"Networks are designed and engineered for a Federal communications system for general and national defense use. Studies of equipment utilization and service are made. Circuit facilities, services, terminals, and special purpose equipment are procured. Policies, procedures, guides, and directives are issued governing the operation of Federal communications systems." (From The Budget for 1974.)

JUSTIFICATION

This activity has the responsibility for planning and coordinating the development, design, establishment, and operation of the communications programs for Federal civilian agencies. During FY 1974 increased efforts will be devoted to providing additional engineering expertise to interfacing transmission facilities directly with computers. Additionally, management and operational skills will be upgraded as switching and the use of dedicated high speed digital transmission media become more complex. This will require an increase of 2 man-years and $45,800 in 1974.

In FY 1974 the telecommunications services provided by ADTS will consist principally of a broadly based Federal Telecommunications System which will meet the dynamically expanding needs of the Federal agencies in the areas of telephone and data communications. The Federal Telecommunications System, a family of highly complex common user data, record and telephone networks, is undergoing significant change and expansion to meet the new telecommunications demands of the ADP community. This activity will basically operate and direct the development of the Federal Telecommunications System in order to take advantage of new technology in meeting these new ADP and communications requirements as economically as possible.

A major enhancement of the Advanced Record System portion of the Federal Telecommunications System is currently underway and is expected to be completed during the third quarter of FY 1974. This enhancement will take advantage of the increased processing capability of third generation computers and enable the Federal family to transmit significantly more data over the ARS portion of the FTS.

Continued efforts will be devoted to improved planning, management, and operation of the intercity voice portion of the Federal Telecommunications System. It is anticipated that this system will handle 117 million telephone calls in 1974.

2. Telecommunications Service (Continued

Engineering

As the role of ADTS grows, engineering support will be increased to meet the telecommunications requirements and systems needs of GSA common user systems as well as those of dedicated agencies' systems.

The use of Government-wide voice, record, and data communications system has shown a steady increase in the past years and record and data usage expected to continue at even a more rapid growth rate in the future. Federal civil agencies are expected to make greater use of GSA systems as well as specialized dedicated systems in the performance of their assigned missions. Engineering support will be needed to meet these unique agency requirements in the data, record, and voice areas.

Increased engineering support will be required to subdivide voice channels into additional data channels. The proper selection of equipment as well as the optimum technique will result in greater economy to the Government and will lead to integrated nationwide data transmission systems.

Engineering and technical support will be required to study and develop interfaces to other systems which are part of the National Communications System.

Engineering and technical support will also be needed for the review and consideration of new and sophisticated terminal hardware and in the development of message switching and telecommunications programs to effectivel utilize these new terminals on existing systems. Tests are presently being conducted on speeds as high as 9,600 bits of data per second utilizing the four-wire switched capabilities of the GSA voice system. These tests will be conducted at higher speed as new "state of the art" equipment is developed.

Increased engineering and technical support will be required to continue evaluation of Government-owned telephone switching systems including both attended and unattended types. Future engineering evaluation of Government

owned equipment will possibly include switching machines.

Increased workloads for skilled personnel are expected for the centralized management and procurement of circuitry under the automation of the bulk tariff procurements. This circuit procurement, in conjunction with the Department of Defense, supports the GSA system, as well as dedicated civil agency and State requirements.

Operations

The significantly expanded FTS subsystems are managed and operated by the Operations Division. During FY 1974, it is anticipated that new message

2. Telecommunications Services (Continued)

witching centers at Rowney, West Virginia, and Austin, Texas, will be placed in operation as part of the Advanced Records System enhancement program. The computers in these centers will increase the operating capability of the ARS ten fold and permit major customers, such as the Veterans Administration and Social Security Administration, to transmit large volumes of data required to meet their operating needs. The FTS Voice System will undergo significant modernization to meet the operating requirements of the agencies through the increased use of automation, which will permit the public to directly in-dial many Government offices. We anticipate that this in-dial service will be available at approximately 100 to 300 attended FTS consolidated switchboards.

A significant expansion in the installation and maintenance of Governmentowned communications security equipment is in progress and is expected to continue in FY 1974. This effort is in support of law enforcement agencies, the Atomic Energy Commission, and other agencies with a communications security need. The Bureau of Customs Automatic Data Processing Intelligence Network, being implemented along the Mexican and Canadian borders with approximately 325 data terminals, is a prime example of this type of new requirement being supported. GSA is also playing a significant role in communications support of the Government during natural disasters. In view of our experience with hurricane Agnes, GSA Emergency Communications Coordinators are developing procedures and plans to better respond in the event of national disasters. The data communications part of the FTS is also being upgraded to increase its capacity, speed, and flexibility.

EXPLANATION OF DISTRIBUTION BY OBJECTS (See Activity Data Sheet)

11 Personnel Compensation and Staffing.- $1,185,800 for 64 permanent positions (63.3 average employment) distributed as follows:

12 Personnel Benefits.- $106,800.- Includes $83,000 for retirement contributions, $15,300 for health benefits, $5,800 for group insurance, and $2,700 for moving allowances, as required by law in support of the above employment.

21 Travel and Transportation of Persons.- $25,900. Includes $25,200 for approximately 630 days of travel for the Regional Offices for review of agency requirements and travel of Central Office personnel and $700 for motor pool services.

2. Telecommunications Service

22 Transportation of Things.- $1,000 for shipment of standard forms. 23 Rents, Utilities and Communications Services.- $61,000. $12,000 for payment to the General Supply Fund for depreciation of administrative equipment, and $49,000 for telephone and teletype requirements.

24 Printing and Reproduction.- $6,000 for issuances and/or updating of GSA handbooks, orders, forms, and other instructional material for the Central Office and 10 Regional Offices.

25

25 Other Services.- $30,500. Includes $3,700 for payment to the Working Capital fund, $13,700 to commercial contractors, $12,400 to other Government agencies and $700 for other miscellaneous costs.

26 Supplies and Materials.- $8,200. Includes $2,200 for operating supplies, $1,200 for general office supplies and $4,800 for technical publications.