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Research to Operations

Modular Transition Plan Template Instructions

(Version: November 15, 2023)

This type of transition plan is framed as a โ€œModularโ€ Transition Plan. A Modular Transition Plan is intended to document a project meant for transition that will likely include additional, very similar, transitionable features or components in the future referred to as โ€œModulesโ€. As transition plans are living documents, Modules may be added over time and will be reflected, not only in the Document Version Table but in the Module Table as well. The initial Modular Transition Plan, or โ€œBaseโ€ Transition Plan, describes the first transition with a documented Transition Plan and outlines the recurring nature of the project and its subsequent transitions. As new Modules are added, the Module-specific detail will be included in a Module Appendix Section. Once the initial transition plan is accepted and fully signed, it will serve as the overarching acknowledgement from all signatories that, as additional Modules are added that fit within the project vision therein, new and/or additional signatures will not be required. It will be up to the project Principal Investigator (PI) or the Transition Manager to determine if the module being considered is an “impactful change” that would warrant new or additional signatures. It is recommended that the developer request informal acceptance of the new Module from the adopter prior to declaring the module as transitioned (e.g. email confirmation that can be included in the Module Appendix). The project PI or the Transition Manager will provide Project Module updates; which will include intended implementation dates. It is recommended that Modular Transition Plans do not exceed a life cycle period of 5 years. Examples of Modules include: enhancements to the initial base project (e.g. code improvements, additional parameters, etc), annual guidance reports, or regular transmission of data intended for operational use or application.

It is important to note that a transition plan is intended to provide the vision or roadmap for the proposed capability and guide transition efforts toward use, including operations. It is a living document to be amended with increasing detail as the project matures.  It will remain valid for the life of the corresponding development project, including its successful completion that it satisfies end user-defined Line Office metrics for success and operational constraints, and it clearly surpasses each of the associated gates or requirements for transition.

This is provided as a guide.  Not all sections that are identified in the template may be needed for all transitions. Key sections are derived from NAO 216-105B Handbook Appendix D[1].  Only sections relevant to the project should be completed.

The ultimate decision to transition this project to operations resides with the appropriate decision maker of the receiving Line Office or external end-user. The signing of a transition plan provides situational awareness of the work and review / acknowledgement to move forward.  It does not represent a binding agreement and/or funding availability. Signatures for the review and acknowledgement process will be dependent upon the maturity of the technology, type of transition, end users and their requirements If and when projects transition outside of NOAA, every attempt should be made to obtain letters of support from end user(s) as well as NOAA appropriate signatures.

 A primary principal investigator (PI) that is a Federal employee should be identified on the title page. However, if the project PI is affiliated with a Cooperative Institute (CI) or other external entity, a designated NOAA point of contact (POC) or NOAA funding program manager should be named on the transition plan first, followed by the affiliated PI(s). External team members, (i.e. Co-PIs, collaborators, etc.) may be identified in the version control table as content contributors and reviewers. Please note that all transition plans are internal NOAA documents. Transition Plans shared outside of NOAA must have sensitive information redacted, including, but not limited to: vendor costs/estimates, vendor proprietary information (technical specifications, designs, blueprints, etc.), cooperative institute financial information, proposal/grant awards, personally identifiable information, or NOAA financial information.

If financial or other information is sensitive, it is recommended that you include this information in an appendix so that it can be easily redacted or removed prior to sending it to non-NOAA personnel. Note: No sensitive, personal identifiable information (PII) and/or proprietary information should be contained in a Transition Plan.

Please contact the Office of Research, Transition, and Application for additional questions on developing and customizing transition plans.

[1]NAO 216-105B Handbook: https://www.noaa.gov/sites/default/files/legacy/document/2020/Mar/Handbook_NAO216-105B_03-21-17.pdf