Space Weather R2O2R - University of Birmingham

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    "description": "Ongoing delivery of AENeAS model input datasets (processed GNSS data and other relevant data) generated at UoB, with a 95% availability SLA, covering the full duration of the contract.\nProvide real-time scintillation dataset to Met Office and software to generate visualisation of this dataset over the UK region. (Oct \u002725)\nDelivery of ray-tracing software and visualisation code to generate HF Comms contact maps, centred on Shanwick (UoB delivery Dec \u002725)\nDelivery and implementation of AENeAS \"health\" routines in MO system (Dec \u002725) and covering the amount of data assimilated/rejected, the health of individual ensemble members and other relevant health metrics.\nInitial validation of scintillation forecasting method (Feb \u002726) using GNSS scintillation measurements for a period covering different phases of the solar cycle and submission of research paper highlighting the findings of this study.\nIntegration of latest ODRAM version (ODRAM code and visualisations) into the AENeAS workflow (Mar \u002726), in collaboration with the University of Lancaster, using near real time riometer measurements provided on the HPC for integration with AENeAS.\nCustomer engagement activity requirements\nMOSWOC training (Mar \u002726)\nProvision of training to MOSWOC covering an overview of the ionosphere-thermosphere system, AENeAS model and its limitations and the products generated by AENeAS\nCustomer engagement focused on low-mid latitudes ionosphere (Mar \u002726)\nThis activity will require collaboration between UoB and Met Office Markets personnel, to plan and execute a series of discussions with key users of HF beyond line-of-sight communications, satellite communications (SATCOM) and Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS).These will be targeted at three key groups:\n\u2022 Aviation\n\u2022 PNT\n\u2022 Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite tracking and operations\nA set of key questions and discussion points will be developed and agreed in advance through coordination between UoB and the Met Office Markets team. These will then collaborate to reach out and engage with key organisations, groups or users. Indicatively these are likely to include:\n\u2022 National Air Traffic Services (NATS)\n\u2022 Pilots (civil and military)\n\u2022 Civil Aviation Authority (CAA)\n\u2022 Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) - Position, Navigation and Timing (PNT) Office\n\u2022 Ordnance Survey\n\u2022 Met Office Technical Services\n\u2022 Space Command and No.1 Space Operations Squadron UK Space Agency\n\u2022 LEO Satellite operators\nThe outcomes will be summarily documented in a report and used to build a baseline understanding of user needs. This will subsequently be used to guide model output being usefully codified, visualised and disseminated to ensure outputs are understandable and actionable across a range of user types and applications.\nThe report will specifically be used to guide further development through insight into:\n\u2022 Requirements for model resolution\n\u2022 Operationally exploitable product format/s\n\u2022 Optimal timeliness and cadence of products\n\u2022 Optimal data format/s\n\u2022 Dissemination methods and user platforms\nSoftware and operational support delivery requirements\nThis sets out the general requirements for the work required to accelerate the implementation of the SWIMMR R2O projects on Met Office systems. The scope is to assist the Met Office in the transition of the SWIMMR models towards operational status, as measured by Application Useability Levels (aiming for AUL9). To facilitate this process, the following general software engineering processes and practice should be adhered to:\nPlay a key and proactive role in the maintenance of existing software. In particular,\n\u2022 Monitor the list of open pull requests (PRs) on the GitHub repository containing the model code daily. When new PRs appear (and within a working week),\no Respond to any questions raised by MO SSEs.\no Accept any requests to review code contributions authored by MO SSEs.\no Where appropriate, engage in the online discussions around these.\n\u2022 When you discover issues, contribute (via PR) carefully tested code fixes\n\u2022 Follow the PR process outlined above and documented on the portal.\n\u2022 Participate in knowledge exchange to enable Met Office to become more self-sufficient in model maintenance\n\u2022 Provide technical/scientific 4th line support in code bug resolution [working days support- response/resolution timeline to be agreed]\n\u2022 Work with Met Office (MO) Scientific Software Engineers (SSEs) to measurably increase the robustness of the codes (e.g. through test coverage assessment and defining required tests) by improving testing and logging according to the principles documented on the Met Office R2O portal.\n\u2022 Ensure logging sufficient to diagnose workflow issues\n\u2022 Contribute expertise as part of user research discussions with end users (MOSWOC/industry) in determining the product strategy for utilising the AENeAS data to deliver the most value.",
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    "procurementMethodDetails": "Direct award",
    "procurementMethodRationale": "The deliverables within the contract are associated with a model and code already developed and owned by the partner (supplier) to a specific maturity under the SWIMMR Programme. The academics hold the model code IPR and provide model access to Met Office under Licence (pending renewal on signature of the contract) and therefore are uniquely placed to provide these services to the Met Office. Delivery will \u0027accelerate\u0027 the model\u0027s development towards transition to operations within the Met Office Space Weather service as mandated by DSIT. \nThe purpose of the contract is to continue development of the models (which requires the \u0027deep expertise\u0027 of the model developer) and to transfer model and model code knowledge and expertise. In short, there is no other supplier for the work associated with the model.",
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    "title": "Space Weather R2O2R - University of Birmingham"
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