Powerful,Targeted Solutions

To support GCSS-MC information technology architecture objectives in Zone 2, IR Tech personnel engaged in several system optimization efforts. Our personnel conducted trade analyses of reporting and data analysis tools to support the integration efforts. Our staff led initial efforts to determine system technical functionality for disconnected operations. This effort formed the foundation for the development of specific deployed requirements that were utilized in the development of an enhanced commercial application that filled significant gaps in GCSS-MC deployed functionality. IR Tech personnel provided GCSS-MC program oversight for the construction, build-out, and initial startup of the GCSS-MC Operations Center (GOC). The program operations center is designed to support 7 x 24 operations with access to both NIPRNET and SIPRNET. This task built upon work completed regarding facility specification and architectural design and  our personnel coordinated the original design effort that achieved 100% design construction blueprints within schedule. Key contributions from IR Tech in system technical design and hosting analysis paid significant dividends to GCSS-MC. Following initial design development of GCSS-MC Production environments, IR Tech staff led a system optimization effort. This system optimization endeavor was initiated based on analysis that certain technologies could be introduced to the design to further reduce cost and footprint without sacrificing system performance. By focusing on the critical system components with the most cost benefit, IR Tech personnel recommended substitute technologies that were accepted. Specifically, our recommendations reduced the number of network infrastructure components required, determined new vendors for uninterruptible power supplies, and changed the storage technology. The result was a 25% reduction in space and weight requirements for deployable systems, and a 17% reduction in total lifecycle costs. IR Tech followed up this effort with detailed technical collaboration with the Defense Information Systems Agency the program’s hosting provider. This technical analysis modified the DISA’s assumptions regarding support costs and technologies, which resulted in expected savings of $30 million over the system lifecycle. IR Tech collaborated with GCSS-MC program leadership to develop the staffing profile and Information Assurance (IA) planning to support institutional requirements and satisfy compliance objectives. Our technical staff contributed to Working Groups and IPTs to develop several accreditation packages for GCSS-MC initial test systems and prototypes to include a successful expeditionary communications systems architecture prototype and unit testing. As a key activity, IR Tech staff created the GCSS-MC Cross Domain Security Architecture and requirements and validated the GCSS-MC System Security Classification Guide. IR Tech also documented architecture and enclave diagrams for GCSS-MC IA Strategy and System Security Authorization Agreement (SSAA). Also in Zone 2, IR Tech is supporting the Marine Corps’ Common Logistics Command and Control System (CLC2S). The company provides a variety of Information Systems Development, Information Assurance and Information Technology support to the program. Specific support includes: Training for several thousand users on the application both classroom and over the shoulder training. Develop training materials and courseware. Training includes exercise support and real-world operations support at every major Marine Corps installation, world-wide, and in actual combat operations in Kuwait (OIF I), Iraq (OIF II), Lebanon (NEO operations), Afghanistan and on Naval Vessels. Network support on NMCI, SIPRNET and tactical networks to install and operate CLC2S within changing network topologies. Systems administration of Windows servers (2000/2003) including operating system and software products and tools installation, patches, upgrades, and IAVAs. Monitor and ensure optimal performance of the servers. Administer the CLC2S application. Information Assurance preparing SSAA, IAVA, security reviews and other DITSCAP requirements. Field Support within a context of global operations within LAN and WAN environments using tactical and strategic networks Help Desk support for 24x7x365 operations across the globe including escalation procedures from tier 1 through 3. Configuration Control Management of the software and deployed hardware at every MEF, MEU and amphibious group including Afghanistan. Act as the official Configuration Manager for CLC2S, archiving all versions of the software that are released and can retrieve and stand up old versions of the system for regression testing and problem diagnosis. Configuration tracking involves documenting versions of the CLC2S installed on servers by unit under configuration control. Distribution Management - IR Tech also acts as the Distribution Manager for CLC2S. The company distributes CLC2S software (including Oracle 10g and Windows 2000) and servers/laptops. IR Tech has developed tools and scripts for easily cloning CLC2S systems onto multiple machines greatly reducing installation times while validating all installations, post install configurations, and installation guides. System Integration to ensure interoperability and interchange with external source and customer systems such as emerging information systems and legacy supply and maintenance systems. Data Conversion for implementing and cutover of new units. Process Mapping to develop new requirements and implement product improvements. Test all systems releases prior to release including defect tracking and resolution. Develop test plans and procedures As an example of our support, while deployed with 24th MEU, CLC2S experienced communications issues with International Marine/Maritime Satellite (INMARSAT) and Enhanced Position Location Reporting System (EPLRS) including intermittent terminal failures, proxies, invalid dial-up credentials, hardware conflicts, missing driver files, RAS failures, and software configuration errors. IR Tech personnel successfully established CLC2S connectivity after resolving INMARSAT and EPLRS hardware and configuration issues. While providing support for the 22nd MEU, IR Tech technicians set up the first ever demand dial untethered configuration via Iridium. Our project officer, Capt. Christopher Huckaby cited the company in July 2009 with “I would like to take this opportunity to extend my appreciation for the outstanding support your IR Tech team has provided to the Common Logistics Command and Control (CLC2S) Program Office. The program office achievements have been in large part due to the dedication to duty, insight, and technical expertise your team has provided to us throughout the past year. Your team has positively impacted the Marine Corps ability to support logistics both in garrison and on the battlefield. Our accomplishments simply could not have been completed without your team. Your exceptional professionalism, technical knowledge, and dedication to CLC2S and the United States Marine Corps as a whole is greatly appreciated and reflected great credit upon your team, yourself, and your company”. In Zone 1, our teammate Stanley provides IT support to the NUWC VIRGINIA Class Test and Evaluation office to develop a database driven application supporting test data collection and analysis. The task included requirements collection, business case analysis, development of a business model, and development of an interactive database driven, and PDA user interface. Stanley updated the T&E PDA system to support suitability data gathering as identified by the T&E IPT and developed a handheld application that provides data collection ability with database capture and reporting. They also expanded the database to receive recording device information imports. Technologies included SQL Server, MS Access 2000 and MS SQL 2000.