In just over four months, Synectics' web-based data management approach was deployed at Alameda Naval Air Station to assemble over a quarter of a million widely varying data points into a single repository that now supports real-time, informed decision making.

Background

Alameda Naval Air Station (NAS) is a 2700 acre facility located near San Francisco, California. Its mission was to provide material support and facilities for naval aviation activities and operating forces. The BRAC commission recommended closure in 1993, and it was placed on the National Priority List (NPL) in 1999. Primary contaminants stem from landfills, offshore sediment areas, plating shops, transformer storage, and a former oil refinery. There are thirty five major sites that require cleanup, and ongoing remediation work is projected through FY2014.

Implementing Web-Based Information Management

The team using Synectics' web based data management system is made up of project managers, geologists, hydrogeologists, chemists, samplers and other professionals, working in the field, laboratories and offices across the United States. Following are examples of goals accomplished within four months of implementing the data management system:

• Assembled data collected from varying sources
• Developed automated reports that will be re-used in future events
• Created GIS layers linked to a dynamic data source
• Easily produced Navy Electronic Data Deliverables
• Controlled schedule and cut costs with automation

Taking Control of Project Information

Collaboration and automation were key components allowing the Alameda Naval Air Station team’s first project deliverable to exceed the expectations of the Navy. Potential problems with incoming information were identified early and resolved quickly. Automation was used to assemble widely varying historical data from multiple sources into a cohesive and consistent data set. This once-disparate information now supports such tools as automated trend charts and custom color coded monitoring reports that span more than eight quarterly events. The dynamic tools developed and implemented during this effort will continue to provide cost and schedule benefits in future events.