EPA
Vol. 1
December, 1978
No. 10
BIGGER & BETTER: 1980's ADP
Maureen Johnson, Computer Specialist
As expected, the Data Centers were per-
vasive topics at this year's ADP Con-
ference. But Conference speakers also
discussed ADP services planned for the
1980's, current system development activ-
ities in the Agency, and current studies
being performed. The record 230 atten-
dees represented the largest number of
organizations ever participating in
MIDSD's annual conference. Here is a
rundown of the topics and activities at
the Conference.
DATA CENTER TOPICS
WC C: Representatives from COMNET pre-
sented new organization and management
plans for the WCC, describing goals and
anticipated steps toward achieving them.
They also discussed the new User Communi-
cations Program, MVS, Security, Mass
Storage, and the Management Information
Control Program.
NCC: Members of the SDC ISI staff
reviewed the Scheduler, File Management,
Computer Performance Evaluation, and NCC
Security. The Time Sharing Services
Management System (TSSMS) was discussed
in light of the recent transfer of system
responsibility to North Carolina. NCC
User Services used cartoons to illustrate
its philosophies and role at the NCC.
MAJOR SYSTEM STUDIES
In a session on system feasibility
studies, Morris Yaguda (OPM/MIDSD) co-
ordinated a very informative discussion
of changes to old EPA systems and plans
for new ones. The discussion emphasized
the effect of new legislation on the
Agency's efforts to integrate its permit
activities. Jim Susha (Water Program
CONFERENCE
Ted Standiah (Region 3), Sam Conger (OWWM).
and Willis Creenstreet (MIDSD) discuss some of the
isauea raised at this year's ADP Conference.
Operations) , Essie Horton (Office of
Solid Waste), Tom Martin (Office of
Mobile Sources Pollution Control), and
Jack Sweeney (EPA Region 2) described
various studies with which they are
involved.
THE NEXT DECADE
Some of the sessions addressed activities
which will affect EPA ADP users over the
next decade. Dr. Richard Nolan opened
the conference with a keynote address on
"Effective Management of Data Processing
in the 1970's and 1980's." His dynamic
presentation drove home some important
points concerning the growth of data pro-
cessing in an agency such as EPA and the
effect of such growth. Dr. Nolan pre-
sented a six-stage growth process fol-
lowed by all organizations using data
(continued on page 4, column 2)
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DIRECTOR'S
CORNER
Willis Grccnsircct
It seems appropriate in this December
issue to reflect on the events of 1978.
Here's an outline of the significant ADP
events in which MIDSD was involved.
SYSTEM FEASIBILITY STUDIES
Over 20 feasibility studies were under-
taken during the past year by Arthur
Young and the MIDSD team. These studies
are leading the way toward future appli-
cations within EPA. Some of the major
studies are:
IRLG
Codes: This project has the
interest of the Administrator and empha-
sizes our role in working with other
regulatory agencies . The study is look-
ing at the joint establishment of Common
Codes .
New Source Tracking; This project has
received the attention of the Deputy Ad-
ministrator. The study is establishing
the techniques for tracking the permits
associated with new sources.
Waste Water Treatment: A plan is being
developed to help the Agency meet the ADP
needs of the Waste Water Treatment
program.
Underground Injection Control; This is
the third system resulting from the Safe
Drinking Water Act. The data needs
associated with the control of injection
into the ground are being studied.
Hazardous Waste ; This major new system
resulted from the Resource Conservation
and Recovery Act of 1976. The data needs
for controlling hazardous waste are being
studied.
SYSTEM DEVELOPMENT
Several developmental tasks were underway
in 1978 in which MIDSD provided project
management, technical assistance, and/or
contract development services. One such
task resulted from the commitment to
develop a new Personnel Management Infor-
mation System. Development of that
system is underway. The new Model State
Information System for the Office of
Drinking Water has been installed in many
states and is being used by our regions.
And the new Federal Reporting Data System
for ODW has been delivered for testing
and acceptance.
The development of real-time support for
Ann Arbor reached a major milestone with
the delivery of the SEL computers. The
development of applications for the
'regional minicomputers has continued at a
rapid pace.
PEOPLE DEVELOPMENT
The National ADP Institute was estab-
lished this year. Vic Cohen led this
effort by contracting for needed training
with North Carolina State University and
some private educational companies.
Major emphasis at NADPI has been placed
on the Data Base Management and Project
Management Seminars.
Also, monthly New User Orientation Semi-
nars have been established for the data
center users. Advanced User Seminars
began in November and all new ADP con-
tractor personnel will soon be required
to attend.
THE FUTURE
The Major Acquisition Office (MAO) was
established by a charter from Mr. Costle.
The MAO initiated a multi-year program to
procure the ADP resources required by EPA
in the 1980's.
THE DATA CENTERS
The management of the two data centers
was centralized. Don Fulford, Chief of
the Data Center Branch, now has responsi-
bility for both data centers and the
telecommunications network. He has begun
to standardize the operation and manage-
ment of these resources.
PROGRAM LIAISON
Some DC-located personnel were redirected
to emphasize liaison and assistance to
specific programs.
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MANAGING THE DATA RESOURCE
Emphasis this year was placed on proper
management of EPA's "data resource." The
Interagency Regulatory Liaison Group Com-
mon Codes project, a joint effort of the
four regulatory agencies, reflects this
emphasis. And a Data Management/Data
Standards project is underway within
MIDSD. Region 2 is participating in a
pilot project on a common facility file
for EPA. And the Systems Directory is
being enhanced with a data element
dictionary.
DOMESTIC INFORMATION DISPLAY SYSTEM
Through an interagency agreement, EPA is
working with NASA to provide fast
response color displays on demand to the
White House. Elijah Poole is involved in
this project.
It has been a busy and successful year,
ever though many problems yet remain. I
look forward to advances in 1979 after
we've all had a Merry Christmas.
PDP-1V70 PROCESSES HELD DATA
Genie Allisen, Las Vegas
The most recently installed PDP-11/70
standard terminal minicomputer system was
delivered in March, 1978, to the Environ-
mental Monitoring and Support Laboratory
in Las Vegas, Nevada (EMSL-LV). Most
users were quite surprised by its immedi-
ate availability for general use. The
system has provided 100 percent of the
Laboratory's requirement for batch ter-
minal communication with the Washington
Computer Center (WCC) since the beginning
of the 30-day acceptance period. By the
end of the acceptance period, users had
Calcomp and Tektronix plotting available
as well as several other general
applications.
The EMSL-LV is involved in many projects
in which data are collected in the field
using cassettes or computer-compatible
magnetic tape. Reducing these data to
standard units of measure is the primary
application of the minicomputer's local
capability. In the past, the Laboratory
used large-scale computer centers, in-
cluding both the WCC and the Department
of Energy's Control Data 6400 system in
Las Vegas, to perform this function at a
relatively high cost. Most of this work-
load has now been converted to the PDP-
11 /70. As of August, processing costs on
the 6400 system have been reduced by more
than 50 percent compared to the previous
year's monthly average.
Processing field instrumentation tapes is
characterized by tape reading problems
and a large interactive processing re-
quirement. Tape recording errors are
caused by the harsh environments in which
data must be collected, power interrup-
tions, mechanical problems, and the like.
Interactive processing is required for
input of cassettes, review of data, and
reconstruction of files in problem areas.
The sophisticated magnetic tape error-
recovery software of large-scale com-
puting systems often inhibits successful
reading of field instrumentation tapes
since the user is seldom allowed to pro-
cess his own errors. By contrast, the
minicomputer's operating system is
oriented toward giving the user more
direct control over peripheral devices
and error recovery.
As the name "Interactive Application
System" (IAS) implies, the PDP-11/70
operating system is very oriented toward
the interactive user. The system has
most of the interactive capabilities of
large-scale computer systems although the
philosophy for implementation of some
features is quite different. File naming
conventions and editing files without the
use of line numbers are two areas where
users have had to make adjustments. How-
ever, these differences have posed no
problem in the processing of field in-
strumentation data.
The terminal emulation capability of the
minicomputer is quite valuable when the
data collected must eventually be stored
in one of the Agency's national data
bases. Without this capability, transfer
of data would be accomplished by sending
magnetic tapes through the mail. Trans-
ferring data by magnetic tape between
dissimilar computer systems is often
plagued with subtle formatting and com-
patibility problems causing delays in
addition to normal mailing delays. The
three-hour time difference between Las
Vegas and the Agency's computer centers
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increases the difficulty in obtaining the
support necessary to overcome such prob-
lems. However, the combination of local
processing and terminal emulation allows
users to format data for direct batch
input, thus avoiding potential problems
with data transfer.
The unique combination of features pro-
vided by the minicomputer plus the prox-
imity of the system provides better con-
trol of applications from initiation to
completion. As a result, EMSL-LV users
are becoming more productive and data
processing projects are being completed
sooner. We expect this trend to continue
as more and more applications are con-
verted to this system.
NETWORK UPDATE
Fred Kastner
RJE access to NCC for 1004-type terminals
is currently being tested over the
COMNET-provided networking facilities
using Region 1, Region 3, Annapolis, and
Grosse lie as test sites. Once all of
the problems are resolved, other 1004
sites will be brought on-line.
Problems associated with 1200 bps full-
duplex access to NCC are still being in-
vestigated. To satisfy the increased
growth of 1200 bps processing in the RTF
area, local lines and modems have been
ordered for installation at NCC. COMNET
has completed testing of new modems that
will provide support of either VAD1C or
Bell 212 modems.
We are dedicated to resolving any and all
network-related problems. If you are ex-
periencing problems with access to either
WCC or NCC, you are encouraged to report
those problems to the COMNET technicians
(800-424-8647 or 202-537-2610), Dave
Jordan (202-537-2640), or me (FTS 629-
2932). If you find that you or your co-
workers are having to rely on FTS or WATS
because of poor local-dial multiplexor
reliability, that is a problem and should
be brought to our attention.
The deadline for submitting material to the
January/February issue of EPA Data Talk is
DECEMBER 20. 1978. Contributions made after that
date will be held for later publication at the
discretion of the Data Talk editor.
(continued from page. 1]
processing. During the next few months,
Dr. Nolan will evaluate the EPA ADP man-
agement process, determine our stage in
the growth process, and recommend action
for ADP management.
Mr. Fred Dietrick, Associate Administra-
tor for Systems and Technology from the
Office of Federal Procurement Policy,
addressed the Conference on the new pro-
curement policy of OMB Circular A-109.
Mr. Dietrick gave the historical develop-
ment of the policy and outlined its ob-
jectives. He placed emphasis on the
front-end analysis and design of large-
scale procurements.
Mr. Samuel Brown, Program Manager for
EPA's ADP Systems Acquisition and Imple-
mentation Program (SAIP) , discussed
the objectives of the SAIP and how A-109
will be used to accomplish those objec-
tives. Reliability of service is the
prime target of the procurement program.
International Data Corporation (IDC), a
market research and consulting firm in
the computer industry, made a presenta-
tion of significant industry trends, what
vendors intend to offer, technological
time frames, and what other users are
doing and plan to do. The attendees
gained insight into the long-term market
outlook, increased awareness of techno-
logical trends, and reliable feedback on
whether EPA plans are consistent with
these trends. IDC is under contract to
the SAIP and will provide both technical
and vendor information to the SAIP.
INTERAGENCY ACTIVITIES
Morris Yaguda (OPM/MIDSD) described the
background, functions, and accomplish-
ments of the Interagency Liaison Group,
which is a cooperative effort involving
EPA, FDA, OSHA, and CPSC. One of the
working groups, the Information Exchange
Group, is examining how five data cate-
gories - chemicals, products, uses, busi-
ness sites, and exposures - are repre-
sented and defined in the various data
systems within these agencies. The group
will then make recommendations on Common
Codes for these agencies.
Dr. Sid Siegel (OTS) discussed the activ-
ities of the Interagency Toxic Substances
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During the recent ADP
Conference, Willis
Greenstreet presented a
Bronze Medal for Commend-
able Service to Ted
Harris, Management Infor-
mation Systems Branch
(MIDSD). The inscription
read, "for achievement of
outstanding results in
cost effectiveness,
responsiveness and ADP
management control in the
management and
procurement of data pro-
cessing equipment, par-
ticularly in regard to
new technologies such as
bringing minicomputers
and distributed process-
ing into the Agency, pro-
viding for standard ter-
minals, and in long-range
planning for future ADP
requirements."
Congratulations, Ted!
t
(ft! /
'fA /
Data Committee. Dr. Siegel discussed
this effort and the problems of estab-
lishing a Chemical Substances Information
Network in response to the Toxic Sub-
stance Control Act.
SYSTEM DEVELOPMENT
Don Worley (OPM/MIDSD), Mike Platt (0PM/-
PMD1 ), Tom Martin (OWWM) , Mary Lou
Melley (OPM/MIDSD), and Roger Dornberger
(Ann Arbor) provided a lively presenta-
tion of several major systems development
activities. Projects discussed included
the Personnel Management Information Sys-
tem, the Model State Information System,
the Federal Reporting Data System, the
NIH-EPA Chemical Information System, and
the Real-Time System for Motor Vehicle
Emission Tests. Discussion of the dif-
fering methods for developing systems was
a highlight of this session.
Bernie Peters of the National Security
Agency gave an entertaining talk on his
approach to the management of software
development. His primary thesis was the
careful selection of who writes the code
because only a small percentage of pro-
grammers really do it well.
Structured Programming is a concept which
has gained interest throughout the Agency
during the last couple of years. Michael
Jackson of Michael Jackson Systems, Ltd.,
gave two enlightening talks on his
theories and approach to structured
programming.
In conjunction with EPA's Development,
Maintenance, and Operations Contract, the
Computer Science Corporation gave presen-
tations on their current involvement in
"Systems Development Guidelines" and the
"Documentation Upgrade Effort."
NATIONAL ADP INSTITUTE
Mike Steinacher (OPM/MIDSD) and Vic Cohen
(OPM/MIDSD) discussed the objectives and
plans of the new National ADP Institute.
Charlotte Gunter described the support
being provided to NADPI by SDC ISI. The
Institute will evolve into the focal
point for all Agency ADP and related
training.
BIRDS OF A FEATHER SESSIONS
New at this year's conference were the
small, informal sessions, following the
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main sessions, devoted to special
interest topics. Minicomputers,
modeling, scientific programming, and the
computer-assisted, training package (ASET)
were included as topics for these
sessions.
Of special interest was a fascinating
session lead by Dr. Brandt Allen from the
University of Virginia on actual and
potential security problems at industry
and government data processing
installations.
CONCLUSION
In summary, this year's ADP Conference
met the objectives of presenting the Data
Centers, current Agency activities, and
the future of ADP in the 1980's. From
the many comments and evaluations
received, it appears that the attendees
found the conference very enjoyable and
informative. SDC ISI provided excellent
logistical support, handling an infinite
number of background details efficiently
and effectively. A special thanks to Sam
Brown and his staff for providing an ex-
cellent forum for the exchange of ideas
and opinions among so many concerned with
ADP in the Agency.
HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE WCC
practically eliminated the morning
backlog.
Curt Lackey, Project Officer
V
In February, MIDSD received the
results of a WCC vulnerability study.
The final report recommended a number of
administrative, technical, and physical
safeguards. In response, WCC management
initiated a comprehensive task plan to
develop a security program and begin
remedial actions. A full-time security
officer has been hired and some of the
other recommendations, such as fire
detection/suppression equipment, separa-
tion of the EPA and commercial tape
libraries, physical access controls,
etc., have been implemented.
V
The new IBM 3032 processor is now
fully operational and processing batch
jobs. This new resource, combined with
the new Job Stream Manager, has signi-
ficantly increased WCC responsiveness and
V
WCC is planning a User Communications
Program to improve feedback to MIDSD and
COMNET on user needs and problems, estab-
lish a better rapport between the EPA
user community and WCC staff, provide an
information source for the upcoming MVS
conversion, and establish an effective
Quality Assurance Program. Users will be
visited at their program and field
offices, and efforts will increase to
provide current and accurate information
about WCC activities and policies.
V
COMNET has recently added a Produc-
tion Control Manager, five Production
Control Analysts, four Systems Engineers
in the Project Office, and two Systems
Programmers to their EPA project staff.
NCC HIGHLIGHTS
Tin Rogers, Project Officer
A Task Plan was generated for the
User Profile System. This will involve
the implementation of a system to provide
a profile of a user, or user group,
regarding their utilization of the Univac
1110.
A concerted effort is underway to
test, correct, and enhance the documenta-
tion of NCC'a graphics software. Im-
proved maintenance procedures and user
assistance are objectives in this task
targeted for a February, 1979 completion
date.
V
Interest in the ASET on-line in-
struction courses continues to grow.
Over 70 users have registered for at
least one of the five courses available.
A sixth course in ECL is currently under
development.
"V The Production Control Staff has
assumed production responsibilities for
the SAROAD update. The venture has been
successful insofar as most updates have
been completed on schedule. Production
Control monitors these runs at night when
user demands on the system are low and
will provide additional retries should
problems occur.
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CSC PROPOSES NEW
CLASSIFICATIONS
Ken Byrati
The Civil Service Commission has proposed
new classification and qualification
standards for the Computer Specialist and
Aide/Technician Series (GS 334-335).
Agencies have until January 22 to comment
on the drafts, and EPA's Personnel Man-
agement Division has requested comments
by January 8.
Supervisors writing position descriptions
and getting personnel office classifica-
tions of an appropriate grade, have strug-
gled with the existing standards based on
the computer technology of the early
60's. The new standards, if adopted,
would correct many of the old ills.
Highlights of changes are:
• A new title, "Computer Systems Pro-
grammer," will be added to the al-
ready extant "Computer Programmer"
title to differentiate those who
work with applications from those
who work with system internals.
• Both "Computer Specialist" and
"Digital Computer Systems Admini-
strator" titles will be dropped, and
included under computer programmer,
systems programmer, or systems
analyst.
• The classification criteria and ex-
amples have been updated, and more
closely fit the positions which have
evolved.
Agency personnel officers have been sent
copies of the new standards for review,
and employees should be able to get
copies from them. Jerry Nitz (mail code
PM-212; phone 202-755-2718) in the head-
quarters personnel office is preparing
the Agency's response to these nev.
classifications.
Beginning in January, 1979, EPA Data Talk will be
published bimonthly. The next issue, to be dis-
tributed in mid-January, will cover the months of
January and February. The March issue will cover
March and April, and so on through the year.
NADPI BRIEF
Vic Cohen, Cenputei Specialist
Although seemingly dormant, the National
ADP Institute is actually alive and
active. Six different organizations now
are contributing their experiences to the
NADPI program. Data Architects teaches
the introductory project management
course; AMETA/DOD is developing and will
teach the course on systems design for
users; Nolan and Norton, Inc., is assess-
ing user awareness in an Agency compo-
nent; Research Triangle Institute is
developing case studies; an educational
consultant is looking into course evalua-
tion and quality assurance; and North
Carolina State University, as a follow-on
to this summer's pilot courses, is devel-
oping and presenting courses in basic
concepts, minicomputers, data base tech-
nology, ADP policies, and others.
At the recent EPA ADP Conference, I iden-
tified two alternatives to the usual
training approach. The usual approach is
to develop, schedule, and announce a cur-
riculum and then await the arrival of
students. There is nothing wrong with
this method, but frequently other priori-
ties inhibit the flow of clients into the
classroom. This was the case earlier
this year when a ZZB emergency caused
last-minute cancellation of 80 percent of
the registrations for the executive semi-
nars, thus postponing them.
The first alternative, known as special
program education, assumes that an office
presents a wide variety of training
needs. It may be totally unfeasibile to
schedule a series of three-day courses
for even half the office staff. But such
an office might benefit from a series of
sessions on a variety of topics, each
tailored to the needs of individuals
within that organization. Although a
single session would hopefully be direc-
ted to more than one person to reduce its
per capita cost, the one instructor/one
client treatment would be available. The
advantage is that such sessions could be
scheduled around other office priorities
and commitments.
The second alternative, which also claims
the advantages of the first, identifies
with the phases of the system life cycle
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and carries the name Life Cycle Training
or LCT. At each phase, different client
categories, such as system user, project
manager, executive, etc., could benefit
from a carefully tailored set of short
sessions. This approach ensures tha-
managers periodically review principles
of management, that future technicians
are adequately prepared to assume respon-
sibility for a system following its im-
plementation, and that senior managers
a"e not surprised by the capabilities,
strengths, and deficiencies of their new
system. The emphasis is on the front-end
of the life cycle where the need for the
system and its general architecture are
identified.
These two innovative alternatives to
teaching the management of information
resources may be the keys to future
dT" actions in Agency education programs.
The-r single disadvantage is higher cost
because each office must evaluate the
user's awareness and then modify each
educational program accordingly. But the
number of people exposed to relevant
material and their improved performance
on the job may well be worth the addi-
tional cost of such programs.
UNITED STATES
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
National Computer Center
Research Triangle Park
North Carolina 27711
OFFICIAL BUSINESS
PENALTY FOR PRIVATE USE S3OO
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY CMPLOYEP
Working with ADP coordinators and MIDSD
program liaison personnel, NADPI is ask-
ing the program offices for their contri-
butions and involvement in these training
approaches. A number of tasks are under-
way to evaluate their effectiveness, and
1 will report their progress in EPA Data
Talk -in it occurs.
EPA Data Talk la published noothly by
the National Computer Center, Manage-
ment Information and Data Systems
Division, for EPA personnel and con-
tractors interested in general ADP
topics.
Comments and suggestions are soli-
cited and should be addressed to:
William G. Allen
Editor, EPA Data Talk
National Computer Center
Research Triangle Park,
North Carolina 27711
To ensure that our distribution list
is up-to-date, please indicate any
required changes on the mailing label
attached to this issue and mail it to
the above address.
POSTAGE AND FEES PAID
U S ENVIRONMENTAL
PROTECTION AGENCY
EPA-333
THIRD CLASS
BLK. RT.
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