Commencing Sept/Oct 05
Background
NCSA is responsible to operate support and maintain all CIS assets for Allied Command Operations (ACO). The System Management Division (SMD) of NCSA HQ is responsible for the management and planning of system and integrated engineering support for assigned NATO systems. Within SMD the Common Operating Environment (COE) branch manages operational support activities for sustaining secure and reliable operation of NATO CIS. Within COE the Transmission Infrastructure Section (TIS) performs all transmission related services for assigned NATO CIS.
Tasks
The consultant will support the SMD staff by developing and providing the following deliverables in a co-operative effort with NCSA/SMD/COE/TIS personnel:
1. Configuration Control. Different software baselines exist on each MGC in-use (NCSA Sectors Mons, Norfolk, Brunssum and ISAF). In addition, other MCUs exist throughout NATO, all of which are at an unknown configuration baseline. The contractor will study each MCU, venue facility and codec configuration, investigate how each element of the system is configured, and then make recommendations to the system manager on how to establish a common equipment baseline.
2. Inter MCU and MCU to Codec Connectivity. The lack of clearly defined policy for the audio and video protocols and settings to be used between the MCUs and from the MCUs to the codecs has resulted in regular connectivity problems. The contractor is to study the protocols and settings in-use at each site and prepare recommendations for an updated policy.
3. VTC Network Diagrams. Whilst there has been a proliferation of VTC sites across NATO, the engineering connectivity diagrams have not been updated. The contractor is to, in conjunction with NCSA SMD, prepare an end-to-end VTC network diagram for all approved VTC connections. In addition, the contractor should prepare a consolidated system view tool with the ability for technicians and MCU/venue operators to “drill down” for additional technical information concerning NATO VTC assets; i.e., a tool to link the system view with the configuration control data captured under the work defined in paragraph 2 above.
4. Technical Procedures for VTC Connections. Each site currently operates to its own procedures to establish VTC connections. A common technical and connectivity procedure is required across all sites. The contractor will prepare the required procedures.
5. Fault-Finding Procedures. Currently, fault-finding across the VTC network is conducted in an ad-hoc basis, mainly by local sites on a best-efforts basis. Standard fault-finding guides are required for each MCU and fault-finding procedures must be established across the network. The contractor is to prepare the required procedures.
6. Network Routing and Bandwidth. On a day-to-day basis, the contractor will work with NCSA SMD to establish the routing of VTCs across the network and identify the bandwidth available, and then make recommendations on how the network should be optimised for VTC traffic.
7. Common Scheduling System/Tool. Currently, there is no common VTC scheduling/booking tool, which places a burden on both the customer and the VTC engineers and also adds confusion when customer requirements for VTCs are altered at short notice. The contractor is to review the current system for booking VTCs to include capturing customer requirements as well as VTC operator/engineer requirements and make recommendations on how to improve/replace the current system.
8. End-to-end VTC monitoring. No tool or procedure currently exists for monitoring and recording the quality of provided VTC services. In the event of a problem during a VTC, local sites work in an uncoordinated manner to try to establish where the problem lay. The contractor is to make recommendations on tools and procedures for monitoring and recording the QOS on all VTCs.
Essential Qualifications
The consultant shall meet the following criteria:
· The consultant must possess a professional or vocational education in Telecommunications Systems Engineering or a related field.
· The consultant must have sound practical experience in the design, development, implementation, testing and maintenance of modern communications, or information systems in a LAN/WAN environment.
· The consultant must possess documented experience in supporting CIS system based on MS Windows operating system in environment similar in scope and size to NATO managed systems.
· The consultant must possess recent experience in the operation and management of digital switched networks and associated telecommunications systems to include multiplexing equipment and/or VTC systems.
· The consultant must be familiar and be capable to make effective use of the Microsoft Office tools (MS Word, MS Excel, MS PowerPoint).
· The consultant must be fluent in spoken and written English. (STANAG 4444)
Desirable Qualifications:
· Has recent experience in working with NATO and is familiar with the Organisation’s method of operation, or has had multi-national experience.
· The individual can demonstrate a wide breath of knowledge of Secure information systems and their management.
Work Schedule and location:
The contractor shall work on site at the Purchaser’s central management facility (NCSA, Casteau, BE) during normal duty hours, 0830-1730 CET.
The contractor may be required to undertake operational deployments and/or TDY assignments both within and outside of NATO's boundaries. The work is normally performed in a typical Secure Facility / CIS Facility environment.
Daily Direction:
The Support Engineer will work under the direction of the NCSA/SMD VTC System Manager for tasking and instructions. He/she is responsible to the SMD/COE branch chief or his duly appointed representative.
Security Clearance
The consultant should hold, at a minimum, a current NATO Secret security clearance or national equivalent.
Applications
Applications should be submitted no later than 22nd August 2005.
Applicants must be nationals of NATO countries.
Follow this link to apply.
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