..
 

SciTech has been supporting the Information Technology (IT) needs of Government and Business Clients for over 10 years. During this period, SciTech has developed varying levels of experience and expertise in a number of functional areas comprising IT. A representative set of projects presented below provides SciTech's demonstrated capabilities in the IT area.

As a result of SciTech's focus in the IT arena, a separate information technology division was established in 2000. This division, eDigital Group, provides cost-effective technology solutions in the following areas:

  • Application and Programming - Custom Software modules, applications and databases
  • eBusiness Consulting - Web Design and Re-Design, Online Database and Application Development, eCommerce, and Internet Marketing Campaigns
  • Multimedia Development - CD-Rom Catalogs, Digital Business Cards, Flash Presentations
  • Computer Systems - Networking, Troubleshooting, Service and Repair.

Whether you want to build an online business presence, increase marketing effectiveness, generate more sales, or streamline business operations, eDigital Group offers the solutions you need at the price you can afford. Click here to visit eDigital Group's web site or call us at 800-671-7104 for immediate assistance.


 

Website Development Experience top

SciTech's vast experience in website development incorporates a multitude of disci-plines including high impact web presentations, dynamic user interfaces, back-end database systems, and e-business. SciTech's team of Web Designers and Programmers work with the client to develop a system that best suites the needs and technology of the client. SciTech can incorporate streaming audio and video, flash presentations, java script and java applets, DHTML and VRML. SciTech offers advanced web applications and programming for real time interaction with data across the internet. Java script, VB script, and CGI are utilized to develop dynamic web pages to interact with backend databases, such as Microsoft Access, SQL server and Oracle. SciTech uses software packages to include Macromedia, Adobe and Microsoft products for web design, however our expertise also lies in hard coding and connectionless ODBC connectivity to backend databases. SciTech also utilizes Coldfusion for complex e-commerce sites.

For web security, SciTech has created and currently maintains secured websites by using public keys (or certificates) that were either purchased or created by SciTech. In addition to development and maintenance, SciTech currently hosts many sites as well as offers marketing campaigns. We seek targeted submission and outlets, major search engines, industry specific directories, etc.

Infrastructure Support top

SciTech is providing helpdesk expertise on current or recently completed efforts under contract to the DoD. These include the following

Chemical Agent Munitions Disposal System (CAMDS) at the Tooele Army Depot (TEAD), UT - SciTech is supporting a data acquisition system for testing and pilot plant development of demilitarization processes for disposal of chemical munitions. Additionally, SciTech is the sole supporting IT group for CAMDS and responsible for all IT functions. SciTech engineers provide both computer and compliance engineering and are also tasked with manning the CAMDS IT help desk, providing professional assistance to approximately 1200 government and civilian personnel.

Monitoring Office at Edgewood Chemical Biological Center (ECBC), MD - SciTech has implemented and continues to maintain and enhance a Hewlett-Packard Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS). Our on-site Database/Systems Administrator had managed and maintained multiple LIMS - the primary LIMS (a proprietary Oracle®-based program, Horizon®)) used for in-house data management of air samples (Depot Area Air Monitoring System (DAAMS) tubes); a FoxPro®-based program, known as TAG used for data management of air samples collected at various monitoring sites around the world, in the Real Time Analytical Platform/Mobile Analytical Platform (RTAP/MAP) units; and a third system, also developed in a Microsoft Access® based program, known as MUD, used for processing soil and water sample analysis information. The Administrator provides help-desk services to approximately 100 management and technical personnel. The Administrator is the technical lead in conference calls to the developer, and works in conjunction with the developer to provide optimum LIMS performance for users.

SciTech has the experience and expertise to administer and manage a multitude of IT scenarios, problems, and troubleshooting techniques. SciTech has encountered all of the unique situations for supporting a significant amount of users on a large-scale.

Enterprise Management Software top

Experience such as consolidated service desk, asset management, remote management, and software distribution.

SciTech demonstrates experience in enterprise management software as a normal practice for its corporate office as well as the sole IT support team for the CAMDS
at the TEAD under Contract DACA87-00-D-0014. SciTech utilizes VERITAS Backup Exec software and Computer Associates e-Trust Inoculate IT v6.0 as two enterprise software packages that are controlled from a few administrative PCs to monitor all servers, workstations, and internet/email traffic across SciTech's LAN and WAN. This is also common practice for SciTech's IT team at CAMDS. SciTech utilizes Windows 2000 Application Servers to house and deploy an abundance of software applications. Older workstations may run applications on the servers while more advanced PCs are set up to receive the software. SciTech's servers are configured to automatically deploy updates to PCs upon log-on to maintain consistency and security amongst workstations. These updates include drivers, virus scanning signatures, service packs and patches. Monitoring software is utilized to scan the network traffic for PCs causing congestion. Intranet and email service request forms have also been setup for those that need service, which aids our IT department in scheduling and accountability.

Workstation Installation, Maintenance and Repair top

SciTech employs very experienced and knowledgeable technicians, many of whom are cross-trained and have established multi-disciplinary talents to serve as back-up to other support personnel. There are several SciTech employees that were trained in-house or at professional institutions, and have certifications at all levels. SciTech currently supports all IT operations and is the sole IT group for CAMDS facilities at TEAD. Performing workstation installation, maintenance and repair is a daily routine. SciTech also supports this effort for the ECBC Monitoring Office at ECBC.

Microsoft Exchange Messaging Environment top

SciTech is very familiar with supporting Microsoft Exchange messaging. As a primary messaging service utilized by all of Aberdeen Proving Ground (APG) facilities (both Aberdeen and the Edgewood Area), SciTech has been working directly with APG for almost 13 years, thus witnessing the evolution of APG's messaging service. The SciTech corporate office and its smaller offices adheres to all the changes that APG implements so that communication is seamless between SciTech and APG. Subsequently, SciTech fully incorporates and currently uses Microsoft Exchange messaging as its messaging service. SciTech also made this messaging service available across the internet for employees on travel or at home by setting up a secure intranet that dynamically links to the internet email features of Microsoft Exchange. Outlook 2000 and Outlook Express are SciTech's primary in-house client messaging packages.

DoD Public Key Infrastructure encryption and Digital Signature for Email Messages and Software Applications top

SciTech has implemented Public Keys for several projects including its own intranet. Some certificate keys were purchased through VeriSign for complete security and liability. However, SciTech has also created and deployed its own public keys for secure access to sites. This process is more comprehensive, especially when a firewall is also implemented. This exact procedure was implemented for one of our clients, Smiths Detection, as part of their contract support for a Shared Data Environment (SDE). SciTech developed, implemented and maintained a customized secure SDE for SciTech, Smiths Detection and several DoD entities that participated on this effort (included Air Force, Marine Corps, Army And Navy personnel). The SDE was hard coded using VB Script, Java, and a Microsoft Access backend database making it completely dynamic with real time functionality. Additionally, it was also accessible via all platforms and internet browsers.

Digital signatures are commonly used by SciTech in email and reports to clients as well as mass marketing material to potential commercial clients.

DITSCAP Regulations and Information Assurance Management Controls top

SciTech is fully aware of DoD Information Technology Security Certification and Accreditation Process (DITSCAP). The purpose of DITSCAP is to implement policy, assign responsibilities, and prescribe procedures for Certification and Accreditation (C&A) of information technology, including automated information systems, networks and site in the DoD. The DITSCAP establishes a standard process, a set of activities, general task descriptions and a management structure to certify and accredit IT systems that will maintain the security posture of the Defense Information Infrastructure (DIT). The DITSCAP also stresses the importance of a life cycle management approach to the C&A and re-accreditation of DoD IT. The DITSCAP is designed to be adaptable to any type of IT and any computing environment and mission.

The DITSCAP is composed of four phases:

1. Definition - To agree on the intended system mission, environment, architecture, security requirements, certification schedule, level of effort and resources required.

2. Verification - To produce a fully integrated system ready for certification testing.

3. Validation - To produce the required evidence to support the Designated Approving Authority (DAA) in making an informed decision to grant approval to operate the system.

4. Post Accreditation - To ensure secure system management, operations and maintenance to preserve an acceptable level of residual risk.

SciTech realizes that the key to the DITSCAP is the agreement between the IT system Program Manager (SciTech), the DAA, the Certification Authority (CA), and the user representative. The managers will be responsible for resolving critical schedule, budget, security, functionality and performance issues. SciTech is confident that our level of expertise and management experience can perform assigned tasks and conform to DITSCAP requirements.

Gigabit-Based Local and Wide Area Network (WAN) Communications top

As previously mentioned, SciTech fully supports CAMDS in all IT areas. CAMDS has a gigabit-based fiber optic backbone connecting all of their facilities/buildings, as well as gigabit technology to and from the World Wide Web. SciTech is fully responsible for their goal to upgrade certain internal areas to gigabit technology and maintain a minimum of 100 megabit technology in other areas.

Installation, Testing, Maintaining, and Supporting Government and Commercial Off-the-Shelf (OTS) Software top

SciTech's personnel have experience in supporting all aspects of Off-the-Shelf (OTS) software for the Government. This ranges from simple calendar software to desktop publishing software to high-end management software. Such software includes Microsoft Schedule Plus, Microsoft Office Professional, Groupwise messaging, Outlook, Lotus Notes, Primevera, Open Plan Management Software, etc. Most recently, SciTech has been responsible for installing, testing, maintaining and supporting the main software package, Horizon, running the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) for the Monitoring Office at ECBC. SciTech is also responsible for installing, testing, maintaining and supporting all OTS systems used at all facilities at CAMDS.


Systems Administration Functions on Multi-Platform Hardware and Operating System Environments top

Working on systems that are comprised of multi-platform hardware and operating systems is very common. Each platform has its strengths and weaknesses, as in the case with UNIX and Windows based operating systems and servers. It is wise to utilize both for their respective strengths. Thus, it is advantageous for both to coexist in certain environments. This is the case for both CAMDS and the Monitoring Office. CAMDS utilizes UNIX boxes for several of its Oracle databases as well as for DHCP and firewall security. Windows 2000 servers are used for serving and deploying Microsoft applications, and Novell servers are utilized for printing and Groupwise messaging service. A UNIX Sun Server Station was also implemented for high speed and large media format scanning of documents/maps for archiving. The Monitoring Office uses a UNIX server to operate their primary LIMS program, Horizon, which is Oracle-based. All other functions utilize Windows 2000 or NT 4.0 servers. In both cases, SciTech is responsible for all aspects of support and maintenance for those systems.

Data Migration Planning and Implementation Between Different Technology Sources top

SciTech deals with data migration at both CAMDS and the Monitoring Office as well as a commercial client, Rose Shanis Financial.

CAMDS at TEAD - SciTech is responsible for maintaining the computer systems that automate the incinerators and air monitoring systems. This data is collected in raw analog format and converted and transferred digitally to Oracle and SQL databases to implement control and maintain a very important real-time alarm system. Additional feature requirements include reporting, tracking and archiving.

Monitoring Office at ECBC - SciTech supports the automated process of migrating data from the HP ChemStations to the Horizon software for further real-time analysis, Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) and verification of air, soil and water samples for contamination of chemical agent.

Rose Shanis Financial - a loan servicing center for the Northeast US. They have several offices throughout that are linked to a proprietary rapid development relational database located at its corporate facility in Westminister, MD. SciTech automated the process of migrating the raw data from the UNIX based proprietary database and populating an SQL database for more advanced reporting and marketing purposes. This was accomplished through the use of the proprietary software in conjunction with a Visual Basic module developed by SciTech Programmers.

Designing, Developing, Testing, Documenting and Supporting Oracle Databases top

CAMDS at TEAD - SciTech fully developed the Chemical Agent Disposal Alarm System database for CAMDS under this contract. This is an Oracle database system with a Delphi front end that controls the incinerator facility at CAMDS and monitors the air around the facility and out of the stack for possible chemical agent contamination. If contamination was detected, the database would automatically signal computer monitors that are constantly watched and also automatically sound off an alarm system. SciTech currently maintains and fully documented this program. Daily reports are printed and summary reports can be accessed at any time.

Monitoring Office at ECBC - The primary LIMS used in the Monitoring Branch fixed laboratory is a commercial, Oracle®-product, Horizon, from ChemWare, Inc. that tracks all data associated with the collection and analysis process. This system is used for processing DAAMS tubes. The system receives data from the ChemStation software that controls analytical equipment, links those data with sampling information and quality control parameters, identifies QC outliers, identifies samples requiring additional analyses, and generates reports on sample status (clear or not clear) that can be e-mailed to Branch customers. All samplers and analysts use this system.

SciTech is responsible for installing, testing and administrating this system. In addition, SciTech developed the user manuals for this product and is responsible for training all Government and SciTech laboratory technicians on the use of this system.

Designing, Developing, Testing, Documenting and Supporting Non-Oracle Databases top

In addition to Oracle databases, SciTech developed, installed, maintained and currently supports several non-Oracle-based databases. These include dBase, FoxPro, Microsoft Access, SQL, Gupta SQLbase and ASCII data sets. As most systems are comprised of some type of database, SciTech is extremely well versed in this arena. A few examples of SciTech's efforts include:

¡ Monitoring Office at ECBC - The TAG, soil and MUD database programs (FoxPro and Microsoft Access).

¡ U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Chemical Defense, MD - The currently used Photo ID Badge Program (Microsoft Access).

¡ ECBC - The current Human Resource Security Database system (Microsoft Access)

¡ CAMDS at TEAD - The current Chemical Agent Analysis Detection Database System (SQL).

SciTech fully designed, developed, installed, tested and is currently maintaining all the systems identified above.

Developing Custom Data Retrieval Programs and Formatting Reports top

The same projects that were mentioned under Section K. above also fall in this category. To further elaborate on our support to Rose Shanis Financial, their goal was to gain the ability to manipulate the data from their main system to help with projections, marketing, internal strategy, sales office, personnel efficiency, and external reporting requirements to auditors and to the Board of Directors of the bank that has ownership of Rose Shanis Financial. SciTech designed a Visual Basic program to accommodate all of these features. One module within the program retrieves the data from the proprietary UNIX database and populates an SQL database available to the Corporate office. Another module removes all duplicate customer information data due to multiple loans, etc., then sorts the data according to a rating defined within the program. The different ratings are split into separate groups where they are sorted by zip code and then last name for special marketing mailouts. This was all automated by SciTech programming. Another feature of the program was a special question and answer query wizard where multiple options may be selected and answered to filter and query the data for reporting and presentation. SciTech also included a large set of automated reports that Rose Shanis used internally to track offices, employees, productivity and to send to the Board of Directors monthly.

Designing, Developing, Testing, Documenting and Supporting Custom Software Applications to Include Java-Based Applications top

SciTech markets itself to the Government and commercial entities as a custom solution provider. We have implemented many OTS systems, however, the majority of our projects have been fully customized by SciTech to meet our customer's explicit needs.
In addition to the OTS systems previously mentioned, presented in this response are examples of fully customized solutions SciTech has delivered. Additional customer solutions that include Java are presented below.

U.S. Coast Guard - The U.S. Coast Guard contracted SciTech to completely restructure a secure intranet site that was informative as well as interactive and serves as a functional tool to aid in workflow. This incorporated numerous dynamic java script web pages that interacted with spreadsheets and an Oracle database, housed on different servers. Java was fully used because of its ability to communicate flawlessly with both the Windows based and UNIX based platforms. This allowed for real-time data retrieval for viewing and reporting form Coast Guard personnel across the internet.

WST Sports (Commercial Client) - SciTech designed a web-based database system for WST Sports, a company which offers logistic services to sports teams. WST Sports makes travel arrangements for lodging at discount prices and are affiliated with numerous tournaments along the whole east coast of the US. SciTech developed the current database system that controls all of the transactions that occur for tournaments, teams, coaches, points of contact, hotels and sports complexes. Part of this program allows WST Sports to directly replicate their customized database system with its web database, both created and maintained by SciTech. Additionally, this is one of many sites SciTech is currently hosting. The web database allows for the public to view real time data of upcoming tournaments, hotel and team information along with special announcements by accessing WST Sports' website. This information was made available by use of Java and VB Script to create dynamic web pages.

Shared Data Environment for ETG (previously mentioned) - The SDE for ETG comprised of both Java and VB Script contained in ASP pages and of dynamic pages consisting of only Java Script. Because of the requirements of this SDE, it was necessary to utilize both scripting languages.

 

 
SciTech Services, Inc.
1319 Woodbridge Station Way
Edgewood, MD  21040
Phone: 410-671-7104   Fax: 410-676-2304