The Telecommunications & Dissemination Branch (OSO15) is part of the Office of Systems Operations and is responsible for the planning, acquisition, and management of nationwide telecommunications programs and networks which support NWS field offices (over 120) and the extensive national and international data exchange commitments of the National Weather Service (NWS). Additionally, the Branch is responsible for the planning, acquisition and management of specialized networks (e.g., video teleconferencing) to improve NWS management operations.
The Branch acquires and manages a variety of national and international networks and systems; conducts program and system trade-off analyses; develops system acquisition plans, system implementation plans and field implementation guides; defines system backup procedures; and ensures the provision of necessary system support. The Branch develops and utilizes automated databases and processes for ensuring effective and timely administrative and financial management of national telecommunications programs.
The Branch establishes cooperative agreements, and partnerships with other Government agencies to acquire and share specialized telecommunications networks. The Branch also forms partnerships with other countries and international organizations (i.e. World Meteorological Organization,International Civil Aviation Organization) in the acquisition and operation of telecommunications networks and facilities used to satisfy international commitments.
The Branch directly manages over 5000 circuits in addition to managing several separate system/network contracts with specialized service providers. The Branch is comprised of approximately 20 staff members divided across the following major areas:
The Branch has telecommunications management responsibility over the following programs:
THE DOMESTIC TELECOMMUNICATIONS TEAM is responsible for the planning, acquisition, and management of domestic telecommunications systems, circuits, and facilities which support the collection and distribution of meteorological data and graphical and imagery products to all National Weather Service (NWS) field offices.
These systems/networks include:
The Domestic Telecommunications Team is also responsible for providing effective administrative and financial management over NWS domestic telecommunications programs.
THE INTERNATIONAL TELECOMMUNICATIONS TEAM is responsible for the planning, acquisition, and management of telecommunications systems, circuits, and facilities which support the international and external data exchange requirements/commmitments of the National Weather Service (NWS). Additionally, the International Telecommunications Team is responsible for managing the telecommunications networks which support the collection of international ship observations and the international distribution of marine warnings. The International Telecommunications Team also manages specialized data networks and works closely with the Satellite Communications Team in support of the International Satellite Communications System.
The International Telecommunications Team is responsible for the following systems/networks:
THE SATELLITE COMMUNICATION TEAM is responsible for the planning, acquisition and management of satellite based communications systems which serve both national (domestic) and international users. This team works closely with the International Telecommunications Team on international communications systems. The Satellite Communications Team is responsible for the following systems:
e-mail to:john.mcdonald@noaa.gov