Welcome to NASA's IV&V Program: Join our Family of Talented Professionals

1. Welcome! National Aeronautics and Space Administration Independent Verification & Validation Program New Employee Briefing

2. Welcome to NASA… • Where talented professionals make “tremendous technical and scientific accomplishments”; • Where “humans can achieve previously inconceivable feats”; • Where we are “humbled by the realization that Earth is just a tiny ‘blue marble’ in the cosmos”. http://history.nasa.gov/

3. Did you know? In 2010, NASA was voted the fifth best place to work among Federal agencies, based on responses from more than 263,000 employees. Image above: The Best Places to Work in the Federal Government - 2010 Rankings. Image credit: Partnership for Public Service.

4. Letter from the Director Welcome to NASA’s Independent Verification and Validation (IV&V) Program and to the NASA IV&V family. Serving a vision and mission far greater than ourselves on behalf of our Agency and the people of this Nation is a privilege we are pleased to share with you. While you take advantage of the orientation package that has been prepared for you, please take the time to introduce yourself to your new colleagues. You will find them interested in your work and interested in telling you about their own. I am confident that you will soon be made to feel at home by those you meet upon your arrival at IV&V and quickly become part of our family. Whether you join our team as a civil servant or as a contractor, please introduce yourself to me and feel free to ask the members of my administrative team for information, guidance or support. My personal goal, and that of our entire NASA family, is to ensure that you confidently find your place among us so that you can begin your work on behalf of IV&V and NASA. Again, welcome to IV&V and to the NASA family. Sincerely, Greg Blaney IV&V Director and Program Manager

5. Our Mission and Vision • Vision: The NASA IV&V Program provides confidence and integrity in software that cannot be found elsewhere. • Mission: The NASA IV&V Program will reduce the inherent risk in the Agency’s ability to procure, develop, deploy and operate software within desired cost, schedule and performance goals by Performing IV&V on safety and mission critical software • Providing software expertise to the Agency’s SMA activities • Conducting research that improves IV&V and software assurance methods, practices and tools • Performing Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) outreach • Performing management and institutional services with excellence

6. Our Values Teamwork We understand and believe that thinking, planning, decision-making and actions are better when done cooperatively. We recognize, and even assimilate, the belief that "none of us is as good as all of us."  We recognize that our function exists to serve the bigger picture. Safety We consider protecting ourselves and others from unnecessary harm as a cornerstone to success. We are committed, individually and as a team, to protecting the safety and health of the public, our team members, and those assets that the Nation entrusts to the Agency. With safety first, our commitment to all other values can be achieved. InnovationWe cultivate creativity and seek knowledge that will strengthen our team and ourselves.  We recognize innovation as a way to energize our motivation and performance, leading to a sense of pride and personal accomplishment. BalanceWe believe in the importance of meaningful daily achievement and enjoyment in each of our four life quadrants: Work, Family, Friends, and Self. IntegrityOur success is built on an environment of trust and ethical behavior.  We exhibit sincerity and truthfulness in all actions. Respect We respect ourselves and each other, appreciating the creativity and broader perspective of a diverse team.  This diversity is vital to our success. ExcellenceWe consistently look for ways to improve ourselves and our organization by promoting continual growth, learning and diversity of experience.  We believe in providing high quality services that bring long term valueto our customers.

7. Contents • Overview of NASA and the IV&V Program • IV&V Program Organizational Structure • Important Employee Resources • The IV&V Family

8. Highlights of NASA History 1958 NASA founded by President Dwight D. Eisenhower, partially in response to the launch of the first artificial satellite the previous year by the Soviets. 1969 Humans stepped foot on the moon on July 20th, 1969, as a result of John F. Kennedy’s challenge to NASA. 1981 The Space Shuttle was launched for the first time – one of over 120 launches. 2004 The first of NASA's twin Mars Exploration Rovers hurtled through the martian atmosphere for a flawless landing on the red planet. Throughout its history, NASA has conducted or funded research that has led to numerous improvements to life here on Earth.

9. Highlights of IV&V History 1986 Challenger Accident 1991 Grant provided to WVU to build IV&V Facility; assigned to HQ-OSMA 1994 Space Station Program implements IV&V through Facility 1996 Facility transitioned to Ames Research Center; focus was research 1996 Facility Omnibus contract: enabled IV&V across all NASA Projects 1999 Senior Management Council: IV&V mandate for all NASA software 2000 Facility transitioned to Goddard Space Flight Center; focus was applied 2003 NASA Executive Council makes IV&V an Agency OSMA Program Today the NASA IV&V Program continues providing assurance to NASA missions.

10. Map of NASA Centers & Facilities

11. Who does IV&V report to? • The IV&V Program’s technical work is directed by the Office of Safety and Mission Assurance (OSMA); however, the Program’s administrative functions are handled through Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC).

12. NASA Organizational Chart IV&V

13. NASA IV&V Organization Office of the Director Deputy DirectorAssociate Director Program Finance Management Strategic Communications Office IV&V Office SMA Support Office Program Support Office STEM Initiatives IV&V Projects Operations & Maintenance Technical Quality & Excellence Information Technology Knowledge Management Leadership Capabilities Development Software Assurance Tools

14. NASA IV&V Leadership Roles • Director – Greg Blaney • Deputy Director – Ken Vorndran • Associate Director – Marcus Fisher • Program Finance Management Lead – Kaci Reynolds • Acting Strategic Communications Office Lead – Gregory Blaney • IV&V Office Lead – Steve Raque • SMA Support Office Lead – Deb Stiltner • Program Support Office Lead – Donna Ozburn

15. Office of the Director (OOD) • Responsible for the overall management of the IV&V Program & Facility. • Manages customer/stakeholder relations, Technical Advisory Board, Administration, IT Governance (EA Board), Program financial management, Strategic Planning, International Partnerships, etc. • It is comprised of the Director, Deputy Director, Associate Director and supporting administrative staff.

16. Strategic Communications Office (SCO) • Responsible for the external communications, knowledge management (KM), marketing and development of the IV&V Program; ensures appropriate local community relationships. SCO customers include coworkers, NASA, the public, students, educators, and local businesses. • Manages the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) Initiatives group. The STEM initiatives group leads the development of an overall NASA education presence in WV and supports NASA education efforts in the areas of STEM. The Educational Resource Center (ERC) serves as a tool to enhance the professional development of educators. On average, we work with over 5000 students and 1300 educators each year. • KM activities ensure consistency and adherence to agency requirements at the Program level. Additional KM responsibilities include: risk management, success stories & lessons learned, metrics, value, records management and IV&V Management System activities such as ISO documentation & audits.

17. Educational & Public Outreach Highlighted below are only a few examples of events coordinated through STEM Initiatives. Staff are commonly asked to volunteer to assist with these events. Watch for invitations via e-mail. Please obtain your supervisor’s permission prior to volunteering. • Day in the Park takes place every fall, hundreds of 7th graders from local schools attend this event put on by IV&V Educational Outreach. The day consists of activities, exhibits, experiments, and guest speakers, such as WV astronaut Jon McBride. The goal of this event is to raise awareness and get kids excited about science, technology, engineering and math. • Inspiring the Next Generation (ING) Day, usually in April, is a day set aside for employees’ children between the ages of 8 and 12 to come to work with their parents and see first-hand what it is like to work for NASA. • Careers in the Corridor occurs near the end of Fall, 10th graders from several of the local county schools attend this event put on by IV&V Educational Outreach. Once you have obtained approval from your supervisor, please contact Jess White (jesse.e.white@nasa.gov) to volunteer.

18. IV&V Office (IVVO) • Develops, implements, and improves the IV&V activities performed by the Program and seeks out opportunities for new business • Comprised of an IV&V group, Capabilities Development group, Software Assurance Tools group and Technical Quality & Excellence group .

19. IV&V Office • The IV&V Projects Group is responsible for applying IV&V activities on NASA projects. IV&V provides both the Project and developer with insight into the status and risks associated with the development of mission critical system software.

20. IV&V Office • The Research & Development Group explores and innovates solutions for advancing the processes used in performing IV&V. • The Software Assurance Tools Group maintains, integrates, and trains the use of software engineering tools for IV&V. • The Technical Quality & Excellence Group ensures quality and consistency across the IV&V program.

21. What is Software IV&V? • Software Independent Verification & Validation is a systems-engineering process employing rigorous methodologies for evaluating the correctness and quality of the software products throughout the development life cycle. Software IV&V is adapted and tailored to the characteristics of the project.

22. What is Verification? • Verification answers the question: Are we building the product right? • The process of determining whether or not the products of a given phase of the software development life cycle fulfill the requirements established during the previous phase. • The process of determining if the product is internally complete, consistent and correct, and if it will support the next phase of development.

23. What is Validation? • Validation answers the question: Are we building the right product? • The process of evaluating software throughout its development process to ensure compliance with software requirements. This process ensures • Expected behavior when subjected to anticipated events • No unexpected behavior when subjected to unanticipated events • System performs to the customer’s expectations under all operational conditions

24. How are we Independent? • Independence in IV&V, as defined by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), has three parameters: • Technical independence: IV&V practitioners use their expertise to assess development processes and products independent of the developer. • Managerial independence: The IV&V effort independently selects the segments of the software and system to analyze and test, chooses the IV&V techniques, defines the schedule of IV&V activities, and selects the specific technical issues and problems to act upon. • Financial independence: The NASA IV&V Program is funded primarily from Corporate General & Administrative (Expense). Projects may directly fund services.

25. CONCEPT:System goals are determined. Based on the goals… REQUIREMENTS:…the functionsnecessary to meet goals are documented.Based on the functions… DESIGN:…the architecture is designed to carry out the functions. Based on the architecture… IMPLEMENTATION:…codeis written to satisfy thefunctionsand thearchitecture of the system. The code… TEST:…operates the system, which is introduced into the intended environmentto be sure it operates as intended. What is the Software/System Development Life Cycle? • The software/system development life cycle (SDLC) has phases which produce specific products. IV&V tailors its analysis based on the phase/product. Staying in step with the development life cycle provides for earlier recognition and resolution of issues, thus reducing the cost of rework and maximizing the benefits of IV&V to the project.

26. Current IV&V Projects • The Projects currently served by the IV&V Program are from the Human Exploration and Operations (HEO) and Science Mission Directorates (SMD). Currently no projects from the Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate (ARMD) are served by the IV&V Program. • Additionally, smaller scale efforts called Independent Assessments (IAs) may be performed on NASA or other projects.

27. Safety & Mission Assurance Support Office (SSO) • SSO manages software engineering services provided to the Agency in support of the other SMA organizations across the Agency.

28. Program Support Office (PSO) • Provides support to the IV&V Program while ensuring compliance with Agency standards • Comprised of Operations & Maintenance (O&M) and Information Technology (IT) • O&M - provides and ensures a safe, comfortable, and well-equipped workplace • IT – provides your desktop technology, and support for phone network and computer system, also ensures distribution of information on the internet

29. Tenants • In addition to NASA, there are 2 other governmental tenants in the IV&V Facility, Building 1: the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the Department of the Army.

30. NOAA • NOAA houses a supercomputer, used for predicting and tracking weather patterns - anything from showers to Category 5 hurricanes – in the IV&V Facility. Serving as a back-up system to the main computer in Gaithersburg, MD, this system is ranked among the top 10 weather predictor and research computers in the world, because of the amount of information stored on it. • Also stored in Building 1is the Advanced Weather Interactive Processing System (AWIPS), which is an integrated suite of automated data-processing equipment that supports complex analysis, interactive processing, display of hydro meteorological data, and the rapid dissemination of warnings and forecasts in a highly reliable manner. This system is now being used at National Weather Service (NWS) Weather Forecast Offices, River Forecast Centers, and National Centers for Environmental Prediction to support our weather and hydrologic forecast and warning operations.

31. Department of the Army • The Army’s Automated Biometric Identification System (ABIS) supports multiple systems developed to serve immediate, critical needs driven by the global war on terrorism. The biometric systems capture, transmit, store, share, retrieve, exploit and display biometric data for timely identification or identity verification. These systems are mission enablers for force protection, intelligence, physical and logical control, identity management / credentialing, and interception operations.

32. Do you need to know… • Someone’s phone number or location? • Safety information? • How to check-out a book from the technical library? • How to work your phone? • How to become familiar with IV&V policies and procedures? • How to book a conference room? • Where to find a System Level Procedure (SLP)? • How to submit an issue to PITS/ORBIT?

33. …Visit the IV&V Facility Portal-The Gateway to IV&V Information! Questions? Chances are the answer is here!

34. Network & Building Access • The most up to date information regarding employee processing can be accessed from the IV&V Program’s website. • If you have questions, please contact the Identity Manager at Identity.Manager@ivv.nasa.gov

35. Training & Education (SATERN) • System for Administration, Training, and Educational Resources (SATERN) - SATERN is NASA’s Learning Management System which offers Web-based access to training and career development resources. • The vision of the SATERN initiative is to create a premier e-Training environment that supports the development of the NASA workforce through simplified and one-stop access to high quality training products and processes to support learning and development. • SATERN is used for internal and external training opportunities. NASA also has certain SATERN training courses that are mandated for employees to complete. Therefore, it is imperative that you maintain a SATERN account. For a complete list of mandatory training, visit: http://ohcm.gsfc.nasa.gov/MandatoryTraining/TrainingList.htm#EMP • To login to SATERN go to: https://satern.nasa.gov/. • For more information on SATERN visit: https://saterninfo.nasa.gov/. • For SATERN assistance, contact the NSSC Contact Center at 877-NSSC-123 (877-677-2123) or send an e-mail to NASA-satern.support@nasa.gov. Support hours are 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. ET Monday - Friday.

36. Local Places to Eat • Mazza’s Café, located on the 5th floor of Building 2, serves breakfast and lunch. Café hours are from 7:00 am to 2:00 pm, Monday through Friday. • Thursdays are Chinese food day and orders are delivered to the Building 1 Break Room. The cost for a lunch special is $6.00 per person which includes tax and tip. The menu and sign-up sheet are located in the Office of the Director in Building 1. Place your order by 10:30am Thursday morning. Local restaurants (within 5 miles) • Applebee’s www.applebees.com(304) 366-4411 *offers curbside pick up • Mi Pueblo Mexican (304) 363-9355  • DJ’s Diner (304) 366-8110 • Cracker Barrel www.crackerbarrel.com(304) 363-2884 • Grand China Buffet • Bob Evans www.bobevans.com(304) 366-9735 • Muriale’s www.murialesrestaurant.com  (304) 363-3190  • Colasessno’s www.colasessanos.com  (304)-363-0571 • Hank’s Deli (304) 368-3354 • Dutchman’s Daughter (304) 367-1064 • Many fast food chains are within only a few miles

37. Benefits of Working at NASA IV&V

38. Charitable Initiatives The NASA IV&V Family is a very giving group of people with fundraising and charitable events occurring year round. Since the IV&V Program is federally funded, all charitable initiatives are regulated by the Combined Federal Campaign. For more information, go to http://www.opm.gov/CFC/. Past charity events have included: • CFC fundraising events in support of local charities • School supply collections • Food & toy collections • Christmas Auction- The Annual IV&V Christmas Party and Auction is one of the most anticipated fundraising events of the year. Every December, staff will donate new or used items for their peers to bid on while enjoying a fully catered meal. All proceeds are given to a local charity by way of the Combined Federal Campaign.

39. Social Events The NASA IV&V Family is always ready for fun! Past social events have included: • The Summer IV&V Picnic is open to all employees and their families. Generally held offsite in late summer/early fall, the picnic has included a catered meal and a variety of activities for adults and children such as softball, volleyball, horseshoes, dunking booth, water gun battles, swimming, karaoke, treasure hunts, tie-dying, etc. • The NASA IV&V Chili Cook-Off is a competition to make the best chili and the winner is recognized with their name on an official Chili Cook-Off plaque. • The IV&V Halloween Party consists of a costume contest with prizes and a pot luck luncheon. • The IV&V Golf Tournament is held at Tygart Lake Golf Course on a Friday in July. A portion of the proceeds in the past have gone to charities, such as Scott’s Run Settlement House and the American Cancer Society. If you are interested in participating, please contact Steve Pukansky.

40. Health & Wellness Past health and wellness activities have included: • Blood drives and flu vaccinations • Weight Watchers at Work on Tuesdays at noon. Gyms in Fairmont Area: • Healthplex healthplex.fghi.com(304) 368-5200 • Fitnetics fitneticsgym.com(304) 366-4362 • Spadafore’s Gym (304) 363-9000 • Fairmont Fitness (304) 363-1962

41. Break Room Amenities • Vending Machines • RefrigeratorPlease Note: The refrigerator is cleaned out on Fridays. Do not leave food or it will be tossed. • Microwaves • Ice Machine • Coffee ClubIf you would like to become a member of the Coffee Club, contact Debra Radabaugh for more details. Coffee Club members pay $5 per month for unlimited coffee. Non-members must pay 25 cents per cup.

42. Welcome to NASA IV&V!If you have questions, please ask!