NPSG

Predictive ServicesStandard Products & GACC Websites

Report to NMAC/GMAC 2004

November 30, 2004Boise, Idaho

NPSG

National Predictive Services Group (NPSG)

Overview of Program Goals

Boise, Idaho

NPSG

November 2004

NPSG Program Goals

1. Develop and implement a user assessment process so that user needs are understood and defined.

2. Identify and implement standardized products and services that satisfy user needs.

3. Determine organization, resource and programmatic requirements.

4. Develop and implement performance standards for products and services.

Boise, Idaho

NPSG

November 2004

NPSG Program Goals

5. Enhance the interaction between the Predictive Services functions.

6. Establish a method for communicating information between Predictive Services internally and externally.

7. Improve the data infrastructure that supports and facilitates the integration of Predictive Services and the Wildland Fire program

8. Implement methods to assess and improve the products and services provided by Predictive Services.

Boise, Idaho

NPSG

November 2004

Standardization Issues Weekly and daily products differ from

GACC to GACC Product names, terminology, and display

conventions are not consistent

Utilization of outputs Hard to compare outputs from one area to

another (within and between GACCs) Decreases usability for decision support

Redundancy Costs us both time and money to develop and

maintain non-standard products

Boise, Idaho

NPSG

November 2004

Standardization will: Increase efficiency and usability

Provide products that are consistent and familiar for out-of-area personnel and IMTs

Save money and time…work and improvements can be shared at all GACCs

Lead to better products…better decisions…better SAFETY

Boise, Idaho

NPSG

November 2004

Daily Outlook Example

Non-standard, but widely used product issued by some GACCs. Only covers day 1 and sometimes day 2.

Boise, Idaho

NPSG

November 2004

Weekly Outlooks

Weekly outlook issued on Tuesday (updates optional)

Discussion…

Resources…

Currently, one of our standard products

Date Fire Danger Weather

Boise, Idaho

NPSG

November 2004

Weekly Outlook Example

Problems: Not all GACCS follow same format. Issued once a week (often not updated). Weather/fire danger changes and product becomes outdated

Boise, Idaho

NPSG

November 2004

Problems

Products not consistent with NPSG framework and goals for standardized products

Weekly product becomes outdated Daily product good but only covers day

1-2 Currently some GACCs only predict fire

danger, but all need to forecast “Significant” fire potential

Adherence to standards is lacking

Boise, Idaho

NPSG

November 2004

Solutions proposed by NPSG Utilize input from user assessments

to develop and improve standard products

Verify and validate outputs to ensure they are accurate and meaningful

Inform NMAC/GMAC of issues to gain their support

Establish protocols for program direction and accountability

Boise, Idaho

NPSG

November 2004

Standard product proposal Create daily standard product (issued

in AM) that covers days 1-7 Eliminate weekly outlook Utilize tabular and graphical formats Include weather, fire potential and

resources Implement by June 2006

Boise, Idaho

NPSG

November 2004

Large Fire Potential

Currently issued by Northwest and California GACCs

Boise, Idaho

NPSG

November 2004

Monday August 1, 2004 Tueday August 2, 2004

Resources:

Boise, Idaho

NPSG

November 2004

GACC Website Issues

No consistent format, look, or feel Products have different names and

are located in different places Searching for products is confusing

and results in wasted time

Boise, Idaho

NPSG

November 2004

Web Task Group Direction from NPSG & Center

Managers to create a standard GACC template and centralized server

Jay Ellington (SWCC) web team chair Completed GACC surveys in 2004 FAMWEB server (available to all

GACCs but not required to use). Access to all GACCs at: gacc.nifc.gov

Boise, Idaho

NPSG

November 2004

GACC template

www.fs.fed.us/r3/fire/national_web/

2005 TimelineJan Distribute implementation

guidelinesFeb 1 Post national web siteMay 1 Post GACC sites

Boise, Idaho

NPSG

November 2004

Public page: Managed by FIO (Optional)

PS: GACC OPERATIONS – Daily, weekly, etc, operation products and linksMeat of site!

Mgmt: GA F&IM tools, background, links that make programs work… NOT a complete list

Related Links:Area: Websites within GANational: National websites

NPSG

Thank You

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