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) ------- 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. ------- 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 ------- 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 ------- 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 ------- 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. ------- 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 ------- 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. ------- |