How is the NOAALink process different from the standard IT acquisition process?
The NOAALink Program Management Office (PMO) has set up a process to make IT purchasing easier, faster and more effective for the Line Offices and NOAA overall. NOAALink front-loads the process of defining and refining your requirements in order to better assess needs and monitor IT solutions across NOAA. Your NOAALink request is initiated with a WISH (Work Initiation, Scope and Highlights) document. The WISH scopes your initial requirements and helps the NOAALink team determine if your needs align with NOAALink and if they have enterprise applicability across more than one line office. During the WISH process, the NOAALink PMO works with you to refine your requirements, leading to a much easier process to submit your Performance Work Statement (PWS). At a detailed level, some of the activities normally handled by Line Office Task Managers and COTRs can now be handled by the NOAALink PMO and COTRs, freeing up valuable time for your Mission.
