NSF Award
8911897
Syscon provides on-site support for the PRA computer systems, including assistance as required for system management and maintenance, configuration planning, and technical and logistical support. On-site technical staff install Convergent Technologies and IBM hardware and software; connect IBM compatible machines into the microcomputer networks; install PC hardware, including hard disks and boards and troubleshooting; maintain backup facilities; manage communications between the CT/IBM networks and peripherals and other microcomputers and mainframes; and insure that the system is backed up. Contractor technical staff also supply programming support for special applications and training to PRA staff as needed, and produce necessary documentation. With regard to PRA database tools, including both mainframe (IBM 370 environment) and microcomputer (IBM PC) science and engineering databases, contractor personnel are responsible for support, development, expansion and refinement of both historical, SAS formatted, data files; and for the PRA personal computer based data management/file server system, CASPAR, custom programmed in C language, which is PC and PC-network resident. The major database development task to be accomplished under this contract is to expand the CASPAR data base to include individual NSF awards and non- academic science and engineering data. The contractor is also responsible for producing special reports from the microcomputer and mainframe resident databases on an as-needed basis. %%% The Division of Policy Research and Analysis (PRA) of the National Science Foundation (NSF) provides factual information and issue analysis to the Director of the NSF, the National Science Board, and other Federal agencies; conducts research on national science and technology issues; and conducts research to improve science policy analysis methods. To effectively carry out this mission, PRA staff performs analyses using a variety of automated systems. Syscon Corporation provides technical support to PRA for its hybrid microcomputer system, including IBM-Convergent Technologies microcomputer networks; its microcomputer- resident science and engineering database system, CASPAR; and for maintenance and enhancement of its science and engineering mainframe database, currently at the National Institutes of Health computer facility. Technical support activities include maintenance and enhancement of the PRA CASPAR system and mainframe database; on-site support for microcomputer hardware and peripherals; evaluation of microcomputer software and hardware to keep abreast of new developments of potential utility to PRA applications; training as necessary for PRA staff in hardware and software use; programming for special applications; and documentation as necessary.
