    |    |     |   |                        |
+------------------------+----+----+-----+---+------------------------+
| Install GPS repeater   |    |    |     | P | Mod note from OPS12    |
| (prior to TRS)         |    |    |     |   |                        |
+------------------------+----+----+-----+---+------------------------+
| Install                |    | P  |     | S | OPS12 to provide       |
| workstation/software   |    |    |     |   | procedures             |
+------------------------+----+----+-----+---+------------------------+
| Install site data      |    | P  |     | S | Details in SIP         |
| (into workstations)    |    |    |     |   |                        |
+------------------------+----+----+-----+---+------------------------+
| Install TRS            | P  | S  |     | S | Under contract with    |
|                        |    |    |     |   | OST                    |
+------------------------+----+----+-----+---+------------------------+
| Install GFE SPS into   | P  |    |     | S | RRS Technical Manual   |
| TRS                    |    |    |     |   |                        |
+------------------------+----+----+-----+---+------------------------+
| Install GPS antenna    | P  |    |     | S | RRS Technical Manual   |
| (in radome)            |    |    |     |   |                        |
+------------------------+----+----+-----+---+------------------------+
| Install RWS DCE        | P  |    |     |   | RRS Technical Manual   |
+------------------------+----+----+-----+---+------------------------+
| Connect TRS to serial  | P  |    |     | S | RRS Technical Manual   |
| port card              |    |    |     |   |                        |
+------------------------+----+----+-----+---+------------------------+
| Connect RWS to RWS DCE | P  |    |     |   | RRS Technical Manual   |
+------------------------+----+----+-----+---+------------------------+
| Connect RSOIS to       |    | P  |     | S | RRS Technical Manual   |
| serial port card       |    |    |     |   |                        |
+------------------------+----+----+-----+---+------------------------+
| Connect PDB to serial  |    | P  |     | S | RRS Technical Manual   |
| port card              |    |    |     |   |                        |
+------------------------+----+----+-----+---+------------------------+
| Connect GPS antenna to | P  |    |     | S | RRS Technical Manual   |
| SPS                    |    |    |     |   |                        |
+------------------------+----+----+-----+---+------------------------+
| Connect RRS to         |    | S  |     | P | Mod note from OPS1     |
| LDAD/AWIPS             |    |    |     |   |                        |
+------------------------+----+----+-----+---+------------------------+
| Prepare Acceptance     | S  | P  |     | S | Procedures from OPS1   |
| Test Procedures        |    |    |     |   |                        |
|                        |    | P  |     | S | Gov't DD-250s TRS      |
| \- Accept IMS TRS      |    |    |     |   | installation           |
| installation           |    | P  |     | S |                        |
|                        |    |    |     |   | Procedures in SIP      |
| \- Verify RRS/AWIPS    |    | P  |     |   |                        |
| interface              |    |    |     |   | Procedures from OPS1   |
|                        |    | P  |     |   |                        |
| \- Perform RRS system  |    |    |     |   | Procedures from OPS1   |
| checkout               |    |    |     |   |                        |
|                        |    |    |     |   |                        |
| \- Supplemental        |    |    |     |   |                        |
| operator training      |    |    |     |   |                        |
+------------------------+----+----+-----+---+------------------------+
| Conduct system         |    | P  | S   | S | Complete Site          |
| turnover               |    |    |     |   | Acceptance Form        |
+------------------------+----+----+-----+---+------------------------+
| NCEP coordination      |    | S  |     | P | Procedure in SIP       |
+------------------------+----+----+-----+---+------------------------+
| RRS commissioning      |    | P  | S   | S | Conducted by OPS22     |
+------------------------+----+----+-----+---+------------------------+

P = Primary responsibility, S = Supporting office(s)

## 2.0 Deployment Activities  {#deployment-activities .unnumbered}

This section describes the activities to be accomplished in support of
the RRS installation and deployment.

**[2.1 Prior to TRS Installation]{.underline}**

The RRS consists of a number of subsystems procured under separate
contracts. Production lead-times for several of these subsystems are
such that they are available for installation prior to the longer
lead-time subsystems like the TRS and GPS radiosondes. Early
installation of these subsystems by the field will lessen the time and
effort required for the installation of the TRS allowing the site to
resume operations in less time. In addition, there are a number of
administrative and site preparation activities that must be completed
ahead of time, prior to the installation of the TRS. All agreed to and
approved costs associated with early installation of any RRS subsystems
will be funded by the RRS program.

**[2.1.1 Points of Contact (POC)]{.underline}**

Close coordination is essential in the implementation process. The
Regions will designate primary and secondary POCs at the Regional HQ and
for each field site to coordinate the deployment with NWSH and IMS. NWSH
will also designate POCs for each of its participating
offices/organizations. NWSH will obtain POCs for IMS. Each POC should
have a name, phone number, government/corporate e-mail address, and
government mailing address. POC changes must be identified to the RRS
Deployment Manager as soon as they are known.

**[2.1.2 Site Installation Plans (SIP)]{.underline}**

A SIP will be developed by the RRS Deployment Manager for each
operational site. The SIP will include POCs and contact information,
site drawings, equipment schematics, legacy system removal procedures,
RRS equipment installation procedures, acceptance test procedures, and
other common and site specific installation information. Initial SIPs
will be provided to the Regional and site POCs and to IMS at least 100
days prior to the scheduled RRS installation. Comments and/or changes
are to be provided to the RRS Deployment Manager within 20 days of
receipt of the initial SIP. SIP updates will be disseminated in response
to comments and changes.

**[2.1.3 NCEP/RRS Operations Transition]{.underline}**

NWSH will coordinate with NCEP and the Regions to develop a plan and
procedures to

transition RRS into operations. It is anticipated that the observations
from the initial GPS radiosonde launches from a given site will not be
assimilated into the operational models until system-level operations
are verified and the site accepts system turnover (see paragraph 2.2.8).
Upper-air observations may not be available from a site in transition
for up to 3 weeks (nominal). Until RRS installation and system turnover
are completed, observations transmitted from the site over AWIPS will be
identified by a method to be defined as test messages so these messages
can be flagged at NCEP for exclusion from the models. This plan and
procedures will be included in the SIP.

**[2.1.4 Site Access/Equipment Permits]{.underline}**

Various site-specific permits and/or access clearances may be required
to accomplish installation of the RRS.

-   Upper air sites located on or adjacent to an operational airdrome
    may require a temporary FAA Form 7460 clearance for the equipment
    IMS will use to remove the ART and/or install the TRS.

-   At those sites having an ART-2 legacy system which must be cut up
    for removal, a NWS "burning / hot work" permit is required to be
    issued by the office MIC.

-   Local building permits may be required at some locations.

-   Local electrical permits may be required at some locations.

-   Local permits may be required to access or to perform work at some
    locations.

IMS will be required to provide the government with appropriate and
timely information regarding the proposed installation equipment (crane)
so a determination can be made as to whether or not the FAA Form 7460 is
required. This clearance may require up to 100 days to process.
Development and submission of FAA Form 7460 will be the responsibility
of the RRS Deployment Manager. It is anticipated that close and
continuous coordination with the site POC will be required and that the
site POC will be the primary focal point for interactions with the local
FAA office. Once the permits are obtained, a copy will be provided to
IMS. Their responsibility is to comply with the terms of permit, to
include FAA airspace notifications and any required marking or lighting.

At sites having an ART-2, the RRS Deployment Manager will obtain a
"burning/hot work" permit from the forecast office. A copy of this
permit will be provided to IMS. Their responsibility is to comply with
their responsibility is to comply with the terms of the permit.

IMS will be responsible for obtaining any and all local permits required
at a particular site. The forecast office personnel will identify the
need for special local permits on the operations immediate form. IMS
will be responsible for complying with the terms of any required
permits.

If special permits are required to access the upper air facility, it
will be the responsibility of the NWS Forecast Office to obtain
(wherever possible) or to assist IMS in obtaining such permits and to
oversee access by contractor and/or Government personnel. IMS may be
required to take actions to obtain such permits (e.g., obtain training,
mark vehicles, take tests, etc.). The forecast office personnel will
identify the need for access permits on the operations immediate form
found in the SIP.

**[2.1.5 Site Preparation]{.underline}**

The sites will perform site preparation activities and accomplish the
Facility Readiness Checklist found in the SIP for each site. In
addition, general scheduling of site preparation activities must be
planned around the installation schedule. IMS and NWS must ensure that
performance of any preparation work is properly coordinated and timing
does not interfere with any other site operations. A completed Facility
Readiness Checklist certification will be required of each NWS site.
Critical open items on the site questionnaire (i.e., conduit clearance)
may preclude the scheduled installation of RRS at a given NWS site.
Therefore, each NWS site must ensure that all open items and/or other
factors that could affect IMS's ability to perform on site are fully
documented and addressed, well in advance of any planned or scheduled
site installation activity.

Note that there are two primary facilities requirements which must be
met in order to allow installation of the RRS system. The first
requirement is that the facility in which the TRS is to be installed
have adequate lightning protection and a ground point to which the TRS
ground can be connected, and the second requirement is that the facility
have a 115 VAC 60 HZ 20 amp service panel to which the TRS can be safely
connected.

### 2.1.5.1 Removal of Hydrogen {#removal-of-hydrogen .unnumbered}

Prior to activities which will take place in the radome, it will be
necessary for all hydrogen tanks to be removed from the vicinity of the
inflation building. The NWSFO will arrange for the removal of all
hydrogen bottles from the work site area, and the return of the hydrogen
bottles to the area following RRS installation and check out. It is not
necessary to remove helium tanks at those facilities where hydrogen gas
is not used.

**[2.1.6 RSOIS Installation]{.underline}**

Because the RSOIS can be used with the current upper air system
operations, it will be installed and commissioned as it becomes
available. RSOIS will be installed only at sites meeting the siting
requirements. At this time, approximately 6 to 9 sites will use ASOS.
OPS22 will coordinate and manage the installation process and ensure
RSOIS is operational prior to the TRS installation. This early
installation allows the site to take advantage of this valuable
equipment in its current upper air operations and it will lessen the
installation time when the remainder of the system is installed. When
delivered by the vendor, RSOISs will be placed in the NLSC and shipped
to the site for installation.

**[2.1.7 GPS Equipment Installation]{.underline}**

The GPS equipment consists of two separate antenna systems. The Signal
Processing System embedded in the TRS pedestal requires a GPS signal
source for differential calculations. This GPS signal source is provided
by the GPS base antenna located in the apex of the radome. To allow the
GPS-based radiosonde to report GPS availability during pre-flight
radiosonde prep, a GPS repeater system is installed at the WFO to
receive GPS signals from an unobstructed location above the WFO roof,
and allow the signal to be re-radiated in the radiosonde preparation
area.

It is necessary to install the GPS repeater prior to TRS installation,
as it requires modification to the WFO in order to connect the
externally (roof) mounted receiver antenna with the internally mounted
transmitter and antenna. This may require facility perforations to allow
a 150 foot nominal length coaxial cable to be installed connecting the
transmit and receive antennas.

Installation of the GPS base antenna in the radome will be accomplished
by IMS during TRS installation. As with the RSOIS, the GPS repeater will
be stocked in NLSC and shipped to the site approximately 90 days prior
to the scheduled TRS installation. RRS Modification Note 9 found in
Engineering Handbook 9 has been provided by OPS12 for the installation
of the GPS repeater system.

**[2.1.8 Workstation Installation/Operator Training]{.underline}**

Operator training will be accomplished using distance training material
in conjunction with the production RWS system and associated RRS
software. The RWS uses an RRS program-specific version of the Microsoft
Windows XP operating system which has been heavily tailored for RRS use.
This tailoring is necessary to eliminate many of the routine tasks which
the commercially released XP operating system automatically schedules
for execution to eliminate the possibility of interference with the RRS
application program. Because of this, the commercial Windows operating
system is removed from the RWS hard disk prior to issue from NLSC. The
RWS operating system software is supplied to each site on a set of
bootable Ghost CDs installed on site. The RWS hardware, RWS operating
system, and RRS operational software (actual application program suite)
will be delivered to the site approximately 90 days prior to the
scheduled TRS installation. For training purposes, the workstation must
be installed in an environment/location conducive for the operations
staff to study the training materials and learn the system operations.
(Note that during installation of the RRS, the RWS will be re-located to
its operational location.) The following training material will be
provided concurrently with the RWS:

-   Handbook 10 update (sonde prep instructions, operators instruction)

-   RRS User Guide

-   RRS Operators DVD training video

-   RRS After-action survey

-   RRS Operator\'s certification test

-   B48 checklist

-   RRS MIC Readiness Certification Statement

-   RRS Program Points of Contact for troubleshooting

-   RRS Training flights CD

The RRS training flights CD will contain actual flight profiles that
will allow the operator to exercise the application software, edit data,
and generate coded messages.

Assistance will be available from NWSH (OPS22) to answer site questions
concerning the application software and system operation. **It is
critical and essential that the operations staff utilize this
opportunity to learn the system.**

### 2.1.9 Maintenance and Maintenance Training {#maintenance-and-maintenance-training .unnumbered}

Maintenance documentation, will be developed by OPS12 in coordination
with the NWSTC and the development of the RRS maintenance training
course. Technical documentation includes the following (in addition to
modification and maintenance notes routinely issued):

-   RSOIS O & M Manual (NWS EHB 9-201)

-   TRS O & M Manual (NWS EHB 9-753)

-   SIPPICAN SPS & Radiosonde O & M Manual (NWS EHB 9-801)

-   RRS Workstation (RWS) & M Manual (NWS EHB 9-901)

-   RRS Fault Analysis Manual (NWS EHB 9-903)

-   RRS Systems Administration Manual (NWS EHB 9-904)

Maintenance training will be accomplished during a eight-day residence
training course at the NWSTC. OPS12 (Maintenance Branch), using the RRS
program deployment schedule as a guideline, will coordinate directly
with the Region HQ, with individual forecast offices, and with the NWSTC
to schedule students to attend this training such that a minimum of one
person at each site successfully completes the course in advance of the
scheduled TRS installation. Trained site maintenance staff are
encouraged to observe the installation and setup of the TRS.

**[2.1.10 Supply Support]{.underline}**

The RRS will be supportable by the existing logistics support system.
Spares for all subsystems will be in stock at NLSC. The National
Reconditioning Center (NRC) will have all required test equipment in
place to perform their maintenance functions prior to the beginning of
deployment. The NRC will also have initiated the process to identify and
track RRS parts obsolescence via the Technology Obsolescence Risk
Assessment (TORA) program. The Engineering Management and Reporting
System (EMRS) will be updated by OPS13 to provide the capability to
enter RRS maintenance actions.

### 2.1.11 Hazardous Material Removal and Condition of the Radome {#hazardous-material-removal-and-condition-of-the-radome .unnumbered}

Engineering Handbook 9 ART Modification Note 19 has been previously
provided to address removal and disposal of hazardous materials
contained in the legacy ART-1 and ART-2 system. At this time, it has
been reported that ALL ART systems have had this modification note
performed. Site personnel will inspect the legacy system to ensure that
this modification note has been performed. If this modification note has
not yet been performed, it will be necessary for site personnel to
coordinate with OPS11 arrange for removal of remaining hazardous
material in the ART ground station equipment.

The Government is required to identify any and all hazardous materials
present in the work area to all contractors. Site personnel will perform
an inspection of the radome and will identify hazardous materials and/or
other materials of concern via the operations immediate data form found
in the SIP. At ART-2 sites, this will include any insulation which has
been applied to the interior of the radome because a torch will be used
in the removal process.

**[2.2 During TRS Installation]{.underline}**

The activities described in this section are those that will be
accomplished beginning the day the TRS installation is scheduled to
begin.

**[2.2.1 Legacy System Decommissioning]{.underline}**

OPS22 will develop MicroART and WL9000 decommissioning procedures and
oversee the decommissioning process. Upon decommissioning, the site's
upper air operations will cease and all MicroART and WL9000 related
equipment will be powered down and disconnected by site staff. The NWSFO
Meteorologist in Charge (MIC) will be responsible for recommending an
appropriate date for decommissioning of the site's legacy upper air
equipment. The primary consideration in recommending this date will be
the effort required by NWSFO personnel to complete the in dome
activities by the end of "day one" of the on site activities. Thee
activities include removal of certain ART LRUs to be returned to NLSC,
and removal of legacy equipment wiring from underground conduits to
ensure that the conduits are clear and serviceable. The proposed
decommissioning data must be provided to OPS22 30 days before the target
installation date.

**[2.2.2 Legacy System Removal and Disposal]{.underline}**

MicroART and WL9000 equipment will be removed and disposed of as
described below. The RRS program will fund all costs associated with
removal and disposal of this equipment.

**NOTE: All hazardous materials (transformers containing PCBs) must be
removed prior to IMS beginning the system removal.**

Radiosondes - All legacy system radiosondes remaining after
decommissioning will be distributed within the region for use by sites
in the remaining network. OPS22 will assist in coordination of this
effort if requested.

WL9000 Loran System Removal and Disposal - The site will be responsible
for removing this equipment, packaging it, and shipping it to the
Sterling test center in Sterling, VA.

Cannibalization -- The SIP will identify the specific MicroART LRUs that
must be removed and shipped to NLSC. Immediately following
decommissioning, the site electronic technician will remove those parts,
along with ancillary cables, connectors, etc., and provide access to IMS
to the remaining equipment. Authority to cannibalize the MicroART has
been provided by NOAA Property. Un-cannibalized (remaining) equipment
will be disposed of in accordance with existing Commerce and GSA
regulations. Shipping containers will be available from NLSC for return
of LRUs. The RRS Deployment Manager will coordinate delivery of these
containers with NLSC.

Legacy equipment disposal -- Removal and disposal of all legacy
equipment not cannibalized (i.e., returned to NLSC) will be disposed of
locally in accordance with existing Commerce and GSA regulations through
GSA. The RRS Commissioning manager will prepare a (paper) form CD-50 and
forward that form to the NOAA Warehouse manager with a copy of the site
property custodian. The NOAA Warehouse manager will be responsible for
disposal of all legacy equipment. This includes the following:

-   Arrange to have a local scrap dealer to provide a container to
    receive the scrap legacy equipment

-   Arrange to have the scrap removed from the site

-   Process the paper CD-50 through the NOAA property Sunflower system
    to document disposal of the equipment and to remove the legacy
    system from the NOAA property system.

At the first deployment site, which is LWX (Baltimore Washington WFO),
the MicroART computer system will be removed intact and relocated to the
Sterling Research and Development Center building for possible use as a
back up system. At all other sites, the MicroART computer system will be
disposed of in accordance with the above paragraph.

**[2.2.3 TRS Shipment to Site]{.underline}**

TRS shipment to the site will be accomplished by IMS in coordination
with the RRS Program Office and the site. IMS will be responsible for
packing all equipment for shipment to each field site. Equipment will be
packaged by IMS for limited-time, outside storage. The responsibility
for the condition of all equipment will remain at all times with IMS.

**[2.2.4 TRS Installation and Checkout (INCO)]{.underline}**

TRS INCO will be accomplished by IMS in accordance with TRS installation
procedures developed under the TRS contract by IMS and approved by the
government. TRS INCO includes the following:

-   Performing geo-location survey for the TRS, SPS GPS antenna, release
    points, and PDB location (elevation only)

-   Collecting and reporting site specific TRS information including
    coefficients and configuration.

```{=html}
<!-- -->
```
-   Installation of the GPS antenna in the radome in accordance with
    EHB-9

-   Installation of the TRS in the radome

-   Installation of the SPS (provided as GFE through NLSC) into the TRS
    pedestal

-   Cabling of the GPS antenna and SPS with the TRS

-   Installation and cabling of remote CDU/intercom panel

-   Cabling and connection of TRS to AC power in the inflation building

-   Cabling and connection of the TRS to inflation building ground grid

-   Installation of fiber optic junction box in the radome

-   Installation/connection of fiber optic cable between the junction
    box and the TRS

-   Installation of the fiber optic cable in the conduit and connection
    to junction boxes

-   Installation of the RWS DCE in the GFE RWS DCE enclosure

-   Installation of fiber optic junction box in the office

-   Installation/connection of fiber optic cable between the fiber optic
    junction box and the RWS DCE

```{=html}
<!-- -->
```
-   Connection of RWS RS-232 cables to RWS DCE (TRS, SPS, SPS
    Maintenance, UPS)

```{=html}
<!-- -->
```
-   Installation/connection of RWS intercom

-   Successful execution of government approved TRS INCO procedures

Government acceptance of IMS's installation will be accomplished by the
RRS Deployment Manager and documented on a Form DD-250. The TRS INCO
will require nominally two radiosonde flights to accomplish the
electrical boresight offset of the antenna. These flights must be
performed by certified personnel. It is anticipated that NWSFO personnel
will be required to perform these two flights. The RRS program office
will provide an adequate number of radiosondes for this effort.

At sites where the conduit is collapsed, or otherwise out of commission,
IMS will provide for a temporary, above ground fiber optic cable
installation to allow the TRS INCO to proceed while the site makes the
necessary conduit repairs. **This temporary installation must be
corrected and the operational configuration implemented by site
personnel before RRS acceptance testing will be allowed.**

**[2.2.5 RRS Subsystem Integration and Checkout (INCO)]{.underline}**

The government RRS Deployment Team will be responsible for integrating
the various RRS subsystems on-site. This includes the following specific
activities:

-   Placement of the workstation, including printer, monitor, and
    external hard drive and the enclosure for the workstation DCE, at a
    location in the WFO identified by the MIC; and preparation of the
    workstation for integration with the other RRS subsystems.

-   Connecting the RSOIS and PDB cables to the serial port card.

-   Verifying installation and operation of the GPS repeater (installed
    earlier by the field).

-   Verifying GPS radiosonde interface with the TRS, SPS, and GPS
    repeater.

-   Implementing the AWIPS interface with the workstation.

-   Reporting all site specific data to EMRS.

Note that it is expected that the RWS will be provided with UPS
conditioned AC power by the site. It is the responsibility of the office
to provide a UPS if the normal office AC power is not UPS protected.

**[2.2.6 RRS System-Level Verification and Acceptance]{.underline}**

Upon completion of the RRS subsystem INCO, the government RRS Deployment
Team will conduct system-level verification testing of all RRS
subsystems, interfaces and operations to ensure the system is
functioning as required. System-level acceptance testing will be
conducted in accordance with a formal set of Acceptance Test Procedures
(ATPs) to be developed by the RRS Program office. This testing will
include radiosonde preparation, base-lining, and flight operations from
release to termination. Successful completion of the ATPs will be
documented on a "Site Acceptance Form" which will later be used to
document RRS System Turnover.

The RRS Acceptance test require nominally three radiosonde flights to
accomplish demonstration of RRS system performance. These flights must
be performed by certified personnel. It is anticipated that NWSFO
personnel will be required to assist with these flights. The RRS program
office will provide an adequate number of radiosondes for this effort.

**[2.2.7 Supplemental Operator Training]{.underline}**

After completion of the ATPs, the RRS Deployment Team will depart for
the next installation site. A member of the Deployment Team will remain
on-site to provide nominally up to three days of supplemental operator
training. The individual providing this training will conduct radiosonde
flight operations with site staff assistance, focusing primarily on
base-lining the GPS radiosonde and performance/operation of the
application software. The RRS program office will provide an adequate
number of radiosondes for this effort. The goal is to have each upper
air observer present for at least three flights. Presumably more than
one person will be present for each flight. To accommodate office staff
in meeting this goal, the number of training days can be extended if
necessary. As discussed in paragraph 2.1.8 above, it is critical that
the operations staff complete the distance learning training during the
90 day period that precedes the TRS installation. **The three days of
supplemental operator training assumes this and will not be a sufficient
substitution for this training.**

**[2.2.8 RRS System Turnover]{.underline}**

Upon successful completion of the RRS Acceptance Test Procedure,
witnessed by the MIC (or designated representative) and the Region, the
RRS system will be formally turned over to the operational control of
the site and the Region, and will be transferred to the NWSFO property
custodian. At this time, NCEP will be notified and procedures
implemented to begin the formal use of RRS observations in the NCEP
models. The deployment team will begin on-site familiarization training
of office personnel. During this period, the site will resume upper air
operations and will begin issuance of upper air soundings and products
via the AWIPS.

**[2.3 After TRS Installation]{.underline}**

Following the TRS installation and RRS system turnover, RRS Deployment
Team members will depart the site and move to the next site on the
installation schedule. Several key activities will begin at this time.

**[2.3.1 RRS Commissioning]{.underline}**

OPS22 will provide commissioning procedures and oversee the
commissioning process.

**[3.0 Other Information]{.underline}**

**[3.1 Documentation.]{.underline}**

System-level RRS documentation is the responsibility of the government.
The NWSHQ RRS Program will develop and provide to the sites all required
documentation for the operation and maintenance of the RRS. Vendor
supplied documentation may be used to supplement or augment the
government developed system-level documentation as required.

The specific system-level documentation to be provided to the RRS sites
includes:

\- NWSO Handbook 10: Developed by OS7. Provides all instructions and
procedures for the operation and system management of the RRS.

\- RRS Operations Training Guide: Developed by OS7. Provides distance
learning material for RRS operations training.

\- RRS Technical Manual: Developed by OPS12. Provides preventive and
corrective maintenance requirements and procedures for the RRS.

\- RRS Implementation Plan: Developed by OPS22. Provides information and
guidance concerning the operational use of the RRS and its
commissioning.

The RRS system-level documents will be provided to the NLSC for
incorporation into the RRS installation kits for delivery to each site.
The RRS Technical Manual will be officially released by OPS 12 through a
Modification Note to WSOM 30-2109 (EHB-9). Additionally, WSOM 30-2101
(EHB-1) will be updated by OPS14 and WSOM 30-2104 (EHB-4) will be
updated by OPS 13 to reflect the RRS equipment. Changes to these
documents will be incorporated in the normal update process for these
documents and will be provided separately from the RRS installation
package.

###  {#section .unnumbered}

###  {#section-1 .unnumbered}

### 3.2 Maintenance and Logistics. {#maintenance-and-logistics. .unnumbered}

RRS maintenance and logistics planning and implementation is a
government responsibility. The RRS maintenance philosophy is on-site
replacement of selected line replaceable units with equipment repair
conducted or coordinated by the NRC. Each subsystem COTR will ensure
that required system spares and repair parts are provided to NLSC to
support deployment and follow-on field support. Replenishment of spares
or repair parts will be through the normal NLSC requisition process.
Site maintenance personnel will assume maintenance responsibility for
RRS equipment following System Turnover.

###  {#section-2 .unnumbered}

### 3.3 Property and Inventory {#property-and-inventory .unnumbered}

All RRS equipment installed at a given site shall be fully documented by
the Deployment team (RWS system components, various FMK components,
etc.) and IMS (TRS items) with respect to inventory and identification
(make, model, serial number, Commerce Department barcode, etc.) such
that a Form CD-50 can be properly completed. The Deployment Manager will
provide a complete inventory of equipment provided to each site. A
property transfer package, consisting of an approved inventory and CD-50
will be provided to each site via the Deployment Manager. Per agreement
with NOAA Property, a *single* DOC Property Inventory Tag will be placed
on the TRS pedestal during TRS INCO that will also account for all other
associated RRS subsystems, including the workstation. At each site, the
designated site NWS Property Manager shall formally acknowledge receipt
of the TRS and all other associated capitalized property, ensure that
all DOC property tags are appropriately affixed to designated equipment,
confirm the equipment inventory, and transfer the property from the
OPS11 property custodian to the site property custodian through the DOC
Sunflower system.

### 3.4 Installation Schedule {#installation-schedule .unnumbered}

A final, complete RRS installation schedule is not provided herein.
Proposed installation dates will be coordinated with the Regions and the
installation contractor (IMS) approximately one year in advance to allow
the sites to complete facility preparations and the required operations
and maintenance training. The RRS Program Office will use a
multi-phase/option contracting approach with IMS for TRS installation
that provides flexibility to initiate deployment planning and
installation activities for those sites where certainty exists. Proposed
schedules will be coordinated with the sites in time to develop the next
phase (i.e., next option) of sites as they become certain.

5.  [**RRS Deployment Program Internet Website**]{.underline}

The RRS Program Office Internet website contains general and
site-specific information relating to the deployment of RRS systems and
related items. The website is currently under development. Information
on the website will be informational in nature, although it may reflect
contractual information. The website is not in itself a contractual
document. All affected and interested parties are encouraged to visit
the site for deployment information. The site will include, but not be
limited to, the following:

-   Geographical depiction of all NWS Regions and sites

-   Geographical depiction of specific NWS Regions, showing RRS sites

-   General schedule information

-   RRS photographs

-   Pre-installation database of actions and completion dates. (This
    database will track all critical actions and completions prior to
    day-one of the RRS installation. Sites and Regions may use this site
    for activity planning).

-   Maintenance training schedules

-   On-site work breakdown and schedule for 2-week installation period

-   Links to RRS-associated websites

    6.  **[Site Configuration Data]{.underline}**

During the installation of the TRS, configuration data specific to each
installation will be determined. This information includes the GPS
survey data for the TRS and the release point, factory set TRS
coefficients, TRS site specific coefficients, RWS station data, AWIPS
configuration data, etc. A copy of this data, as well as a magnetic copy
of all TRS baseline firmware products will be provided to the NWSFO ESA.

All site specific configuration data will be reported to the deployment
manager, who will enter the data into the NWS EMRS database. This data
will be accessible by site personnel during future RRS activities.