RAWS Maintenance Programs

FTS provides three levels of RAWS maintenance contracts to assist fire management personnel keep their RAWS fire weather stations in optimum working condition in conformity with NWCG NFDRS weather station standards, February 2005 version. All programs include a comprehensive FTS office support system (ERP) that ensures customer contracts are professionally managed at all times.

AOM – Annual Onsite Maintenance: This is the highest level of maintenance contract offered, directed at customers who own a network of RAWS stations and prefer that FTS take on the responsibility for complete station maintenance and management via an annual onsite station visit. The contract includes sensor swap out, station inspection, digital photos, detailed service reports etc. Customers with one or several stations could take advantage of the AOM maintenance contract if their stations fall into an AOM serviced area. AOM contracts are typically customized to meet the specific needs of individual customers.

FES – Factory Exchange Service: This maintenance contract is directed at customers who have no available/allowable downtime on their stations, but wish to do their own sensor swap out maintenance. Under this program FTS manages and provides a set of refurbished sensors at predetermined dates, allowing the customer to undertake a sensor swap-out program at their convenience and schedule. .

RTF – Factory Return Service: This basic contract offering is suited to customers that have defined periods when their RAWS stations are not in operational usage, allowing their station sensors to be sent in to FTS for annual overhaul and re-calibration.

All contracts, when implemented, renew the warranty for a further year on the equipment serviced and also includes FTS factory support services for a further year, particularly in fire season. For detailed contract information please contact FTS at the address provided below.

ERP—Enterprise Resource Planning System: ERP provides the database and tools required to manage an effective maintenance contracts program, with instant information available on all facets of a customer’s needs, including station equipment configurations, service history, site schedules, reports, digital site photos etc.

Station Track: Is a supplementary system that tracks the transmission performance of FTS GOES based RAWS stations. The information provided by Station Track provides FTS service personnel with a proactive customer support maintenance tool.

Part of shipping sensors back and forth for the RTF and FES type contracts requires a sturdy container that eliminates equipment damage and thus insurance damage claims. The SC-11 container is available under the FTS GSA contract at an attractive price in order to assist customers purchase this optional item, as and when required.