EOL Field Program Support Services

EOL provides specialized and scalable services to the research community in support of atmospheric field programs, and include:

A PI may request EOL services for field campaigns independent of requesting LAOF. NSF requests can use PRESTO to request EOL's support services as a standalone service. Services include data management, the Field Catalog, project management and operations support, and operations and system administration support.

The information below provides descriptions of the support levels for each service. The PI should reference these support levels as they complete the facility request.

Two NCAR Labs offer field program support services, including MMM's forecasting support and EdEC's outreach support. 

 

Data Management Support

For information on our data management services go to https://www.eol.ucar.edu/dms


Data Management and Services (DMS) welcomes requests from NSF and non-NSF research agencies. 

Note that EOL Data Services can be requested on its own. They do not have to be tied to an EOL instrument/platform request.  

  • NSF requests for data services can be made through PRESTO
  • Requests can also be submitted through our Google Request Form for EOL Data Management and/or Field Catalog services

Please contact the DMS Facility manager with any questions.

 

Project Management and Operations Support

Level 1

The PI requests help with managing and coordinating portions of the entire field campaign, and may include guidance for PIs who are new to field campaigns. The maximum support provided at this level is:

  • Planning and support of monthly phone calls with the entire PI team
  • Assistance in organization of planning meetings
  • Assistance with organizing Dry Runs
  • Project-wide coordination of land leases
  • Project-wide coordination of student operators
  • Assistance with logistical tasks / coordination
  • Planning and setting up initial routines for day-to-day operations

Level 2

The PI requests significant help with managing and coordinating the entire field campaign. The PI intend to rely heavily on the Lead Project Manager to plan and carry out the majority of non-scientific project aspects. This level includes:

  • Level 1 Project Management Support, plus the following
    • Project-wide securing of research and other permits
    • Project briefings to government agencies and local entities
    • Logistical assistance for research platforms from universities and/or other agencies (e.g., hangar space, heavy equipment, hotel, transportation, rental cars)
    • Site arrangements (e.g., land leases, access roads, secure storage facilities, etc.)
    • Coordination of the writing of an Operations Plan
    • Shipping support for project participants (as directed by NSF)

Operations Center and Systems Administration Support

Level 1

The PI requests an operations center with setup and tear-down and do not request on-site systems administration support throughout the project. The PI will use the operations center during the campaign for meetings, analysis, etc., and NCAR staff will use it for the support needs of the platforms/instruments deployed. The maximum support provided at this level is:

  • Dedicated workspace with a secure internet connection and internal wireless network, access to conference and video calling, data display capabilities, and limited printing services sufficient for PI teams and EOL staff
  • Systems administrator in the field to set up the operations center
  • Systems administrator in the field to tear down the operations center, if needed
  • Rented space for the operations center
  • Internet setup and charges
  • Shipping of EOL equipment required to support the deploying Facility(ies) and PI team for the operations center
  • Materials and supplies needed to support the deploying Facility(ies) and PI team for the operations center

Level 2

The PI requests an operations center with set-up, tear-down and on-site systems administration support throughout the project. The PI team will use the operations center during the campaign for meetings, analysis, etc. and NCAR staff will use it for the support needs of the platforms/instruments deployed. The maximum support provided at this level is:

  • Level 1 Systems Administration and Operations Center Logistics Support, plus the following
    • Systems administrator set up and tear down of the operations center
    • Systems administrator support throughout the project, with rotations as needed