IRM Strategic Plan
                     1993-1997
                       Managing Our
                    Information Resources,
                  The "Common Currency" of
           EPA's Approach to Environmental Management
"EPA must take a strategic, 'big picture' approach to the collection and use of
environmental data."

                                               William K. Reilly

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                           Managing Our
                        Information Resources,
                     The "Common Currency" of
             EPA's Approach to Environmental Management
"EPA must take a strategic, 'big picture' approach to the collection and use of
environmental data."

                                                       William K. Reilly

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                     IRM STRATEGIC PLAN

                                1993 -1997

                          TABLE OF CONTENTS
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY	   1
      Executive Summary	   2

AGENCY MISSION, GOALS, AND OBJECTIVES 	   7
      Agency Mission Statement	   8
      Agency Goals and Objectives	   9
      Agency Strategies and Implementation	  11

IRM MISSION AND STRATEGIC VISION  	  13
      IRM Mission Statement	  14
      IRM Strategic Vision	  14

ISSUES AND ANALYSIS	  17
      Externalities Analysis	  18
           Environmental Management Trends	  18
           Domestic and International Partnership Trends	  21
           Research and Development Trends  	  23
           Work Environment Trends	  24
           Information Technology Trends  	  27
           Oversight and Legislation Trends  	  31
      Internal Issues	  32
           Integration Issues  	  33
           Decision Support Issues	  34
           Personnel Issues  	  36

OARM MISSION AND GOALS	  37
      OARM Mission Statement 	  38
      OARM Goals	  38
      OARM IRM Objectives	  39

IRM GOALS AND OBJECTIVES	  41
      IRM Goals	  42

APPENDIX A:  Contributors  	  49

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             MODULE I
       EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
              Mission
        IRM
        Mission
IRM
Strategies'
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Executive Summary
EPA must take a strategic 'big picture' approach to collecting and using environmental data.
This plan attempts to provide that strategic vision for EPA.  The Agency has traditionally focused
on media-specific program efforts.  IRM systems and decisions which supported the Agency's
efforts have followed this same tradition. Recently, EPA has begun the difficult transition to a
more integrated perspective in all of its activities - both programmatic and administrative.  The
Agency IRM efforts must reflect this change in focus and perspective.

The Information Resources Management (IRM) Strategic Plan is a vehicle to define the  new
mission focus for the EPA's IRM program and to describe the goals and objectives necessary to
support the mission. The key purposes of the IRM Strategic Plan are:

1)     to  integrate IRM's mission  and  strategies  into a cohesive program of support for the
       Agency's goals and strategies, and

2)     to  provide a framework within which program planning and budgeting decisions  may
       occur.

In addition to the business benefits to the Agency, the IRM plan also fulfills various Federal and
Agency planning requirements.

Support of Agency Mission:
if  the  Agency   is  to  be    Agency Goals and Objectives
successful in meeting its goals    mmmtiiimimimmmmmmmmmmmmm
it must have a successful IRM
program.  Information is a key
asset  in each of the Agency's
four goals. Therefore, the IRM
Strategic  Plan is  designed  to
directly support the Agency's
mission and goals.
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Data integration is a key issue
in meeting Agency goals.  For    ^m
example,  providing  leadership
in the nation's environmental science, research and assessment efforts depends upon EPA having
access to reliable  and integrated  data.  It also requires sufficient computer processing and
telecommunications capabilities  to access and analyze the integrated data.  Finally, it requires
efficient and effective systems to store, access and retrieve the data.   "Stovepipe" computer
IRM Strategic Plan - July 31, 1992

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systems, with an exclusively single-media focus, are no longer acceptable or effective in support
of the Agency's mission, goals and strategies. The IRM Strategic Plan speaks to these needs by
defining various goals, objectives, and measures which the IRM community will undertake to
meet the data and systems integration challenge.
                                IRM Strategic Vision
The  IRM   Strategic   Vision
translates the goals and strategies
of  the  Agency into the IRM
arena.  For example, the need for
reliable and  integrated  data  to
support the  goals finds voice in
the IRM  Vision  statement that
"EPA   has   integrated
environmental data."

The IRM Strategic Vision defines
the desired outcome of Agency
IRM  program  efforts,  not  the
technical steps needed to achieve
the outcome.  The focus is on the
usefulness  and  quality   of
information that IRM can provide
to the Agency  in  pursuit of  its
environmental  mission,  and  on
how IRM efforts are viewed  by
the Agency.
Specific   IRM   Goals   and  ^^^^^^j^^y^^
Objectives are defined in  the
plan.  Just as the strategic themes of the Agency Strategic Plan define approaches to achieving
the Agency Goals, the IRM goals and objectives provide greater insight into the efforts the IRM
community will undertake to actualize the IRM Strategic Vision.

One of the Agency's key strategies is  to improve its science and knowledge base.  The IRM
Strategic Goals and Objectives support this strategy in a number of  important ways.   For
example, the plan commits to renewing the Agency's computing and telecommunications base.
This will provide the Agency with needed computing power and interoperability for Geographic
Information Systems (GIS) work to support the strategic theme of geographic targeting.  It also
commits to developing data standards and a data administration program which  are critical to
improving our knowledge base.
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IRM initiatives such as data integration also support the Agency's multi-media enforcement
strategy and geographic targeting.  In addition, the commitment to public access will facilitate
the Agency's environmental education strategy.  The commitment to promote data sharing with
foreign governments is a significant support to EPA's role in improving the global environment
In many ways the IRM program will contribute to and strengthen the success of the Agency's
Mission and Goals. As evidenced by this plan, the IRM community of EPA is committed to
providing value-added services to the Agency.
IRM Framework for Planning:

The IRM Strategic Plan documents the goals we seek to achieve and the basic choices (strategies)
selected to achieve our goals. The IRM Strategic Plan might be best thought of in terms of a
trip plan.  Just as the key to planning any trip is to define the destination and its purpose, the
IRM Strategic Plan defines the nature and direction of our IRM efforts. Thus, the IRM Strategic
Plan provides the destination and purpose needed to do our IRM  planning, budgeting, and
implementation.

In a decentralized IRM function, such as EPA's, a clear destination and purpose for our IRM
efforts is critical if we are to support the Agency in the most cost-effective and efficient manner
possible.  This plan provides a clear statement of the results we want to achieve. EPA is
working to improve and formalize the linkages between this plan and the budget and mission-
based planning process of the program offices.

The IRM Strategic Plan contains the IRM component  of the Office of  Administration and
Resources Management's (OARM) strategic plan.  It is also a response to Federal requirements
for annually updated mission-based IRM plans linked to the budget process.  The plan represents
the results of roughly two years of assessment, analysis, formulation, and revision of a prior plan
by  the Office of Information Resources Management (OIRM), the National Data Processing
Division (NDPD), and the EPA  IRM community.  It is an essential foundation for developing
a robust IRM program that will  enhance the Agency's effectiveness through the 1990s.  Also,
it indicates investments essential to a more productive IRM environment and should affect the
Agency's future budget decisions.
Ongoing Adjustment and Improvement:

The IRM Strategic Plan is not cast in stone.  To return to the trip analogy, the goals and
objectives of a trip define such things as where you plan to be each day, the miles to be traveled,
and other such choices.  Just as one must continually assess progress in  a  trip, and make
necessary adjustments to account for delays and detours, so we must also continually assess our
IRM Strategic Plan - July 31, 1992

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progress, external and internal changes, and the evolving Agency mission we support These
changes will be reflected in an updated IRM Plan annually.

The information strategy planning process is dynamic and ongoing.  Continued support and
participation from the IRM client community is critical to maintain its momentum. OIRM and
NDPD will continue to develop, and take steps to improve our partnership with customers as we
identify initiatives, develop priorities, and solicit funding to support the initiatives. OIRM and
NDPD are committed to their mission of delivering quality support to  meet the information
demands of EPA.
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                      MODULE H

              AGENCY MISSION, GOALS,
                  AND OBJECTIVES1
  Source: EPA Agencywide Strategic Plan, 6/10/92 Draft
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                                                        Agency Mission Statement
The people who work at the Environmental Protection Agency are dedicated to improving and
preserving the quality of the environment, both national and global. We work to protect human
health and the productivity of natural resources on which all human activity depends.  Highly
skilled and culturally diverse, we are committed to using quality management processes that
encourage teamwork and promote innovative and effective solutions to environmental problems.
In particular, we are committed to ensuring that:
       Federal environmental laws are implemented and enforced effectively.
       U.S.  policy, both foreign and domestic, fosters the integration of economic development
       and environmental protection so that economic growth can be sustained over the long
       term.
       Public  and private  decisions affecting energy, transportation,  agriculture, industry,
       international trade, and natural resources fully integrate considerations of environmental
       quality.
       National efforts to reduce environmental risk are based on the best available scientific
       information communicated clearly to the public.
       Everyone in our society recognizes the value of preventing pollution before it is created.
       People have  the  information  and incentives  they  need to  make  environmentally
       responsible choices in their daily lives.
       Schools and community institutions promote environmental stewardship as a national
       ethic.
IRM Strategic Plan - July 31, 1992                                                    8

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                                                      Agency Goals and Objectives
The Agency's mission is supported by four fundamental goals:

Providing leadership in the nation's environmental science, research, and
assessment efforts

•      Conduct and encourage research that improves our understanding of
       health and ecological risks.

•      Provide objective, reliable, and understandable information that helps
       build trust in EPA's judgement and actions, and informs  the choice
       of institutions and individuals throughout society.

•      Promote   and  support  innovative  technological   solutions   to
       environmental problems and share our innovative  technologies and
       research with our various partners.
Making sound regulatory and program decisions
       Implement  current  environmental  laws effectively  and help  to
       improve those laws as they are reauthorized in the future — maintain a vigorous and
       credible enforcement program with emphasis on multi-media and criminal violations.

       Evaluate health and ecological risks; target our resources and priorities at the problems
       and the geographic areas posing the greatest risks,  and devise innovative, integrated
       solutions to environmental problems.

       Promote public and private actions that prevent pollution at the source before it becomes
       a problem.
Effectively carrying out our programs and policies

•      Meet Federal statutory obligations while retaining sufficient flexibility to address priority
       risks in different parts of the country — promote cross-media and interstate initiatives,
       such as multi-media permitting and enforcement.
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       Improve the economic analyses that promote efficiency  and cost-effectiveness  in our
       decisions,  and  apply  market mechanisms  and economic incentives when they are
       appropriate and effective -- work with other government agencies, to ensure they consider
       the environmental implications of their actions.

       Enable state and local governments, as partners, to implement and enforce environmental
       programs, and convey clear, accurate and timely information to the public - incorporate
       information from the public in EPA activities, and involve other government agencies,
       public  interest groups, the regulated community and the general public in achieving
       national and global environmental goals.
Improving the global environment

•      Expand and strengthen U.S. leadership to protect and improve the global environment.

•      Collaborate with other government agencies and nations, the private sector, and public
       interest groups to identify and solve transboundary pollution problems.

•      Ensure that environmental concerns are integrated into U.S. foreign policy, including trade
       and economic development.

•      Provide technical assistance, new technology, and scientific expertise to other nations.
IRM Strategic Plan - July 31, 1992                                                    10

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                                          Agency Strategies and Implementation
Using risk reduction as EPA's principal measure of success, EPA's strategic plan elaborates 11
strategies designed to achieve EPA's mission, goals and objectives and to address the Agency's
opportunities for risk reduction:
       1.

       2.

       3.

       4.

       5.

       6.

       7.

       8.

       9.

       10.

       11.
Strategic Implementation of Statutory Mandates

Improving Science and the Knowledge Base

Pollution Prevention:  EPA's Preferred Choice

Geographic Targeting for Ecological Protection

Greater Reliance on Economic Incentives

Technological Innovation

Improving Multi-Media Enforcement

Building State/Local/Tribal Capacity

International Activities

Strengthening Environmental Education and Public Outreach

Better Management and Infrastructure
This IRM Strategic  Plan is designed to support risk reduction through support of these key
strategies.
                                 RISK REDUCTION
                        THROUGH BETTER INFORMATION
                             Risk
                                    Time
IRM Strategic Plan - July 31, 1992
                                                              11

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IRM Strategic Plan - July 31, 1992                                                           12

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                     MODULE
           IRM MISSION AND STRATEGIC
                       VISION
                         Excellence"
                            In
                         Information
                        Management
IRM Strategic Plan - July 31, 1992
13

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                                                          IRM Mission Statement
It is the mission of the Environmental Protection Agency's Information Resources Management
(IRM) program to provide leadership and effective management in delivering reliable information
services to support the Agency's mission.

The Agency's effectiveness would be significantly improved by accomplishing the IRM Mission
through the IRM Strategic Vision that follows.
                                                             IRM Strategic Vision
       EPA leverages its information for environmental results.

       Information is collected,  analyzed, stored, and retrieved to promote  environmental
       assessments and decisions which anticipate and prevent environmental problems.  The
       Agency has access to comprehensive sets of environmental, health, economic, legislative,
       and social demographic information  to evaluate remedies for a broad domestic and
       international environmental agenda.
       EPA has integrated environmental information.

       There is recognition and understanding of the commonality of information and the need
       to  share it  throughout the Agency and the environmental community.   Information
       transcends organizational boundaries and is managed as a corporate resource readily
       accessible in usable form.  Vigilant management ensures that data definitions,  data
       formats, and data quality are effectively designed into and maintained throughout the
       automated systems and document collections.
       EPA is a leader and reliable partner in snaring environmental information.

       Information is collected, managed and stored with the intent of ensuring its availability
       and accessibility in useful form to the environmental community.  Our partnerships in
       data sharing extend to all members of EPA, State and local governments, other Federal
       agencies, scientific communities, the American public and other national governments and
       international organizations.
IRM Strategic Plan - July 31, 1992                                                   14

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      The public has access to environmental information.

      EPA  information resources are known and supplied  to the public  to enhance their
      understanding of the Agency's environmental decisions and for their own environmental
      stewardship.
      EPA employees make productive use of information and technology.

      EPA employees have ready access to information, technology, and any necessary training.
      This access maximizes the effective use of their time and encourages high standards of
      performance for their own work.
      EPA is committed to quality strategic information plans and efficient implementation of
      IRM programs.

      Management is committed to long-range information and technology investments as a
      result of higher user awareness and executive understanding.  EPA's commitment, in turn,
      persuades oversight agencies, such as the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and
      the General Services Administration (GSA), to support EPA's decisions.
      EPA views IRM as understanding its business and providing value-added services.

      The Office of Information Resources Management (OIRM) and National Data Processing
      Division (NDPD) consistently demonstrate leadership initiative and reliable expertise
      which result in a high demand for services.
      Technology is transparent to users.

      EPA information resources and services are designed and managed so that users can
      devote minimal time to learning the technical aspects of the systems they use.
IRM Strategic Plan - July 31, 1992                                                   IS

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ERM Strategic Plan - July 31,1992                                                    16

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                     MODULE IV




               ISSUES AND ANALYSIS
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                                                          Externalities Analysis
This section provides an extended look through the 1990s  by  discussing external forces or
megatrends which have a direct impact on Information Resources Management (IRM) at EPA.
These trends are depicted in the table below.
                              EXTERNAL TRENDS
                  •  Environmental management trends
                  •  Domestic and international partnership trends
                  •  Research and development trends
                  •  Work environment trends
                  •  Information technology trends

                  •  Oversight and legislation trends
The implications of each of these areas for EPA's IRM program are discussed in the following
sections.
      Environmental Management Trends

      Trends   in   environmental
      management directly  affect  the
      future of EPA. Several of these
      trends will change the scope and
      complexity  of  environmental
      management,   increasing   the
      demands for IRM to support the
      management structure effectively
      and   efficiently.      The
      environmental  management
      trends  most  important  to  the
      Agency are as follows:
Complexity and Integration of
 Environmental Management
                                                I960  1970   1980   1990  2000

                                                        Tkna
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                                 18

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              The emphasis on multi-media environmental management will grow among all
              interested parties.

              Congress and the public are increasingly interested in dealing with environmental
              issues in the context of specific geographic areas.  Also, there is an increased
              understanding of the cross-media interrelationships of environmental problems.
              Many industries are also interested in an integrated approach to avoid the delays,
              cost, and confusion of multiple media specific efforts. New initiatives such as risk
              based decision making and pollution prevention also will benefit from integrated
              multi-media data systems.  New technology, such as CIS, has also increased
              expectations about our ability to address cross-media questions.  EPA's strategic
              themes and  external  expectations and demands  all focus on  a multi-media
              approach.
             Greater international cooperation will develop, allowing global problems to be
             addressed.

             An emphasis on  international cooperation to solve environmental problems is
             emerging.  Worldwide forums have been established and will use their influence
             to address such environmental issues as global warming and depletion of the
             ozone layer. An important element of international cooperation will be to increase
             the sharing of data and public expertise among countries.  This will  present a
             considerable challenge for the future given the diversity of information systems
             around the world.
             Increased public involvement will foster greater community outreach by the
             government.

             The public's concern for and involvement in environmental issues will continue
             to grow.  The public will demand more environmental information to fulfill its
             increased role in anticipating, preventing  and solving environmental problems.
             The government will  continue to expand community outreach programs to
             facilitate the sharing of information.  EPA can  anticipate a growing need to
             develop partnerships with external parties that are pursuing and taking legal action
             against violators.  These partnerships would focus on the mutual sharing of
             information.
IRM Strategic Plan - July 31, 1992                                                    19

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              Environmental oversight agencies will undertake more timely and aggressive
              enforcement actions.

              Increased emphasis  on enforcement actions
              will demand  improvements  in  information
              system capabilities.  Environmental systems
              must  provide  the  data to  recognize  and
              pinpoint environmental problems and support
              identification of the responsible party.  EPA
              systems must  perform these functions on an
              integrated basis.  This will help  enforcement agencies take action against the
              responsible parties to facilitate clean-up and cost recovery efforts.
             The government  will place greater emphasis on  the prevention of potential
             environmental threats.

             The  government  has  been  primarily reactive  in addressing environmental
             problems, concentrating its efforts on clean-up and enforcement. Today, greater
             emphasis is  placed  on preventive  measures.   These measures include  such
             activities as source  reduction, recycling, conserving  resources,  and  waste
             minimization. This change in emphasis creates a demand for new types of data
             and analytical capabilities, including reliable environmental, social and economic
             models.
             Advancements in measuring techniques and modeling will improve environmental
             research and refine remedies.

             Enhancements of environmental models will allow more accurate research and
             analysis. More advanced information collection and measurement techniques will
             improve the accuracy and  completeness of data.   Progress in  environmental
             modelling, information collection and measurement techniques will result in more
             precise solutions to environmental problems.
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             Automated systems will  expand and  enhance EPA's access  to  scientific  and
             regulated community data and measurements of the Agency's effectiveness.

             Through data collection, analysis, and sharing, the Agency will increase its access
             to, and use of, scientific data. The systems will also allow the Agency to further
             model and examine various aspects of the regulated community.  The Agency's
             ability to analyze and  assess the  success of its activities  will  promote a better
             understanding of the scientific data and the pollution occurring.

       These environmental management trends indicate that EPA media programs are facing
       fundamental changes in their mission  and activities.   Strategic plans  for programs
       emphasize increased demands for high  quality integrated data  and  greater scientific
       understanding of the complex interrelationships of the environment, costs, and human
       behavior. This will require: standardization of data, systems, technology and information
       management processes; greater use of models; and  access to economic,  public health,
       social demographic data, and environmental data.
       Domestic and International Partnership Trends

       EPA is committed  to  various  domestic  and international
       partnerships.    In  particular,   EPA  is  committed  to  a
       State/Federal  partnership in environmental decision making
       and to the delegation of Federal environmental programs.
       This commitment  underscores  the  critical  role  of the
       State/EPA Data Management Program in achieving a broad environmental agenda. The
       partnership trends are as follows:
             Private/public partnerships and increased technology transfer will develop among
             the environmental community, industry and academia.

             Industry, academia, State, tribal, and local governments, and other parties outside
             of the Federal government are becoming increasingly involved in environmental
             issues.  They conduct environmental analysis, research, and development. The
             enhanced relationship between  EPA and its partners requires extensive data
             sharing and integration efforts to ensure improvements in data analysis and to
             realize environmentally beneficial results.
IRM Strategic Plan - July 31, 1992                                                    21

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              Public involvement will create a demand for more environmental data.

              States and Tribes are the primary collectors of environmental data; enforcers of
              environmental legislation; and decision-makers weighing environmental, economic,
              and social priorities. EPA will continue to emphasize building State and tribal
              capacity to increase and  enable information  exchanges.   These activities are
              necessary to meet the growing demands of the environmental community and the
              general public for information on local and regional environmental issues.
             Greater demand for public access will heighten the dialogue addressing the nature
             and limits of data security.

             As demand for access  to EPA's information  grows, EPA will receive more
             requests for access to its partners' data which is stored in the EPA databases. The
             relative merit of allowing unrestricted access to data, or protecting the interests of
             those who collect or provide data will continue to be debated.  In managing
             national environmental data,  the States, tribes, local governments, environmental
             community, and general  public will depend on EPA to achieve the proper balance
             in providing suitable access to information, while safeguarding its partners' data
             deemed inappropriate for general distribution.
             The States and tribes will expand their participation in IRM decision making.

             The States and tribes will become more active partners in decisions about the
             collection of information for national databases. As primary providers and users
             of data, the States and  tribes will demand to become more  active partners in
             defining requirements, selecting feasible alternatives, and implementing solutions
             that address both Federal and State information needs.
             The States and tribes will adopt advances in environmental analysis.

             As economic pressures mount, the States and tribes will become more creative
             when making decisions about the environment.   The States  will pioneer the
             development of many environmental assessment technologies and data integration
             tools that promote pollution prevention and environmental protection goals in State
             and Regional initiatives.
IRM Strategic Plan - July 31, 1992                                                   22

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       Research and Development Trends

       EPA's strategic emphasis on better science and data management as the basis for more
       intelligent public policy has direct consequences for the IRM program.  If EPA is to
       retain its place as a leader in environmental research, the  tools must be available to
       support EPA laboratories and scientists. The research and development trends that need
       to be followed are:
             Environmental models will dramatically facilitate analysis and understanding with
             graphic rather than numeric results.

             EPA will depend heavily on mathematical models to assess and compare the
             merits  of alternative abatement scenarios.  The use of Geographic Information
             Systems (CIS) by the Agency, its partners, other Federal agencies, and the broader
             international environmental research community will continue to explode, thus
             raising the comprehension of environmental problems.  Standards and protocols
             will be needed to ensure these data and models can be exchanged and understood.
             Environmental assessments will require  the ability to join previously unrelated
             data collections, many collected and maintained outside EPA  by other Federal
             agencies,  universities, and research organizations.   The power of this new
             generation of environmental models is reflected in their outputs, which will be
             visual,  not numeric.   Producing  these assessments, however,  will demand
             increased database, graphics, and telecommunications capabilities.
             Increased ecological  monitoring  will  provide the  data  required for the
             quantitative, scientific  assessment  of the  complex  effects  of pollutants  on
             ecosystems.

             EPA is becoming more active in ecological monitoring because its regulatory
             responsibilities require  scientific assessment of risk  and  the ability to target
             potential problem  areas  or  violators.   The Environmental  Monitoring  and
             Assessment Program (EMAP) is intended to address these and other requirements
             for depicting the condition of the environment. Remote sensing (satellite imagery,
             aerial photography, etc.) will provide efficient data collection for developing large
             scale   environmental  characterizations.     EMAP,  and  EPA's  Center  for
             Environmental Statistics, will provide the Agency, Congress, and the public with
             statistical summaries, status,  and trends on the  environment.  EMAP requires
             active interagency coordination and draws upon the expertise and activities of the
             EPA Regional offices, the States, tribes and the international community.
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             Large environmental assessment models will require high performance computing
             capabilities.

             High performance computing is required to process large volumes of atmospheric,
             global climate, and detailed ecological data, which are analyzed in sequences of
             mathematical models.  High performance computing coupled with graphic outputs
             will bring a need for sophisticated support and training. Applied mathematics and
             specialized programming skills are particularly essential for full utilization  of
             scientific computing capabilities.
             National Research and Education Network (NREN) will facilitate the Agency's
             efforts by linking research, government, and higher education data resources.

             The National Research and Education Network (NREN) will dramatically improve
             access to data, both internal and external. NREN has the potential to permanently
             alter how we access, store, and use vast amounts of data. NREN will improve our
             ability to work with the academic community and  other public and private
             organizations.  It will increase the challenge of organizing the vast array of data
             into useable information.
       Work Environment Trends

       Another important area affecting the future IRM environment in the Agency involves
       changes in the work environment of the future.  Several factors will affect the work
       environment in general and, more specifically, the work environment of EPA and other
       Federal agencies. These factors  are as follows:
             The Federal government will perform a greater role as a gatherer and broker of
             information.

             With  the increased delegation of authority to State and local governments, the
             Federal government will increase its role as manager of information resources.
             Government agencies will become brokers of information by collecting, processing
             and disseminating information. While  responsibility for implementing programs
             will shift  to State and local authorities, accountability for managing data will
             remain  with the Agency.   As  the role of information broker  increases, this
             accountability  will  require EPA to improve its  methods for managing and
             disseminating information.
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              Proliferation of computers will allow greater access to information.

              Personal computers have become an integral pan of the office environment.  The
              ratio of computers to employees continues to increase; EPA is rapidly approaching
              one personal computer for each employee. This change, coupled with improved
              communications technology and the Agency's adoption of the LAN platform, will
              allow increased access to and presentation of information at each worker's desk.
              In the future, virtually every employee will have immediate access to information.
              The personal computer will become the "interpersonal" computer.
              Minimum basic computer skills will be necessary for the majority of positions.

              As  technology  advancements  automate   both   managing  and   processing
              information, computer skills become critical  for all levels of employment. The
              need for  basic computer skills will be  particularly critical in an  information-
              intensive environment such as EPA.
              Entry-level workers will lack basic skills to use technology, thereby creating a
              need for easy-to-use technologies.

              While the need for minimum computer skills increases, more entrants to the work
              force will lack not only these skills but basic  mathematical  and verbal skills
              necessary to utilize information technology. The public sector will be particularly
              vulnerable as it competes with the private sector for highly trained, skilled workers
              in technology-based jobs. To overcome this handicap, the public sector will adopt
              technologies  that are easy to learn and operate, such as  Graphic User Interfaces
              (GUIs).
             Demand for Federal services during nontraditional work times will increase.

             The public will demand information from the Federal government at night and on
             weekends.  In order to meet these demands without increasing the Federal work
             force, technical solutions for managing and disseminating information will be
             required.
IRM Strategic Plan - July 31, 1992                                                   25

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             Smart buildings will promote productive use of technology.

             Facilities will be designed to optimize the use of technology in a productive work
             environment.  Managers will invest in ergonomic furniture, lighting, and other
             improvements that complement their investment in information technology by
             addressing health and stress problems.
             Increasing numbers of people will work at home.

             The proliferation of computers and increased communications capabilities will
             make  it more  feasible for employees to work at home.  This will create  an
             increased demand on communications and other IRM resources to facilitate access
             to information  from a greater number of locations.
             An increased mismatch between work loads and funding for FTEs will require a
             more technically proficient staff.

             As workloads increase disproportionately to staffing levels, employees will need
             to be more proficient in the use of automation technologies.  They will need to
             receive more training on the use of ADP systems and technologies.  Skilled use
             of various application systems will maximize productivity and efficiency, reducing
             the effects of under-staffing.
      These many changes in the work environment will place additional demands upon the
      Agency's information resources management community. For example, communications
      capabilities will need to be enhanced, and employees' computer skills will need to be
      improved through comprehensive training programs.
IRM Strategic Plan - July 31, 1992                                                  26

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                                                 High-performance Computing
                                                 Telecommunications
                                                 Advanced Analysis Concepts
Information Technology Trends

Information  technology   is  a  vital
element  of  any  IRM   organization
because it provides the power to drive
the data management operations.  EPA
is  committed  to  and  relies  on  an
advanced   computing   and
telecommunications environment. This
environment  facilitates the  collection
and sharing of information with EPA's
national field operations  at Regional
Offices and laboratories, with the States
and with external parties.   Methods for
electronically   collecting   and
disseminating  information  are being
reviewed and will result in revisions to
OMB Circular  A-130.  These  revisions are expected to encourage increased use of
information technology as a means of data collection, access, and sharing.

Continuing assessment of  the adequacy of existing resources and emerging needs is
important to keep EPA management abreast of new products and capabilities. Following
an era of dramatic technical breakthroughs, the computing industry is anticipating a period
of more stability and consolidation, which should  result  in compatible technologies
meeting national and international  standards.   The  emergence of a more predictable
computing environment in the marketplace will enhance the Agency's ability to plan and
implement enhancements that directly increase performance and productivity.  EPA is
experimenting through prototypes and pilot projects with several emerging technologies
(e.g., pen-based and notepad computers, global positioning systems, etc.) to determine
their applicability and optimal usage in the Agency.
             High  performance computers  will provide new insights into research and
             development through advanced modeling capabilities.

             High performance computers are expected to have an increase in power equal to
             1,000 times the existing capabilities. This will provide the necessary power to run
             the many iterations of data required by advanced environmental models. This
             technology  will  play  a significant role in the Agency's ability to predict
             environmental impacts and to plan remedies for environmental problems.
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              Workstations and personal computers will become more powerful and networking
              will enhance communication and contribute to data integration and sharing.

              Workers will have access to greater power, more information sources and larger
              communication networks.  Enhanced processing and communication capabilities
              will improve the productivity of workers, and the effectiveness of government
              decision-making and services.  Graphical User Interfaces (GUIs) and  object-
              oriented systems will make these technologies easier to learn and use.
             Telecommunications networks will have the capabilities to handle high volume
             data transmissions at high speed with high reliability.

             Increases in satellite and terrestrial technologies will increase the speed, reliability,
             and capacity of  telecommunications networks.  As the Federal  government
             implements the new FTS-2000 network, many of these improvements will become
             available.  Additionally,  local area networks  (LANs) and wide area  networks
             (WANs) can  aid  in  the  replacement  of central data  hubs by  providing
             opportunities for  distributed environments.  These  changes will provide  many
             opportunities for improvements in data sharing among distributed locations.
             Voice, image, document management and video technologies will enhance the
             presentation and comprehension of information.

             Increased application of voice, image, and video technologies will provide more
             complete  and effective methods of presenting information, and improve the
             efficiency and effectiveness of EPA  decision-making  and general  operation.
             Applications such as document imaging, electronic signature and full text retrieval
             will improve productivity through improved and timely workflow, and will reduce
             physical storage  requirements.   These technologies  will  require significant
             electronic storage and telecommunication capacity.
IRM Strategic Plan - July 31, 1992                                                   28

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             Computer Aided Software Engineering (CASE) tools will provide a means to
             satisfy system development, maintenance, and documentation problems.

             CASE tools, such as the Information Engineering Facility (IEF) or Information
             Engineering Workbench (EEW), will better support the five general phases of the
             system development life cycle (SDLC)2.  In the long term, future prototype and
             systems development  will occur in a CASE environment.   Enhancements and
             modifications made  with the assistance of CASE tools will decrease system down-
             time, reduce the possibility of programming  errors,  and  promote currency  in
             technical documentation through the use of a repository.
             Re-engineering will assist in efficiently maintaining systems.

             As stated above, CASE tools control  system development and  maintenance.
             Reverse  engineering techniques extract  information from an  existing  system,
             abstract the information into higher levels, and prepare the information for entry
             into a CASE environment.  Forward engineering techniques enable enhancements
             to data models and  specifications thus facilitating construction  and maintenance
             of existing software. Through use of reverse engineering and forward engineering
             techniques, existing systems can be placed in a CASE environment along with
             new systems where  both can be efficiently maintained.
             The five  general  phases are strategic  planning,  requirements
             analysis, design, implementation, and maintenance.
IRM Strategic Plan - July 31, 1992                                                   29

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             Increased attention to Change Control and Configuration Management will help
             manage changes to a system's configuration.

             Change Control and Configuration Management provide control over the direction
             of system development, thus ensuring that the requirements are reflected in the
             functioning of the  operational system.  In addition, control over  changes to a
             system's configuration elements during operations increases system reliability.

             LANs, as a platform, demand Configuration Management. Increased management
             of EPA system configurations will enhance system performance by ensuring that
             products  of the various stages of the life of a system are captured and controlled
             during subsequent stages of system development.

             Advancements in information technology will provide the ability to meet the
             increased demands for change control and configuration management levied by the
             current environment and future trends.  The key to achieving the promise of
             technology is understanding the Agency's needs and identifying the areas where
             new technologies can be successfully applied.
             Standards based categories will simplify data collection, access, and sharing.

             The  Agency's commitment to develop integrated systems to suppon  cross-
             program, multi-media efforts requires adoption of a set  of standards for data
             collection, transmission, and access.   Graphical  User Interface  (GUI), Unix
             Operating Systems, and  Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) are standards that and
             can facilitate various aspects of the Agency's information management needs.
             For example,  for workstations the Agency has made a commitment to suppon
             Unix  based operating systems, beginning  in fiscal year  1993, and is leaning
             toward OSF/Motif, a type of GUI for Unix.  The Agency expects EDI to be
             widely used by fiscal year 1994. A standards based approach to IRM technology
             is key to satisfying the Agency's requirement for integrated information systems.
IRM Strategic Plan - July 31, 1992                                                  30

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       Oversight and Legislation Trends

       The   enactment   of  new   legislation,
       Congressional hearings, and oversight by
       other  agencies,  such as  the Office of
       Management   and   Budget,   General
       Accounting Office,  the General  Services
       Administration and EPA's Inspector General, are major influences on EPA's information
       resources management program.  The impacts of the oversight and legislation trends
       permeate the planning, acquisition, and operation of the IRM program.  These trends are
       as follows:
             The OIRM will increase its oversight activities to ensure agency compliance with
             federal and agency requirements and policies.

             OIRM will need to move towards greater oversight of EPA's IRM community to
             ensure full compliance with applicable regulations. Programs to enable, promote,
             and gain compliance will be set in place. These programs will address such issues
             as the challenge of contract management and implementation of federal IRM
             policies and standards.


             Public access  requirements  will necessitate  development  of a  coordinated
             dissemination system.

             Both the House and Senate versions of the bills to give EPA cabinet-level status,
             and proposals to revise the  Paperwork  Reduction  Act,  mandate affirmative
             dissemination  of environmental information in  ways that  support analysis and
             understanding. In addition, there are provisions for establishing an environmental
             statistical  organization  to  produce  and provide  integrated assessments  of
             environmental conditions and  trends.  These mandates will require EPA to seek
             more  efficient strategies for disseminating information,  including  electronic
             distribution.
IRM Strategic Plan - July 31, 1992                                                   31

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              More interdepartmental management of information and data will mandate greater
              efficiency.

              Developing and implementing automated mechanisms to manage information
              supports the pending legislation to revise the Paperwork Reduction Act and is a
              high priority throughout the Federal Agencies.  Much planning and cooperation
              in the area of data administration needs to occur among the agencies who share
              data.   With the large  volumes  of data required  by some of the scientific
              computerized modeling applications, using appropriate data, regardless of where
              they reside, will be most cost effective.  Agencies that share data will increasingly
              share in planning for and administering data.
             IRM planning and acquisitions will attract greater oversight scrutiny.

             To better target reviews and  improve overall response  time, GSA  has  been
             revamping its process for reviewing IRM  acquisition  plans.  While small
             purchases will be processed quickly, agencies can expect  large procurements to
             receive more scrutiny.  Under the revised Paperwork Reduction Act, OMB's
             Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs will  likely  assume  a  greater
             leadership role and review IRM budgets for consistency with  long range plans.
                                                                    Internal Issues
This section provides a contemporary view of the internal forces which impact Information
Resources Management at the EPA. These issues have been partitioned into the following three
categories:
                                 INTERNAL ISSUES
                               Integration Issues
                               Decision Support Issues
                               Personnel Issues
IRM Strategic Plan - July 31, 1992
32

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       Integration Issues

       The EPA is committed to an integrated
       regulatory approach which will have far
       reaching effects on IRM. An integrated
       regulatory  approach  will  move  the
       Agency toward a significant realignment
       of structure and function.  Issues which
       may affect the success of this initiative
       are listed below.
              Risk-based analysis will be more
              widely   implemented.     The
              approach   will   break  down
              departmental barriers within the
              Agency   and   facilitate   the
              integrated regulatory approach.
              Data integration is a key topic.  The Agency must define its integration strategy;
              including selection of one of the two major approaches to data integration, data
              warehousing and data repositories. Also integration of disparate databases cannot
              be realized without universal Agency application of data standards that arise from
              a comprehensive and coherent data administration program.
              Cross-program, multi-media efforts will require integrated systems; compatibility
              will be demanded by senior management.  Interoperability is a key issue.
              The foundation for realizing location data (i.e.,  the latitude and longitude of
              regulated facilities) lies in policies that are currently established.   Implementing
              these policies is the next challenge.
              A cross-program approach  will create the need for greater technology transfer.
              There will be  a greater need for bulletin board systems, online regulatory
              databases, and the sharing of models and applications.
IRM Strategic Plan - July 31, 1992
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             Greater standardization of our platforms, data, and interfaces will enable our move
             towards greater integration.  Our telecommunication packages will need to create
             a seamless communication ability.
             The challenge of achieving data integration across programmatic boundaries will
             require budgetary cooperation among participating parties.
             Standards  are  a key foundation to integration.   Technical and  operational
             differences between Programs and Regions increase the difficulty of developing
             information systems standards.  Resolution will require cooperation among all
             parties and EPA partners.
       Decision Support Issues

       The EPA effort to adopt an integrated
       regulatory approach  will create  more
       complex   methods   and  information
       requirements.  Limited  resources will
       affect the EPA's ability to support these
       developments.

       •      To  assist  in the   risk-based
             assessment process, the Agency
             will use existing automated tools such as the Integrated Risk Information System
             (IRIS).   The  introduction of additional integrated decision support tools will
             promote additional integrated approaches to environmental management
             EPA functions in a socioeconomic role. In addition to its environmental models,
             the  EPA needs  models of  social and  economic  behavior,  including good
             econometric tools to enable assessment of regulatory effectiveness by relating
             industrial behavior to regulatory actions.
             The essential emphasis on automated systems for all types of applications creates
             the need for rigorous procedures to systematically capture the necessary data in
             standardized electronic form.
IRM Strategic Plan - July 31, 1992                                                    34

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             Decision support systems frequently involve secondary use of data. The Agency
             must continue to emphasize and improve the quality of data and metadata to
             support secondary use.
IRM Strategic Plan - July 31,1992                                                   35

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       Personnel Issues

       EPA relies  on  a limited
       number of personnel to carry
       out the tasks that support its
       mission.     An   effective
       workforce is  vital.   Issues
       that   may   influence  the
       effectiveness of the staff are
       listed below.

       •      EPA  cannot  expect
              that its personnel will
              possess  more   than
              minimal   computer-
              related   skills.     A
              Common   User
              Interface (GUI) will be essential to successful  use of automated systems.  The
              Agency must move forward with adoption of GUI standards and address the issues
              involved in their introduction to existing systems. The Graphical User Interface
              (GUI) type of GUI will provide significant benefits, but will require significant
              effort to introduce in existing action oriented systems.
              The need for greater use of automated systems and the minimal computer-related
              skills of EPA personnel will require more training for users of automated systems.
              EPA will need  to find, train,  and retain technically  skilled staff to serve as
              Contract, Project, and Delivery Order Project Officers.  The Agency will need to
              commit to an effective skills maintenance training effort for its various contract
              oversight staff to allow the staff to  maintain  technical skills in the rapidly
              changing IRM  field.   This is  a must if the Agency  is  to maintain  full
              independence of action and decision making with regard to contractor services.
IRM Strategic Plan - July 31, 1992                                                     36

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                      MODULE V
             OARM MISSION AND GOALS3
                       OARM
                       Mission
                       Goals
                        and
                    Objectives
  3Source: OARM Strategic Plan - 3/6/92
IRM Strategic Plan - July 31, 1992
37

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                                                        OARM Mission Statement
The Office of Administration and Resources Management (OARM) provides strong
leadership, excellent service and quality products to enable the Environmental Protection
Agency to meet its mandate of improving and protecting human health and the environment
We safeguard the resources entrusted to the Agency and ensure that the Agency has high
quality capital equipment and facilities, and safe working conditions.  We enhance the
Agency's capabilities by attracting, developing and retaining a quality work force, and by
providing effective management systems in finance, information resources, contracting and
communications. We serve our clients' needs from an anticipatory posture and go beyond our
clients' expectations to meet their needs.  Our client services are consistently of high quality
and are designed to move the Agency forward with ease in addressing its wide range of
responsibilities.
                                                                      OARM Goals
1.     To implement statutory mandates in management and administrative programs through
       innovated strategic initiatives.
2.     To provide leadership and effective management in delivering reliable information
       services to support the Agency's mission.
3.     To provide the leadership and processes that will make EPA an "Employer of Choice."
4.     To provide for all its employees a quality working environment which: supports
       scientific research; uses state of the art systems and equipment to encourage cross-
       program activities; provides for the needs of the handicapped and stresses the
       importance of a safe and healthy atmosphere in which to pursue environmental goals
       and objectives.
5.     To provide quality budget, fiscal and resource management programs that support and
       enhance Agency environmental plans, goals and policies and meet the highest
       standards of public resource stewardship.
IRM Strategic Plan - July 31, 1992                                                   38

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                                                          OARMIRM Objectives
OARM'S second goal pertains directly to Information Resource Management  That goal
states that OARM will" ...provide leadership and effective management in delivering reliable
information services to support the Agency's mission."

In support of this goal, OARM has defined eight IRM objectives:

       1.     Manage information systems, telecommunications, and computing facilities to
             support EPA and the environmental community.

       2.     Renew EPA's computing and telecommunications base to increase
             performance, reduce costs, and promote interoperability.

       3.     Provide EPA the capability to achieve integrated decision-making through data
             standards, managed databases, and analytical tools.

       4.     Enhance productivity through training and the educated use of technology and
             information.

       5.     Guide the development of new information systems to meet customer needs
             using a consistent development process.

       6.     Reinforce, through continuing customer communication, EPA's IRM policies to
             provide a framework for efficient information resources management, consistent
             with Federal policies and guidelines.

       7.     Promote information exchange between EPA and Federal, State, local and
             foreign governments, environmental organizations, academia, and the public.

       8.     Clearly identify and communicate the standard EPA hardware, software,
             telecommunications, and application development architecture.
IRM Strategic Plan - July 31, 1992                                                   39

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IRM Strategic Plan - July 31, 1992                                                  40

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                    MODULE VI
           IRM GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
IRM Strategic Plan - July 31, 1992
41

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                                                                        IRM Goals
The IRM goals and objectives are  the means and method  for fulfilling the IRM mission
statement. This IRM mission is to support the Agency and help the Agency achieve its goals by
providing and supporting the necessary information services for EPA employees, State and local
governments and others that rely on EPA information. The following are IRM's defined goals
and associated objectives and measures.

1.     Manage  information  systems,  telecommunications, and computing  facilities to
       support EPA and the environmental community.

       A.    Objectives:

             1.    Operate   and   maintain  national   systems,   including
                   hardware/telecommunication infrastructure, ensuring a high level of system
                   performance through continuing evaluation and quality improvement.

             2.    Provide systems to ensure the accuracy, consistency and efficiency of EPA
                   laboratory networks.

             3.    Implement technology in an orderly manner and evaluate results.

             4.    Evaluate  and  strengthen  IRM management  and  telecommunication
                   networks.

             5.    Ensure security  of EPA information, systems and ADP equipment.

       B.    Measures:

             The Information Resources Management staff will measure this goal by ensuring
             that:

             1.    The number of supported users increases, and performance remains within
                   published service level objectives.

             2.    The number of States, tribes, local governments, and international agencies
                   with telecommunications access to EPA increases.
IRM Strategic Plan - July 31, 1992                                                  42

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2.     Renew EPA's computing and telecommunications base to increase performance,
       reduce costs, and promote interoperability.

       A.    Objectives:

             1.     Assess EPA's business needs, the general direction of IRM technology and
                    the capabilities of specific technologies.

             2.     Procure  selected technologies and capabilities to meet EPA-wide needs.

             3.     Maintain and expand the library network to include an on-line catalogue,
                    interagency CD-ROM, local area networks and improved collections and
                    reference databases to improve access to information.

       B.    Measures:

             The IRM staff will work to acquire the newest applicable technology and support
             services to enhance the Agency's existing capabilities.  To measure this goal the
             staff will strive to ensure that:

             1.     Service  levels for the Agency computing environment are improved
                    consistent with industry standards.  This includes maintaining current
                    price/performance ratios or helping them decline.

             2.     Current ADP contracts are replaced with EPA-wide contracts that provide
                    standard hardware and software platforms for new  applications.
3.     Provide EPA  the  capability to achieve  integrated decision-making through data
       standards, managed databases, and analytical tools.

       A.    Objectives:

             1.     Provide connectivity for seamless access to data through EPA's hardware,
                    software and telecommunications capabilities.

             2.     Define formats and protocols that facilitate the exchange and document the
                    meaning of environmental and laboratory data.

             3.     Design,  develop,  and  implement  common  user  information access
                    techniques for major EPA Program databases.
IRM Strategic Plan - July 31,  1992                                                   43

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              4.     Incorporate data integration tools and activities into EPA Regional offices
                    and a majority of the States' Environmental and Information Resources
                    Management programs.

              5.     Provide tools and capabilities to facilitate information sharing within EPA,
                    and between EPA and other environmental organizations.

              6.     Establish and manage an effective EPA-wide data administration program.

              7.     Provide tools and capabilities which promote  common data management
                    approaches for program, administrative and scientific data.
       B.    Measures:
             EPA's ability to perform its congressionally mandated functions will increasingly
             depend upon how well its employees and partners can access information.  But
             improving access will not integrate data or assist users managing the data unless
             IRM provides the proper tools.  In measuring this goal, IRM staff will ensure that:
              1.     EPA data standards are communicated and disseminated throughout the
                    Agency and to its key partners.

              2.     EPA standards are employed in EMAP and other laboratory systems.

              3.     Compliance with standards and use of databases and tools are quantifiable.


4.     Enhance productivity through training  and the educated use  of technology and
       information.

       A.     Objectives:

              1.     Manage and deliver information  and technology transfer for improved
                    access and use of data needed by EPA staff to  perform effectively.

              2.     Establish and manage training programs for IRM professional development
                    of Agency and key partner's staff.

              3.     Provide tools and capabilities to improve personal productivity of EPA
                    staff.
IRM Strategic Plan - July 31, 1992                                                   44

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             4.     Provide tools and capabilities to improve EPA's organizational productivity
                    and effectiveness.
       B.    Measures:
             As new technologies are introduced to EPA personnel, new training opportunities
             must be provided.  IRM staff will work to provide the types of training employees
             want and need. To measure attainment of training goals and objectives, IRM will:
              1.     Increase training opportunities, increase use of automated  training, and
                    increase availability of productivity tools.

              2.     Increase  opportunities for State and  international  representatives to
                    participate in technology transfer and training through EPA.
5.     Using a consistent development process, guide the development of new information
       systems to meet customer needs.

       A.    Objectives:

             1.     Update and codify EPA's consistent development process.

             2.     Develop and implement a software engineering development program.

             3.     Develop an application tool kit.

             4.     Develop improved national administrative and program systems.

       B.    Measures:

             System development at EPA requires the coordination of numerous offices.  IRM
             staff will assist  with  the modernization efforts of old  systems as  well as the
             creation of new. This assistance will be measured by the following criteria:

             1.     EPA system development life cycle guidance is  followed closely during
                    system development, and customer contact during  system  development
                    increases.

             2.     User satisfaction improves significantly in delivered systems.  Negative
                    audits and reviews by oversight officials decrease.


IRM Strategic Plan - July 31. 1992                                                   45

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             3.     EPA's use of information systems increases.

             4.     An  initial EPA Information  Strategic  Plan  (ISP)  is conducted  using
                    information engineering (IE) focusing on existing legal and programmatic
                    documentation.
       Reinforce, through continuing customer communication, EPA's IRM  policies  to
       provide a framework for efficient information resources management, consistent with
       Federal policies and guidelines.

       A.    Objectives:

             1.      Establish, implement and enforce data standards, policies, procedures, and
                    guidance for corporate or shared data as required by Federal policies and
                    guidelines.

             2.      Develop and implement a cooperative process for IRM strategic planning
                    on an annual basis.

             3.      Engage in active outreach  to EPA  and the environmental community,
                    including  newsletters, annual IRM reports, orientation tools, expanded
                    participation in  internal and  external  work  groups, and  other routine
                    communication opportunities.

       B.    Measures:

             As a Federal agency, EPA must follow Federal IRM policies and guidelines.  To
             do this, IRM staff must communicate IRM policies to users and key partners and
             ensure that current  guidelines are being followed in EPA. To measure this goal,
             IRM staff will ensure that:

             1.      Awareness  and  knowledge of IRM policies by Agency staff and key
                    partners is improved and that EPA  users are in compliance with IRM
                    policies.

             2.      Regularly scheduled meetings with members of the IRM network are held
                    covering topics  of importance to EPA Program Offices, Regions and
                    OIRM.  Agendas encourage Program Office  participation  as well  as
                    stimulate discussion of critical EPA IRM issues.
IRM Strategic Plan - July 31, 1992                                                   46

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7.     Promote information exchange among EPA and Federal, State, tribal, local, and
       foreign  governments,  international  organizations,  as  well   as  environmental
       organizations, academia, and the public.

       A.    Objectives:

             1.     Foster compliance with the standards for electronic reporting capabilities
                    for major EPA program databases.

             2.     Provide systems with the flexibility necessary  to promote State/EPA
                    information partnership.

             3.     Manage and deliver information and technology transfer for public access.

             4.     Manage and deliver information and technology transfer for international
                    environmental programs and organizations.

             5.     Manage and deliver information and technology transfer to the States and
                    tribes.

             6.     Establish  and  implement training  programs for client  communities,
                    including States, tribes, Program Offices and the scientific community,
                    which promote teamwork and information sharing.

       B.    Measures:

             IRM's role as communicator of both Federal and EPA IRM policy and guidelines
             surpasses  the  boundaries  of the Agency.  EPA's role as a  leader in the
             environmental arena requires it to disseminate information to many organizations
             and individuals outside the Agency. IRM staff will work to achieve this goal by:

             1.     Improving communication through formal  channels  and  increasing the
                    volume of information exchanged.

             2.     Increasing capabilities of the State  Revolving Funds' workstations.

             3.     Assuring coordination of base geographic data requirements, development
                    and acquisition through continued leadership and participation in the
                    Federal Geographic Data Committee.
ERM Strategic Plan - July 31, 1992                                                   47

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             4.     Fostering the exchange of integration and geographic information system
                    capabilities between Federal agencies, States, foreign governments, etc.,
                    through  increased demonstrations, memoranda of understanding, inter-
                    agency agreements, and other mechanisms.
8.     Clearly  identify  and communicate the  standard  EPA  hardware, software,
       telecommunications, and applications development architecture.

       A.    Objectives:

             1.     Develop EPA-wide information architecture for program, administrative
                    and scientific systems, and  hardware/telecommunication which includes
                    Information Strategic Plans (ISPs), major acquisitions and maintenance.

       B.    Measures:

             EPA  has  spent considerable  time  and  money developing  the  existing  ADP
             architecture. To optimize usage of existing capabilities, it is important that this
             information be made available to EPA employees and those  working with EPA
             systems.  IRM staff will measure this goal and ensure that:

             1.     There is an improved awareness of information technology architecture by
                    an  increased audience of EPA  users and  improved compliance with
                    information technology architecture.

             2.     The Administrative Systems Information Strategy Plan is produced and
                    distributed biannually.

             3.     Application development architecture  for use by the  MOSES contractor
                    will  be identified, documented, and communicated to EPA systems
                    managers and IRM chiefs.
IRM Strategic Plan - July 31. 1992                                                  48

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                          APPENDIX A: Contributors



      Senior IRM Officials, Regional IRM Chiefs, and National System Managers
1KM Strategic Plan - July 31, 1W2                                              49

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                         EPA SENIOR IRM OFFICIALS
Patricia L. Meaney
EPA - Region 1
John F. Kennedy Federal
Building, Room 2203
Boston, MA  02203

Herbert Barrack
EPA - Region 2
26 Federal Plaza
New York, NY 10278

James Newsom
EPA - Region 3
841 Chestnut Street
Philadelphia, PA  19107

Donald J. Guinyard
EPA - Region 4
345 Courtland Street, N.E.
Atlanta, GA  30365

Robert L. Springer
EPA - Region 5
230 S.  Dearborn Street
Chicago, IL  60604

William Hathaway
EPA - Region 6
1445 Ross Avenue
12th Floor, Suite 1200
Dallas, TX 75270

Susan C. Gordon
EPA - Region 7
726 Minnesota Avenue
Kansas City,  KS  66101
Kerrigan G. Clough
EPA - Region 8
One Denver Place
999 18th Street, Suite 1300
Denver, CO 80202-2413

Nora McGee
EPA - Region 9
215 Fremont Street
San Francisco, CA  94105

Barbara McAllister
EPA - Region 10
1200 Sixth Avenue
Seattle, WA 98101

Rick Carman
OARM
Room Wl 123
(PM-208)

Michelle Miller
OW
Room E1041A
(WH-556)

Mary Free
OPPE
Room W1019
(PM-219)

Jack Frost
OSWER
Room M2416
(OS-110)
Thomas Hooven
OPTS
Room E637F
(TS-788)

Kelly Spencer
OAR
Room W939C
(ANR-443)

Frank Rusincovitch
AO
Room W227K
(A-101)

Bruce Rothrock
OE
Room NE104
(LE-133)

Clifford Moore
ORD
Room NE304C
(RD-674)

John Jones
OIG
Room NE314
(A-109)

Gerald  Yamada
OGC
Room W537
(LE-130)

Joan Fidler
OIA
Room WT 800
(A-106)
IRM Strategic Plan -July 31, 1992

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                            REGIONAL IRM CHIEFS
Michael McDougall, Chief
Information Management Branch
U.S. EPA Region 1
JFK Building Room 2211
Boston, MA 02203

Robert Messina, Chief
Information Systems Branch
U.S. EPA Region 2
26 Federal Plaza Room 404
New York, NY  10278

Joseph Hamilton, Chief
Information Resources Management
Branch
EPA Region 3
841 Chestnut Street
Philadelphia, PA  19107

Jack Sweeney, Chief
Information Management Branch
EPA Region 4
345 Courtland Street, N.E.
Atlanta, GA  30365

Elissa Speizman, Chief
Information Management Branch
EPA Region 5
230 S. Dearborn Street (5-MI)
Chicago, IL  60604

Stan Spivey, Chief
Information Resources Branch
EPA Region 6
1445 Ross Avenue
Dallas, TX  75202

Gordon Gregory, Chief
Information Management Branch
U.S. EPA Region 7
726 Minnesota Avenue
Kansas City, KS  66101
Robyn McKenry, Chief
Information & Computer Management
Branch
EPA Region 8
1 Denver Place, Suite 500
999 18th Street
Denver,  CO 80202-2405

Mike Schultz, Chief
Information Management Branch
EPA Region 9
1235 Mission Street
San Francisco, CA 94103

Robin Gonzalez, Acting Chief
Information Management Branch (MD103)
U.S. EPA Region 10
1200 6th Avenue
Seattle, WA 98101

Robert Laidlaw, Chief
Information Management Branch
Box 25227, Building 53
Denver,  CO 80225

Steve Greenfield-OPI, Chief
Management Information Services
U.S. EPA
P.O. Box 93478
Las Vegas, NV 89193-3478

Robert Castor, Director
Computer Services System Division
U.S. EPA-OARM Cincinnati Room 28
26 W. Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, OH  45268
IRM Strategic Plan - July 31, 1992

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                   EPA NATIONAL SYSTEM MANAGERS
Allan Abramson
OPP Data Management
CM11078
H-7502C

Joe Acton
CERCLIS/ENF
SE269
OS-505

John Adams
IFMS
NEB014
PM-211

Joe Anderson
FINDS and FACTS
PM-218B

Mark Antell
CDS/GEMS
M3202
EN-341

DeBorah Allen
FIRMIS
M2416
OS-110

Harry Baker
GIGS
8FLFC
PM-216F

Sylvia Bell
NEEDS
E1129A
WH-547
David Bittenbender
EPA Telecom Network
NDPD
RTP.N.C. 27711
MD-34

Wendy Blake-Coleman
OW
E1023
WH-556

Kay Bomar
PMSD/SB
CM-2 1015C
H7502C

George Bonina
OPTS
E108
TS-793

Will Boone
RMIS
W729
PM-225

John Bosch
E.P.A. -OAQPS
AIRS
RTP, N.C 27711
MD-14

Kate Bouve
OPP DATA MGMT
CM-2 1107
H-7502 C
Ruby Boyd
OTS DATA MGMT
NEC008
TS-793

Brenda Bray
DIG
A-109

Jim Combs
OTS-IMD
Elll
TS-793

Jeff Byron
Gateway
OIRM/PSD
PM-218B

Frank Caeser
OTS DATA MGMT
E113
TS-793

Jeff Camp
OGC
M3305
LE-130M

Chuck Carpenter
OSWER/IMS
M2416
OS-110

Mike Cullen
CERCLIS
SE-312
OS-240
1KM Strategic Plan - July 31, 1992
                                             52

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Phil Cuny
RADS
NE108
ANR-461

Ken Dawsey
OHRM DATA
W1129
PM-224

Dan Dellapenta
PPAS
NEB015
PM-215

Melvin Denwiddie
PMS
609 FC
PM-226F

Tommy Dewald
CIS
OIRM/PSD
3405R

Bill Dickerson
ERTS
M2119J
A-104

Towana Dorsey
FURS/FRDS
E113C
WH-550E

Alan Dixon
PMSD/SB
CM-2 1015
H7502C

Connie Dwyer
GIGS
SW207
PM-218
David Eng
CARD/CCP
M2624D
OS-230

Tim Farris
ICMS
FC7FL
PM 214F

Mary Louise Fink
OIG
NE-303
A-109

Leonard Fitch
OW
E1219H
WH-547

John Fogarty
BffiNNIAL REPORT
SE264G
OS-312

Bill Foskett
UST DATA MGMT
C-l 9FL
OS-400W

Don Franklin
FFIS
SWM2119
A-104

Paul Frazier
Docket
W537A
LE-130

Rod Frederick
Office of Water
E835B
WH553
Sandie Friedland
OCRS
W2060
A-105

Myra Galbreath
RCRIS
SE264H
OS-312

William Gill
OIRM/PSD
3405R

Daniel Graves
EPAYS
SW206
PM-218
Jeralene Green
FIATS
W227E
A-101

Sandy Hill
ICMS
M2907C
PM-218

William Gross
OPP DATA MGMT
CS-1  42A6
H-7502C

Geoffrey Grubbs
STORET
E837
WH-553

Peg Hall
OSWER Data Mgt.
M2614
OS 110
IRM Strategic Plan - July 31, 1992

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Bill Harrison
OHRM SYSTEMS
SW206
PM-218

Robin Heisler
OW/OGWP
E803B
WH-550G

Gloria  Hendricks
EXT AFC
W227L
A-101

Amy Kearns
OHRM DATA
M3624
PM-212
Johnathan Libber
BEN&ABLE
NE104
LE-133

Joe Lieb
OPP DATA MGMT
CM #2 - 1021F
H-7502C

John Leitzke
CECATS
ET447K
TS-778

Nathan Lewis
FAC DATA MGMT
NEB015
PM-215
Joanne Martin
OTS DATA MGMT
E108
TS-793

Suzanne Matsumoto
PCMD
FC 6th Floor
PM-214F

Steve McNeeley
UST DATA MGMT
CS-1-9FL
OS-420W

David Meredith
ETS
E715B
EN 342
Bob King
STORET
E835A
WH-553
Yvonne Kinney
OTS DATA MGMT
E217
TS-793
James Kranda
AISCM
2FLFC
PM-214F
Kurt Lamber
ERIS
CS-1 7th Floor
OS-510W
Jannie Latta
GICS
E1205A
WH-547
David Lindsey
OIRM/ASD
M3618G
PM-218
Ann Linnertz
FAC DATA MGMT
NEB030
PM-215
Bobbie Lively-Diebold
OHMTADS
M2710
OS-210
Sandy Martin
Director
OIRM/ASD
PM-218
Rick Martin
Deputy Director
OIRM/PSD
3405R
Ingrid Meyer
PSD
Data Integration
3405R
Jerry Miller
OPP DATA MGMT
CM #2 1015 E
H-7502 C
Merle Miller
OE-EDRS
NE-104
LE-133
Jeff Morin
STARS
M3131
PM-222A
Mike Mundell
PCS
NE217
EN-338
1KM Strategic Plan - July 31,

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Patricia Murray
HWDMS
SE264A
OS-312
Carl Myers
WQMIS/STORET
E837
WH-553

Steven Newburg-Rinn
OTS DATA MGMT
NEG008
TS-793

Bruce Newton
Waterbody
E743
WH-553
Donna Perry-Inman
CARS
SE264F
OS-312

Kevin Phelps
RCRIS
SE264H
OS-312

Orlando Plator
OIRM/ASD
PM-218
Joe Regan
MATS
NELCO24
H3304

Bruce Rothrock
Mike Shannon
CARS/HWDMS/RCRIS
SE264J
OS-312

Craig Silverthorne
OIG
NE-303
A-109

Reginald Slade
OAR
W945
ANR-443

Joe Sierra
STORET BIOS
3405R
                                                      Jim Skaptason
DelaNg
PCS
NE217A
EN-338

John Oliver
CIS
2FLFC
PM-214F

Theresa Pearson
BIDS
M1500B
LE-132G

Bob Pease
GRIDS
PM 218B

Sandy Perrin
NEEDS
El 133
WH-547
DOCKET
NE104
LE-133

Don Sadler
OHRM DATA
M3910
PM-224

Alex Salpeter
OAR- Acid Rain
M3202
ANR-445

Steve Schilling
Act Director
OIRM/PSD
3405R
Pam Saunders
SSTS and FATES
E715B
EN-342

OPP DATA MGMT
CM #2 1021G
TS-7502C

Franklin Smith
CDS
CS-1 5th FL
EN-342W

Bill Telliard
EMMI
E909B
WH-552

Paul Thorpe
ORD
NEM304
RD-674
Carolyn Thornton
CICIS
NEG008
TS-793

IKM strategic nan - July 31,

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Linda Travers
OTS DATA MGMT
E108
TS-793

Jeff Tumarkin
HWDMS
M2812A
OS-342

Charles Webb
WIC

Larry Weiner
FRDS
E1113B
WH-550E

Mike Whittacre
ADCR, CPARS, EPAYS,
MARS
Fairchild 6th FL
PM-226F

Bob Zisa
OCM DATA MGMT
E723B
EN-342
1RM Strategic flan - July 31, lyyz                                             56

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