Research Equipment from the Stars

1
Research Equipmentfrom the Stars

• National Radio Astronomy Observatory
• Michael Stogoski

The National Radio Astronomy Observatory is a
facility of the National Science Foundation
operated under cooperative agreement by
Associated Universities, Inc.
2
Research Equipmentfrom the Stars

• Introduction
• Finding what equipment is needed
• Searching Secrets and acquisition process
• Some results
• Questions

3
Introduction

• I screen under Federal/NSF.
• Type of equipment I acquire
• -Electronics equipment all types -O-Scopes
• -Environmental Chambers -Microscopes
• -Spectrum Analyzers -Power Supplies
• -Network Analyzers -Lab Equipment
• -Signal Generators

4
Introduction

• Someone needed a power supply
• Prior experience I knew that property could be
  transferred to other agencies from DRMOs,
  thats all.
• Called around to see if government excess
  property could be transferred to us and found
  that since NRAO is under NSFit was possible.
• Asked boss to proceedhe said go for it.

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Introduction

• From here out, everything I learned was from
  visiting sites in my area and from folks at NSF,
  GSA, DOD, DRMO, RCP, DRMS, DCMA, NASA, and people
  here at USA-FEPP sharing their knowledge and
  experience with me.
• I found that this is the nature of the entire
  process of getting government excess property,
  i.e. communications.

6
Finding out what equipment is needed

• This is the most important step!
• I never found that power supply, but I did find a
  brand new Vector Network Analyzer still in the
  original box that one group was about to order
  through purchasing.

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Finding out what is needed

• Good communications with the PI, Researcher,
  Engineer, or person requesting the equipment is
  absolutely necessary throughout the process.
• This can help you catch good equipment that
  otherwise would have been missed by not checking
  back with the requesting person.
• This also increases the chance of getting the
  correct equipment, and helps prevent acquiring
  equipment that will wind up on a shelf taking up
  needed space.

8
Finding out what is needed

• Getting the list of equipment needed from your
  PI, researcher, etc.
• Condition of equipment/using what you get
• Why becoming familiar with what general equipment
  is used and needed is worth the effort

9
Finding out what is needed

• Get the list of equipment needed, in BOTH
• Specific terms including nomenclature, make,
  model number, manufacturers part number.
• (Spectrum Analyzer, HP- 8560E, Option X)
• And
• General terms including nomenclature, and some
  operating parameters, frequency range,
  magnification, type, etc.
• (Spectrum Analyzer, for signals around 20 GHz)
• (Stereo Microscope, magnification 30x-150x)

10
Finding out what is needed

• Sometimes searching for specific items produces a
  hit but this is more unlikely than searching
  general terms.
• Knowing the general equipment and some operating
  parameters provides a wider field to choose from
  and will produce more hits.
• For example, the general searching method
  produced a Rhode and Swartz spectrum analyzer
  (65,000) that was better than the HP 8560E, and
  would not have been found using the specific
  method.

11
Finding out what is needed

• Condition of equipment/Using what you get
• I strive to get equipment in the best condition
  possible.
• It is not always profitable to acquire equipment
  specifically for parts.
• 30 of what I receive doesnt work and is too
  costly to repair (we use these for parts)
• 70 is good equipment or equipment that can be
  made operational by spending a fraction of the
  items value to make the repairs.

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Finding out what is needed

• Visit the labs and become familiar with what
  general equipment is used and needed.
• Power Supplies
• Signal Generators
• O-Scopes
• Microscopes
• Tools
• Glassware
• Spectrum Analyzers

13
Searching Secrets and acquisition process

• Pull up 4 screens
• WebFLIS http//www.dlis.dla.mil/webflis/
• DRMS Search Page
• https//www.drms.dla.mil/asset/govegeo.html
• Google
• GSAXcess http//gsaxcess.gov/

14
Searching secrets and acquisition process

• I divided the process into two searches
• Specific Search and General Search.
• Starting here with Specific Search.

HP-8560E, Spectrum Analyzer
NSN found
Enter model into WebFLIS
No NSN
Use general search
Search in DRMS Search Form using NSN
Search in GSAXcess using NSN
15
WebFLIS http//www.dlis.dla.mil/webflis/
16
WebFLIS -Part/Model Number to NSN
http//www.dlis.dla.mil/webflis
2. Hit Go
1. Enter Part Number 8560E
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WebFLIS -Part/Model Number to NSN
http//www.dlis.dla.mil/webflis
Click on NSN
18
WebFLIS - Part/Model Number to NSN
Picture
Year
Price
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Specific Search

• Since WebFLIS produced a NSN, you can now use
  this to search in both GSAXcess and the DRMS
  Search Form.

HP-8560E, Spectrum Analyzer
NSN found
Plug model into WebFLIS
No NSN
Use general search
Search in DRMS Search Form using NSN
Search in GSAXcess using NSN
Specific Search HP-8560E
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Specific Search DRMS Search Formhttps//www.drms
.dla.mil/asset/govegeo.html
6625-01-380-2177
Enter NSN
21
Specific Search DRMS Search Form
https//www.drms.dla.mil/asset/govegeo.html
Click All
Click Search
22
Specific Search DRMS Search Form
NSN found
Search in DRMS Search Form using NSN
Use general search
No Item
Part is listed under DOD
Find Item
Search in GSAXcess using NSN or DTID
-Find the date it will turnover to GSA (on search
form) -Give a call, see if it is still
available -Get prepared for the GSA search.
Part is listed under GSA
Wait for Turnover to GSA
Specific Search HP-8560E
23
Specific Search DRMS Search Form
https//www.drms.dla.mil/asset/govegeo.html
NSN
Location
DTID
GSA or DOD
Days left
24
Specific Search DRMS Search Form
NSN found
Search in DRMS Search Form using NSN
Use general search
No Item
Part is listed under DOD
Find Item
Search in GSAXcess using NSN or DTID
-Find the date it will turnover to GSA (on search
form) -Give a call, see if it is still
available -Copy down DTID -Get prepared for the
GSA search
Part is listed under GSA
Wait for Turnover to GSA
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Specific Search GSAXcess
NSN found
Search in DRMS Search Form using NSN
Use general search
No Item
Part is listed under DOD
Find Item
Search in GSAXcess using NSN or DTID
-Find the date it will turnover to GSA (on search
form) -Give a call, see if it is still
available -Copy down DTID -Get prepared for the
GSA search
Part is listed under GSA
Wait for Turnover to GSA
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Specific Search GSAXcesshttp//gsaxcess.gov/feds
web/fedsweb/
Login
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Specific Search GSAXcesshttp//gsaxcess.gov/feds
web/fedsweb/
Click Advanced Search
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Specific Search GSAXcesshttp//gsaxcess.gov/feds
web/fedsweb/
2. Hit Search
1. Enter NSN or DTID
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Specific Search GSAXcess
Search in DRMS Search Form using NSN
NSN found
-Call POC and Property Custodian -Part still
available? -Verify make and model -Any
information is valuable ! -Send a
picture? (Note Even if someone else puts in for
the item, if it is not taken, go ahead and submit
requisition.)
Search in GSAXcess using NSN or DTID
Find Item
No Item
Good Condition
Use General Search or call
Specific Search HP-8560E
Get Item
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Specific Search GSAXcesshttp//gsaxcess.gov/feds
web/fedsweb/
Click on item
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Specific Search GSAXcesshttp//gsaxcess.gov/feds
web/fedsweb/
Contact Information
Description sometimes
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Specific Search GSAXcess
Search in DRMS Search Form using NSN
NSN found
-Call POC and Property Custodian -Part still
available? -Verify make and model -Any
information is valuable! -Send a picture? (Note
Even if someone else puts in for the item, if it
is not taken, go ahead and submit requisition.)
Search in GSAXcess using NSN or DTID
Find Item
No Item
Good Condition
Use General Search or call
Get Item
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General Search DRMS Search Form
https//www.drms.dla.mil/asset/govegeo.html
Leave Blank
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General Search DRMS Search Form
https//www.drms.dla.mil/asset/govegeo.html
Enter Name Spectrum Analyzer
Click All
Click Search
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General Search DRMS Search Form
https//www.drms.dla.mil/asset/govegeo.html
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General Search DRMS Search Form
https//www.drms.dla.mil/asset/govegeo.html
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General Search DRMS Search Form
Search in DRMS Search Form using Nomenclature
-Narrow down list by cross-referencing NSN in
WebFLIS to obtain Model/Part Number, or -Try
calling to get info.
Find many items
Part is listed under GSA
Find item you want
No Item found
General Search GSAXcess
Part is listed under DOD
Search in GSAXcess using NSN or DTID
-Find the date it will turnover to GSA (on search
form) -Give a call, see if it is still
available -Copy down DTID -Get prepared for the
GSA search
Wait for Turnover to GSA
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WebFLIS -NSN to Part/Model Number
http//www.dlis.dla.mil/webflis
Enter NSN
Hit Go
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WebFLIS -NSN to Part/Model Number
http//www.dlis.dla.mil/webflis
Picture
NSN
Year
Part Number
40
General Search DRMS Search Form
Search in DRMS Search Form using Nomenclature
-Narrow down list by cross-referencing NSN in
WebFLIS to obtain Model/Part Number, or -Try
calling to get info.
Find many items
Part is listed under GSA
Find item you want
No Item found
General Search GSAXcess
Part is listed under DOD
Search in GSAXcess using NSN or DTID
-Find the date it will turnover to GSA (on search
form) -Give a call, see if it is still
available -Copy down DTID -Get prepared for the
GSA search
Wait for Turnover to GSA
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General Search GSAXcesshttp//gsaxcess.gov/fedsw
eb/fedsweb/
2. Hit Search
1. Enter Nomenclature
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General Search GSAXcesshttp//gsaxcess.gov/fedsw
eb/fedsweb/
Click on item
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General Search GSAXcesshttp//gsaxcess.gov/fedsw
eb/fedsweb/
Contact Information
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General Search GSAXcess
Search in GSAXcess using Nomenclature
-Call POC and Property Custodian -Part still
available? -Verify make and model -Any
information is valuable! -Send a picture? (Note
Even if someone else puts in for the item, if it
is not taken, go ahead and submit requisition.)
Find Item
No Item
Use other search methods or call
Good Condition
Get Item
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General Search PCARSShttps//www.drms.dla.mil/rt
d03/pcarss.htm

• PCARSS Plant Clearance Automated
  Reutilization Screening System
• Government equipment located at contractor
  facilities
• Expert Marge Cunningham
• -I also use PCARSS to find equipment that may be
  coming up for entry into GSAXcess, the date it
  will be transferred, and contact information.

46
General Search PCARSShttps//www.drms.dla.mil/rt
d03/pcarss.htm
Login
47
General Search PCARSShttps//www.drms.dla.mil/rt
d03/pcarss.htm
Hit OK
-Enter NSN or -Item Description or -FSC -I like
FSC
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General Search PCARSShttps//www.drms.dla.mil/rt
d03/pcarss.htm
Click on item
Hit View Detail
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General Search PCARSShttps//www.drms.dla.mil/rt
d03/pcarss.htm
Lots of good info and contact information
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Searching secrets and acquisition process

• Tips when entering nomenclature
• (Especially in GSAXcess)
• For Spectrum Analyzer
• Enter -Spectrum Analyzer
• -Analyzer Spectrum
• -Analyzer, Spectrum
• -SpectrumAnalyzer
• -AnalyzerSpectrum
• -Etc.

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Searching secrets and acquisition process

• Tips when calling people with questions
  concerning equipment that you are interested in
  obtaining
• Be nice, you might have to call back later.
• It is burning hot, freezing cold, humid, sticky,
  or dirty in some of the warehouses. Keep this in
  mind when asking folks to get pictures or
  information about the equipment.
• Many times you have to leave a call back number.
  My experience is that you do get a return call or
  e-mail.
• Be persistent, stick-with-it, have patience, be
  persistent.
• If someone doesnt know the answer find out who
  doesnicely.
• The process does not always workso move on.

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Searching secrets and acquisition process

• Obvious shipping considerations, tips, and notes.
• Some werent so obvious to me at first.
• Pickup/packaging costs vs. equipment worth.
• (70-200 for electronics, gt50 lbs)
• Double-box electronics equipment
• Do the leg work (calling) to make sure the pickup
  company has access to the base and equipment.
• Coordinate the entire process providing both ends
  with each others necessary contact information,
  time of pickup, what will be picked up, etc.
• If equipment is acquisitioned through Resource
  Control Points (RCP), they will deliver the
  equipment (at least to federal agencies, maybe
  others).

53
Some Results
Vector Network Analyzer RCP New Cumberland 65,000
Synthesized Sweeper RCP Warner Robins 98,500
Amplifier Test System
54
Some Results
Work Station
Stereo Microscope Stand DRMO Norfolk 1,500
Multiplier Test Station
Power Supply DRMO Norfolk 3,500
55
Some Results
Microwave Amplifier DRMO Ft. Meade 8,500
Signal Generator DRMO Ft. Hood 25,700
Power Supply DRMO Norfolk 1,000
Frequency Counter PCARSS 5,500
Spectrum Analyzer DRMO Norfolk 65,000
Equipment Rack PCARSS 3,500
Power Supplies x2 DRMO Norfolk 7,000
Phase Noise Test Set
56
Some Results
Vector Network Analyzer
Probe Station
DRMO Ft. Meade, 30,000
PCARSS, 80,100
57
Some Results
2 Signal Generators DRMO Richmond 11,000
Frequency Standard DRMO Oklahoma City 36,000
2 Measuring Receivers DRMO Norfolk 5,600
2 Power Supplies DRMO Norfolk DRMO San
Diego 6,500
2 Special Computers NASA Langley 10,000
58
Some Results
Precision Array to Probe the Epoch of
Re-ionization (PAPER)
Environmental Chamber RCP Norfolk 36,500
Signal Generators -DRMO Richmond -DRMO
Norfolk 15,600 total
59
Some Results
Mixer Test Set (ALMA)
Part of the Solar Radio Burst Spectrometer
-Frequency Standard RCP Tobyhanna 24,100
-Signal Generators -Digital Clock -Amplifier 8,60
0 total
2 O-Scopes Offutt and Eglin 2,000
60
Some Results

• Total shown here about 551,200
• Total over 4 years 10 months
• (10 total time devoted to this)
• 3.7 million
• 2.8 million of useful equipment

61
ALMA Antennas
ALMA Front End Receiver
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Thanksto the Stars!